The Beat Up Roasting Pan

Every couple of years I like to re-post this. It was my first published essay and also my first blog. It’s special to me, and every year it’s message rings true! What are your plans this Thanksgiving? Are you planning the big feast,trying to figure out how to prep the turkey, which this holiday revolves…

Acts of Chocolate

Happy Easter everyone!! If you don’t celebrate Easter then I wish you a happy spring day. It’s gorgeous today. The sun is shining, there’s a soft breeze in the air and the bees are buzzing. It’s as if spring is saying “I’m finally here!” This is me handing out candy at the hospital I work…

Scenes of Christmas in the Mountains

Merry Christmas one and all! I hope everyone reading this had a beautiful and restful Christmas with family and friends, near and far. I wanted to share some Christmas photography that I’ve taken throughout my travels in the mountains of Western NC this holiday season. Along with the pictures, I hope you enjoy the seasoned…

I’m Taking it Back

In Cheryl Sandberg’s recent memoir, Option B, she asks what we have “taken back” since experiencing a life-altering loss.   I’m reading Option B as a mini book club of sorts with my best friend. We read a chapter each week and then email each other our thoughts and feelings. We all have a Plan…

6 Different Ways to Donate this Holiday

  In conjunction with my Adventures in Volunteering series , I wanted to write a blog on donating. Volunteering doesn’t always have to be giving of our time. It can also consist of giving needed items or cash donations. Many of us don’t have the time to volunteer, and giving monetarily can go a long…

A Thanksgiving to forget

  We’ve all been there. My fellow club members know what I’m talking about. (For those of you wondering what club this is-don’t worry-it’s not one you voluntarily join. It’s for us poor sods who have lost a loved one or more.) Shout out to all my grief warriors–I’ve had one of those holidays–the type…

Christmas Conundrum

What an ending to 2016! This year had high points but proved very challenging for our family. And December has proved that this year is going out with a bang… or kick in the teeth…and shins! In four weeks, I lost my aunt and suffered from the flu, strep throat, a fast and furious stomach…

The Beat-Up Roasting Pan

I love to share this, my very first blog post, every Thanksgiving as it holds much meaning to me. It’s been published in a few papers and a magazine, so I feel these feelings resonate with others as well. Hope you enjoy-again!! What are your plans this Thanksgiving? Are you planning the big feast, trying…

Wildfire of Words

Election day has come and gone. The decision has been made and many Americans are angry. In my humble, personal opinion, I felt either candidate winning would not be a victory. However, I am hopeful the next president will bring positive changes. That is all I can do is hope. The past month has brought…