By Mina Beckett From a young age, art has been my refuge, the one place where I could escape into my own world. I can still vividly remember sitting on the floor at six or seven years old, surrounded by…

By Dianna Graveman I call it my “Summer of Bliss.” Two years ago, in 2022, life was pleasant and quiet. My then 33-year-old daughter was in cancer remission. My 93-year-old dad, while declining rapidly, could still be left alone for…

By Haley Brandon In recent years, the perception of women lifting weights has dramatically shifted. No longer seen as an activity exclusive to men or professional athletes, weightlifting has gained traction among women of all ages and backgrounds. This change…

Finding your dream home is one of the most exciting yet challenging decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re looking at lifestyle magazines for inspiration or scouring real estate websites, the process can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, you can…

By Arlene Shovald Lassie didn’t quite seem like the right name for a German Shepherd, but that is what our son decided to call her. She was a six-week-old, mostly German Shepherd, that my husband acquired in a visit to…

By Dannye Chase Georgia was a literal rescue. Not a pudgy puppy raised in a foster home, not a stray dog fed by caring neighbors. Georgia was alone. My brother was the one to find her on a wintry Minnesota…

By Christine Vernon Many folks have heard the expression “dog days of summer” and immediately think of hot, humid days, particularly in August. The Romans coined the term “dog days of summer” when Sirius, the dog star, would appear in…

By Sue Fretwell I did it. I bought a condo by the beach. My belongings have been packed, movers are coming today, and I will be there tomorrow. Goodbye, dear house, the home where my kids grew up. Thank you…

By Caroline L. Carver Taking back your independence can mean a lot of different things to a variety of people; it can mean getting back to your old self after a toxic relationship. Or you’ve suffered an injury and just…

By Mari Wallace My story is not unusual. Every marriage has its ups and downs, but mine, unfortunately, had far more downs than ups, and this had been going on for far too long. I considered my options. I could stay married…

By Christine Vernon In recent years, I have noticed many people moving to our sunny South Carolina coast, especially in the South Strand area which incorporates Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, and Pawleys Island. Most come to relax on…

By Elaine Veltri Maybe it’s the long and winding trails toward destinations yet unseen that fuel restoration. Or maybe it’s the gentle rustling of leaves adorning the towering trees that dispenses peace into my pores like a weighted blanket. Or,…

By Pam Molnar My husband and I drove from Chicago to Los Angeles – twice. No, we didn’t travel along Route 66 in a fun sports car with the wind whipping through our hair. We drove on the interstate in…

By Tammy Darling When an opportunity to travel comes my way, I don’t turn it down. I love going on new adventures, seeing new things, and even revisiting favorites. Most of my traveling is done stateside, but I’ve traveled internationally…