I look forward to the Christmas season every year – celebrating the birth of Jesus.  Bright lights adorning homes, angel wings spread atop Christmas trees, Advent candles lit in church, and giving to others less fortunate reminds me of the true meaning of Christma...

           There’s an expression, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”; yet, we’re continually told and shown who’s considered beautiful and handsome. I prefer to make my own decisions and not be told how or w...

     I recently attended a high school reunion; pictured is my yearbook photo. It wasn’t the first reunion I’ve attended, and hopefully, not the last.  My nature is to observe people and pay close attention to the immediate vibes felt within my gut.
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"I said, it looks like you may be getting the girl, just like your boy Cagney.  Stomper winked at  me confidently believing he was beating the odds."  (Look Back Move Forward, p. 150)

    I remember what dating was like before marriage and the anx...

“Stomper, you may not know big words, but you’re smart and strong inside. My mother always says real strength comes from your head and your heart. Anybody can learn big words, but not everybody is wise like you.”   (Look Back Move Forward, p. 109)

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"I thought I taught you not to be so scared. You'll never know unless you try.”
(Look Back Move Forward, p.157)

     Recently, my husband and I were on vacation and I mentioned to a shopkeeper this was our first time there.  She replied, “Now you can cros...

“I think it’s just as important to have someone to care about, as it is to be cared about by someone.”  (Look Back Move Forward, p.151)

     If someone asks what you need to survive, how would you respond? There are basic physical needs consisting of air, water, food, a...

“No matter how challenging one’s past might have been, it’s there to learn from, gain strength and move forward.”  (Almquist, 2015)

      My family roots are embedded deep into my soul influencing thoughts and actions. Considering my father never fea...