Remember when to be considered a senior someone had to be over the age of 65? Then 60? Now, some places consider a person “mature” when they reach the ripe old age of 55. Since we will all get there
The Story Behind the Story by Donna Schlachter
In celebration of her recent book release, please enjoy part two of Donna’s guest post as she ponders the creative process. The idea for this story came from a love of a movie and a friend with a great story to share.
What the World Needs More Of by Donna Schlachter
When we hear the word love, we conjure up all different images in our minds: Valentine’s Day and boxes of chocolates; June weddings; honeymoon destinations; growing old together; family; home. We all have a different idea of what love is.
Embarrassing Moments that Make Good Reading by Leeann Betts
I love the coffee mug that says, “Be nice to me, or I will put you in my next book.” But I think an even better one would be, “Wanted: fools that make characters of themselves.” Because we all have
The Simplicity and Complexity of Teens by Summer Cox
The other day I found the following post on Yahoo Questions: My 13yo firmly believes he is under absolutely no obligation to do anything my wife or I say, and refuses to do anything he doesn’t feel like doing. Suggestions?
In Search of Humanity by Dr. Monique Derr
I remember, as a child, sitting on a cold, flat boulder, squinting against the sun as it peaked through the leaves above, while writing a story about fairies and magic. Walking barefoot in the dirt, chasing squirrels around tree trunks,
One Mouthful At a Time by Leeann Betts
If you’re anything like me, life is rushing past you at supersonic speed, seeming to scatter in all directions like a herd of squirrels. And if you’re anything like me, there is no slowing down in the near future. Despite
Thriving With Anxiety by Rina Varley
Everyone has anxiety. It’s not something we can cure, and we wouldn’t want to if we could. Anxiety, when it kicks in properly, is our natural two-pronged protector reflex. It’s a physical feeling in our body, combined with the thought
A Change is as Good as a Rest by Donna Schlachter
“A change is as good as a rest”. My father used to say that a lot. Lately I’ve been really tired. I thought I needed a rest. A vacation. And so I told some friends, “I’d like to take a
What Are We Doing For Our Children? by Gilda Evans
Recent occurrences in our world have inspired much contemplation and discussion. Personally, they have caused me to recall a time when, years ago, I associate produced a television program titled What Are We Doing to Our Children? The stress of
Building Bridges by Jill Jepson, Ph.D.
Build Bridges, Don’t Burn Them: Four Ways to Practice Compassionate Communication The conversation that changed my life wasn’t about a higher power or the meaning of life. It was an ordinary argument about a local political issue in which I
Life’s Lessons by Francene Stanley
What if you were asked to speak about the most important subjects in a human life? How would you answer? If you were a child, you’d probably say playing gave you the most enjoyment, and you hated to be sick.
What would you do if he knocked on your door? by Bonnie Hearn Hill
His name wasn’t Lucas, the way it is in my novel, Goodbye Forever. His name, he said, was Joshua. I can tell you that because it turned out to be a lie. He stopped by my house one spring morning
Author Update – Upper Lake High School Rocks!
I’m pleased to say that I have just returned from a very successful trip back to Upper Lake High School. I was there to speak with the students who had read my revised manuscript, as well as to several other classes that
Marriage and Adventure by Jane V. Blanchard
For a happy marriage, make your life an adventure As I look back on 42 years of togetherness, one word describes our life: adventure. From the moment we met, we shared kindred spirits of curiosity, adventurousness, and a willingness to
Life’s Peaks and Troughs by James North
Have you ever wondered why your ability to capitalize on the growing momentum of some important undertaking or effort waned and eventually evaded you, just as you were on the verge of monumental success? That undertaking might have involved positioning
Promises to Keep and Miles to Go by Daryl Rothman
Where does the time go? I was fortunate enough to publish on this esteemed site two years ago, again last year, and now owing to the generosity of Gilda Evans, I’ve the opportunity to circle back a third time as
Hiding in Plain Sight by Gilda Evans
How many times have you gone in search of something, like a lost set of keys or a pair of glasses, only to find them hiding in plain sight? Yes, it is often the most obvious places to look that
Life, Health, Love and Work by Simon Duringer
Talking on a guest post can often be quite daunting… Pick any subject they tell me… Any? Really? Well here goes; Firstly, my thanks must go to Gilda Evans for asking me along. I hope this will be worthwhile for
The Great Communicator by Gilda Evans
What makes a great communicator? President Ronald Reagan was known as “the great communicator.” Was it his skills as an actor or politician that afforded him this moniker? What are the qualities that help get your point across and make