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Essays
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Book Chat: with Author, Colleen Oakley
“I cut my teeth in the magazine world,” said hugely popular, bestselling author Colleen Oakley, now promoting her third book, You Were There, Too. I asked Colleen why she left the journalism for full time writing and the answer was…
Out to Lunch
Because I know her parents don’t approve of her having candy, I took her aside and in a conspiratorial tone, I said, ‘Georgia, if you poop in the potty, Ama will give you candy.’ My college roomie from 45 years…
A Life Restored
I’m originally from Florida where I operated an automotive body shop. In 2001 I moved to Hickory, North Carolina. My former husband was an airline pilot, and we opened a motorcycle business which I ran because he was away a…
It’s Never Too Late!
Active people stay independent longer – I see a real difference in our members at Brightwater where I work as the Wellness Director. We offer five levels of care, and those who exercise regularly move through those levels of care…
Living Their Best Life Every Day: Brian and Sassy Henry
For those of you who have never met Brian and Sassy Henry, they are the sort of people who instantly make everyone feel at ease around them. Their success, both personal and professional, is inspiring, as well as their determination…
What’s Wrong with You?
You see, I’m single – single and 37. And the thing is, as crazy, sad, or hard to believe as it may sound, I’m happy – fulfilled, even. Juggling paper towels, toothpaste, and a six-pack of Pellegrino (or was it…
Food for Health
It’s January and maybe you’ve overindulged – many people ask me what is the most effective way to lose those holiday pounds. First, increase your water intake. My clients are asked to drink two liters of water each day. When…
Message from Above
The truck violently plowed into my car’s left front end, broke my axle, and bent the wheel under my car. The image of my red car in motion flashed sporadically in my mind for two weeks, whether I was asleep or…
Thank You, Sister Friend
When I entered the conference room, I hoped no one could tell my knees were shaking, as I approached the twenty-five writers seated at four long rectangular tables laden with laptops, yellow lined tablets, and pens. It had taken two…
Read It: January 2020
Led by Grace
Always entrepreneurs, we lived in Maryland for 17 years and owned several different businesses – my husband, Javier, is the visionary, and I am the operations person, working behind the scenes. About 15 years ago Javier left corporate America and…
Beyond Spaghetti
I asked my mother why she broke the spaghetti. I expected some culinary explanation that had evolved from years of experience in home cooking. I was cleaning my home office for at least the fifth time in a month. How…
A New Grading Scale
I’ve been keeping this list for years. And I’ve never gotten an A. Not even once. For ten years, I was an elementary school teacher. I taught kindergarten for a year, second grade for two years, and the rest of…
A Real Pain?
I was bleeding from razor nicks, my man’s chest looked like a baby’s bottom, I instantly began to itch, and she was sorry. Not nearly as sorry as I was. I thought I was indestructible, invincible, invulnerable, a real superman –…
Find the Good in it
Next, I had to psych myself into thinking positive. Yes, I have cancer but I am not in pain, I am still going about my daily life doing all the things I love to do, and I’m able to spend…
Cover Artist: Amanda Tucker
Amanda Ryan Tucker is an artist living in Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from VCU with her BFA concentrating on painting and printmaking. Amanda’s work is most known for the bright colors and her distinct loose brushstrokes. Amanda’s most recent works…