This 4th of July my husband and went to see the fires works show downtown Raleigh, NC on Fayetteville Street. We parked on a side street where the towering buildings stood above the promise of fun. As we moved slowly through the dense crowd, I processed thoughts moving through my head: the population growth of…
Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true. ~Alfred Lord Tennyson What a great theme to start the New Year. Just when you got accustomed to being the year 2013, it is already time to change. Yes,…
Memories as a child at Christmas during the 60’s are precious to me. I remember wonderful things about my family, spiritual holiday celebrations, and enjoyable creative activities. The most memorable of these used all of the senses! Christmas through the eyes of a child: Me! See, Hear, Smell and Touch Bright colors of reds, greens,…
We are only a week away from Christmas! Expectations abound, from getting the perfect gift for all of those for whom you care, to going to all of the Christmas functions, and feeling like you also need to enjoy every moment, no matter what. Here are some bites (no calories) to chew on as you…
Part of holiday stress may come from the dread of family gatherings where there has been past disagreements, quarrels and disappointments. Here are ten ways to help reduce possible fear and promote internal peace for holiday family conflict: Try to see through rather than just looking at: There is a great probability that a loved…
A couple of Christmases ago, I experienced unexpected emotions related to grief. I was not aware of the load of tears I was carrying until I went to visit my precious grand-niece, who is my sister’s name sake. My sister had passed away in April of 2009, after a swift tumultuous bout with ovarian cancer. …
With every new year brings New Year’s Resolutions and good intentions for many. However, it is common for many people for these plans to not last. There are many reasons for this and some things that you can do to plan for success. Our plans for change often fall through when it is too much…
“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And…