It’s been two years since I signed up with Women for Sobriety New Life Program. I’d been sober for about six years by then, but one morning I suddenly felt “at risk.” I’d tried AA several years before. As one who understands the profound and lasting effect of words, I could not embrace the hypnotic…
Tag: relationships
Lessons From the Vinedresser
Increase personal growth with judicious pruning.
In Their Honor
My first experience with a fallen hero was in third grade when Stephen, my pen pal serving in the Vietnam Conflict, stopped writing back. My years in Jacksonville, Florida were among some of my fondest memories, largely because of the military friends I made there. They taught me a lot about loyalty and comradery. Since…
Words Matter Week March 2-8
Hello there! I’m glad you’re reading this right now. First a quick shout out to some of my more active readers: Thanks to Mike, Kris, Jeremy, Brenda, Michael, and Stuart. Please leave your links in the comments so others can visit your sites and enjoy your great writing. If you’re a writer, you may already…
The Mitzvah Season
Surrounding various dates on the calendar are opportunities to perform random acts of kindness. In some cultures these are mandates to be kind to others, look out for the widow and the orphan and those less fortunate. What sorts of things fulfill this mitzvah? November reminds me of my days as a single mom with…
Getting here from there
Most of us have found ourselves working next to someone that really grates on every single nerve. I’d love to tell you how I rose above it. I’m ashamed to say, I can be as petty as the next person. I’ve failed miserably, which is why I’m sharing this with you. I had been in…
Changing Up
Embracing change encourages growth and resilience.
Winter Night Reflections
I hope you’re all snuggled up with something hot to drink and a blanket to keep you warm. You could have been anywhere else, a party, talking to a friend or even traveling. But you stopped by to read me. I’m truly honored. I know you don’t read just anything. Thanks for following me this…
Love Bombs
As much as I’ve not enjoyed being quarantined, isolating has made me aware of the preciousness of company. I doubt that I will ever again take for granted the time and presence of another person who comes to visit, or whom I visit. It’s helped me recall the names of loving people whom I haven’t…
Tumbleweeds or Oak Trees
Teresa Lund is a supporter, encourager, and fantastic writer in her own right. She volunteered to write posts for me this year while I struggled with loss, the resulting lack of words, and mild depression. She always reached out to strengthen just when I really thought I couldn’t take another breath. Her posts really touched…
Dusting Off Trunk Books
It surprises most people to find out that ghostwriting is “a thing.” But truthfully, most celebrities, politicians, and entertainers don’t have time to write a book. You don’t have to be in that crowd to write one. There are loads of fascinating stories out there that want to be told. Maybe yours is one of…
Keep Going
I have been at the end of myself more times than I care to admit. And, in talking with a friend last night, you’d think that someone who got as beat up by life as I did, would have given up by now. But, I’m not a quitter. I don’t even know what that would…
Juli Ocean 