A respectful and honest breakup provides closure
Identifying the life cycle of a relationship is different for each of us, however, it is painful to experience a relationship that has stalled out without any definition. Clarity that the relationship has reached its conclusion and cannot be repaired by either party is imperative.
Read full storyVirtual School is robbing our kids of beloved SNOW DAYS
When I was a kid, we always looked forward to that joyous experience of the massive snow storm that resulted in a surprise day off school. I have fond memories of going to sleep praying the forecasters got it right and I'd wake up to snow leveled up to my window and waking up to my parents sharing the good news that school was called off for the day. It was one of the few times we gladly bundled up in the full attire of wool socks, thermals, boots, hats, mittens and even the full body snowsuit to go play in the snow.
Read full storySetting Boundaries in Relationships: The difference between Friendship and Self Appointed Therapist
1) Do you have a relationship where you are perpetually the listener? The one who always picks up the phone and provides the support shoulder for the arguments, frustrations and worries of the day. Are you feeling repetitive conversations in which it feels as though you infuse moral support, yet the individual is not learning, growing or making any changes to improve their situation? Perhaps the communications are grossly lopsided in that you serve as the listener, but lack reciprocating support when you need to vent.
Read full storyBeing a Mom is Job One, Dating Will Happen in Time
As a single, divorced, solo parent, I will be the first to admit that this role can be exhausting at times. Sure it be lovely to have a partner to share the load, to provide some support and encouragement, or simply offer the option for a brief escape occasionally. However, this journey of doing it alone has been beautiful on many levels:
Read full storySet the Intention When Setting Goals and a Solid Plan to reach the Finish Line
Are we setting ourselves up for failure? Are we unrealistic in our expectations?. If you choose to beat the odds and attempt to uphold your goals and resolutions, here are some valuable tips from those who have reported making it to the finish line.
Read full storyTake Responsibility of your Finances and get on a road toward Financial Freedom
I have been living debt free for a decade now. It took a lot of focus and discipline to get there but there is security in feeling like you can handle whatever life brings. Financial freedom allows me to take care of myself, my dependents and more importantly, it gives me a buffer for the unplanned. Should I lose my job, experience a significant illness or had some type of catastrophic expense occur, it will not devastate me.
Read full storyDiscipline Your Kids with an I Love You
I became a parent later in life and adopted a pre-teen. One thing I’ve learned, especially in the case of children from the foster system, is that they have experienced a wide range of rules, restrictions and discipline styles. It is important that you assume nothing and set clear expectations from the start.
Read full storyHere We Go Again with Virtual Learning - Will Our Kids Be Pepared for College and Beyond?
I just received an announcement last night that my daughter’s school district is returning to virtual learning following the holiday aftermath and winter surge of Covid. Our closure has been driven by waves of teachers calling in sick, but the short notice certainly provides families, especially single parent homes virtually no time to prepare.
Read full storyEvaluating Your Relationships and Cutting off the Dead Branches
I was raised with the motto to treat others as you want to be treated. I smile, look people in the eye, genuinely listen and care about what is going on in the lives with whom I interact. While I will strive to treat others with kindness, consideration and respect, I am also learning to be conscious of depleting relationships.
Read full storyEmail Etiquette – New guidelines and strategies for managing the Electronic Chaos
One of the outcomes of our new era of remote offices, virtual interactions and electronic communications is that our email mailboxes now seem to rule us. They dictate our meeting schedules, our customer and internal communications, they provide training and assist us with marketing and gaining exposure when in person meetings are not possible. However, we are now inundated with a minimum of 30-40% more emails than we were receiving back in 2020. Not only is this difficult to keep up with, it can be insanely aggravating.
Read full storyTORPEDO ART CENTER: Culture, Beauty and History on the Waterfront, A Must See
During our pre-holiday visit to DC, we paid a visit to the Torpedo Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Whether you are into history, enjoy art or simply love to be close to the water, this gem has something for everyone.
Read full storyAchieving the Dream...Luck, Labor or A Journey of Passion
Have you considered going into business for yourself or inventing something that could change the world? In researching the stories of a wide variety of successful businesses, the highs and lows leading to eventual achievement, you see a common thread no matter the business or the invention.
Read full storyLocal Wahalla Student Uses Artistic Talents to Help Kids and Share Her Love of Art
A 9th grade student at Wahalla HS wanted to pay it forward by using her talents and life experiences to help other kids. Born in Tucson, Arizona, her early childhood was a bit less traditional than many. She spent nearly half of her first 10 years under Child Protective Services supervision and bounced between a variety of family members for her primary care. Through each transition, she relied heavily on art as an outlet for self-expression and an escape from the surrounding situation.
Read full storyImperfection Is Beauty
Eye See YouDrawing by Alyza LeBlanc (14) When Alyza and I started working on our book (DRAW YOUR HAPPY), the first concern she voiced was that once the book was released her art would be out there forever. While she is proud of the progress she has made, it is clear she is still learning, trying new things and developing her skills. Alyza was afraid that at some point she would look back at this book and no longer be proud of the art contained within.
Read full storyCreating Lasting Christmas Memories - the gifts that transcend a lifetime
I have a friend that puts so much pressure on finding just the right gifts for everyone at Christmas. Much thought and care given toward each recipient’s likes and dislikes, all with the desire to convey how very special those individuals are. Of course, when those hand selected items are later found pushed aside, buried or worse yet, re-gifted or donated, it feels as though all those efforts were in vain.
Read full storyLooking for a Christmas Gift for a Young Artist? Introducing DRAW YOUR HAPPY, a sketchbook made by a kid for other kids!
Almost 5 years ago, a 10 year old girl came into my life who had been disappointed by those meant to nurture her. She spent nearly half of her first 10 years under CPS supervision and bounced between a variety of family members for her primary care. In 2018 she came to live with me and was officially adopted in 2019.
Read full storyThe Mom Affect – Adopting a Pre-Teen and Doing it Solo
I became a first time Mom at 50 years old… not to an infant or toddler, but a pre-teen girl. It wasn’t something I was striving for; I had a hysterectomy twenty years earlier and was quite content with life, work and travel. However, when I was introduced to the situation and subsequently met my now daughter, there was not a doubt that I would do whatever I could to provide a stable, secure and loving environment for this child.
Read full storyPondering the Path
Work-Life balance seems to be one of those hot topics these days. Particularly over the past 2 years, while the lines between the two seem less defined. I have long struggled with the notion that my career “defined me”, partly because I held some pride in that statement. You see I was raised with the motto, any job doing is worth doing well which I took quite literally. Working has always been enjoyable to me, and when the joy moves away, so have I.
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