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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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,…
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Smarter Than the Average . . . Pup?
You thought I was going to say “smarter than the average bear,” didn’t you? Nope. My two Labradors team up like Yogi and Boo Boo and they get their paws on everything in sight! It is mostly the pup wonder. But Trooper has his moments! So you order a pizza and the doorbell rings. You…
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Need More Self-control?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we liked celery more than sweets? How about if we preferred doing chores and homework to playing video games, cornhole or pickleball? When it comes to willpower, some of us struggle more than others. So what can be done? According to “What You Need to Know about Willpower: The…
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Chips y Salsa, Anyone?
I recently went to Chips y Salsa Wine Bar for their grand opening in the charming downtown area of Florence, Colorado. I had an amazing time there! This historic city is the antique capital of Colorado. The Chips y Salsa Wine Bar complements that ambience with its striking décor, with intense pink, shiny gold and…
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Oh, Those Tantrums!
Have you ever seen a frazzled mom count menacingly at her child to make him stop misbehaving? I think we all have. I get the concept. I used to count, too. My son always straightened up by two. One day, he asked what happens on three? This savvy little boy was gearing up to test…
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Funk’s Little Red Corolla
In 1978, when Funk and I moved from West Virginia to Nashville, we traded-in his truck for a two-door Toyota Corolla. We were a one car household until our second born came along in 1989, at which time we purchased a van for me and the kids (eww!) and the ’78 Corolla became Funk’s car.…
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Bring Value
Last evening, I was at a networking event and a young man in his twenties asked me what was the most important thing he should learn as he starts his career. It was a good question, and I was delighted he asked me. My answer was formed only after I asked him questions of my…
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The Balancing Act: Managing Wellness and Chaos
In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time for fitness and nutrition can feel like a juggling act. Between work commitments, family responsibilities, and social engagements, prioritizing health and wellness often falls by the wayside. Yet, the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and eating well cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to boosting energy,…
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Puppy Command
Well, our little pup has gone to doggie bootcamp. Yes, it is bittersweet. But Trooper, the Saint Pup, is enjoying a vacation from the mayhem that is the Pup Wonder! If you have ever had to board your dogs for a weekend or more, you know that it is hard to leave them. We got Mac…