Featured articles
A few specially selected articles from each new edition will be available in this convenient space. Access all editions here.
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Something Greater Than Yourself
College taught me more life lessons than I would have ever thought possible, but it is soccer that crystallized them. AYSO, Region 14 in West Torrance is the first established organization of youth soccer in the United States. Thousands of children have come through registration, picked up their uniforms, and stepped out onto the school…
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Optimize Your Health This Fall: Immunity, Fitness & Sleep
As the vibrant colors of fall emerge and the air begins to cool, our body and mind undergo a transition that can affect our overall well-being. This season is a crucial time to focus on holistic wellness, particularly in boosting immunity, staying active, and getting good sleep. By embracing these interconnected aspects of health, we…
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Politics and Partnership: Navigating Love Amidst the 2024 Election
Dear Grayce, How can I have a healthy relationship with my partner who strongly supports a political candidate, specifically in the 2024 election in America, while I hold differing political views? Navigating and maintaining a healthy relationship with a partner who supports a different political candidate, especially during a heated election season like 2024, can…
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The Lowest Power
There is something that screams to me! It tastes so bitter. Why is it that people with disabilities get so much hate? I have seen so much BS. Be it with my friends or myself. It has to stop! Imagine that you see a post to a person with a disability that says, “You are…
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Good Vibrations in Hawaii
A few years ago, just before I left for Hawaii, my 77-year-old friend told me about her recently purchased spot massager and suggested I buy one to take on my trip. Since stress goes to my back, I thought good idea, and asked her for the link. The next day, our conversation went like this:…
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The Little Farm Girl
Arnold Knodel, my dad, grew up on a North Dakota farm back when tractors were replacing horses. My grandfather made the switch before I was born. Farming was probably easier, but I bet it was sad not to have horses anymore. My parents were working their own farm when my brother and I were…
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The Olympic-Level Toughness (and Grace) of Tim Collins
The Olympic Flame is now extinguished until next time. Athletes, parents, coaches, trainers, celebrities, TV personalities and viewers like you and me have gone back to our version of normalcy. For a few weeks, we escaped to the competition, listened to stories about athletes we were meeting for the first time and our familiar favorites.…
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Award-winning Via Transilvanica!
Diana invites us on a journey to discover the amazing Via Transilvanica and its contribution to the global cultural heritage. Just a short distance from the Eastern border of the European Union, only 2-3 hours from all major capitals of Europe, the magical trail of Via Translvanica awaits its travelers all year long. It’s incredible to think that in…
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Navigating Life with the Power of Values
Values serve as our internal compass, guiding our actions, decisions, and interactions. Identifying one’s values is crucial in understanding who we are, what drives us, and how we relate to the world. This exploration is not just a mental exercise but an emotional journey that profoundly shapes our existence. Our fundamental beliefs dictate how we…
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When the Pursuit of Money Hurts Your Love Life
Ah, the age-old dilemma: balancing the pursuit of cold, hard cash with the warm, fuzzy feelings of love and connection. It’s a tale as old as time—or at least as old as capitalism. You’re cruising along, career thriving, money pouring in, and suddenly, you notice your partner giving you the side-eye, wondering when you last…
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Toddler Trouble in Arizona
A few weeks ago, I went to a Mexican Restaurant in Wickenburg, AZ, with some family and friends. The food was delicious, the service excellent, and we were having a great time catching up. Nonetheless, because there were quite a few of us and because of the outrageous cost of everything these days, dinner was…
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For the Love of . . . AI!?!?!
Something really disturbs me. The rise of Artificial Intelligence girlfriends and boyfriends. Yes, this is real. AI is becoming scary! You can be talking to an AI chat bot AND have no clue that it is a bot. A video can be made of a person that looks exactly like the person. Lord knows what the…
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Embracing Summer Wellness: My Two Favorite Things
Summer is a season of abundance, offering unique opportunities to enhance our health and well-being. The longer days and warmer weather invite us to step outside, connect with nature, and embrace a lifestyle that nurtures both body and mind. Whether you’re in sunny Southern California or anywhere else in the world, these two activities are…
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NOTICE What You’re Noticing
“Son, I’ve made a life out of readin’ people’s faces,Knowin’ what their cards were, by the way they held their eyes,So if you don’t mind my sayin’, I can see you’re out of aces,For a taste of your whiskey, I’ll give you some advice.” Some fabulous lyrics from “The Gambler,” by veteran Nashville songwriter Don…
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Ribbon of Orange
I’ve helped bring a lot of babies into this world, but I’ve never helped usher anyone out. Until my mother. She had a stroke on a Wednesday and was supposed to be fine. But then she wasn’t. I’m afraid to fly because I get claustrophobic. One of my children convinced me that now wasn’t the…
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Let’s Get Summer Started!
Growing up, we camped all over California, but this was not my favorite vacation choice. Sure, I enjoyed being outside, hiking and fishing. I loved sitting around the campfire at night with my family, eating smores, sharing stories and listening to the sounds of nature. That was always the highlight of the trip. The negative…
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The Road of Our Heritage
Discover the amazing Romanian Diaspora women ambassadors of Via Transilvanica (VT) as they contribute to the global fabric of their cultural heritage. The trail connects the diverse cultural and natural regions of Romania and unites Romanians to support its story. Based on an Interview with Dr. Aura Imbarus.Photos are of Romania’s cross-country trail, Via Transilvanica. Dr. Aura Imbarus is an acclaimed…
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Sometimes It’s Really Hard Living inside of Me.
She gifted me with the magic and beauty of the Island of Hawai’i.When it comes down to it, I kind of love flying. In the 65 years I’ve had on earth, I’ve finally learned that life is just a series of tragedies and miracles. It seems you can’t have one without the other, and what…
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When Yeah But Meets What If…
Here’s my story about premature assumptions. “I’m a freshman! I will go out for the high school baseball team and, since I am a freshman, I will sit the bench most every game.” My older brother Jon, home on leave from the Marines, was quizzing me. Being from a sports-minded family, he had asked about…
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The Picnic Paradise: Healthy in a Basket
As the sun starts to shine brighter and the days grow longer, it’s time to embrace the beauty of picnics. Whether you’re heading to the park, the beach, or your backyard, these picnic-perfect recipes are delicious and packed with nutrients to keep you fueled for all your warm-weather adventures. First, let’s prepare for a seamless,…
