Words from the Heart

  Fifteen years have passed since Momma went to fly with the angels. Sitting here on the eve of Mother's Day, I am filled with memories of our times together.  My first distinct memory was looking out the big window of the apartment Momma and Dad had on Comm Ave in Boston. I was only about a year old, but I remember that moment.  The next memory was when my brother Timmy was born, and I was trying to boost Barry up to see him in the bassinet. I was almost three and Barry was just two. One of the aunts caught us and shooed us away. Momma explained that we could tip the bassinet over and the baby could get hurt. I felt awful! Over the years, Momma struggled with depression, chronic illness and more. However, she aways had a way of making everything feel like it would work out in the end. Her wisdom was sought after by many of her friends. Looking back, I sometimes wish she had taken her own advice.  Momma could be so funny that you'd laugh so hard that you'd end up cry...

  As a lover of animals, I was immediately drawn to Roslyn Cohn's book, Who Saved Who. Without giving any spoilers, I can share that this is an autobiographical journey of an award-winning actress, who returns from New York to Marin County where her love of dogs becomes her saving grace.  Her mother is a Naturalist-Animal Rights Activist, and her father is a pawnbroker/jeweler, who thinks out of the box. Roz is raised to be her own person and to pursue her dreams.  This book is filled with stories of how our four-legged family members teach, heal, and inspire us to be better than we are. Each dog described has as unique a personality as each of us.  If you love animals, especially dogs, I highly recommend this book. You will laugh out loud, cry and cheer throughout the book. Best of all, there are photos of Roz, her family, and the dogs.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Roslyn Cohn is an actress who has worked from stages the size of a postage stamp to Broadway with t...

  Image via Pexels Once again, I am delighted to have guest blogger, Jennifer Scott, post for us. Her insights are valuable for many younger readers.  ~~~~~ As a working mother, it can be difficult to find the right balance between your job and your home life. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out by all of the demands placed on you by both worlds. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t still hope for living your best life. Here are some ways you can boost your well-being as a working mother, courtesy of Words from the Heart. 1. Gauging Career Satisfaction  Taking time to evaluate your professional satisfaction is an important part of maintaining well-being. Ask yourself if you are truly happy with your current job, or if it’s time to make a change. If you aren’t sure, take some time for self-reflection and figure out what will bring you greater satisfaction.  2. Going Back to School or Switching Jobs   Going back to school or switching jobs could be j...

  Several years ago, I published,  Gogo's Dream: Swaziland Discovered ,  after meeting a young Australian doctor and poet online at a website that shared poetry with the world. His words and use of language touched my poet's heart. Before long, he was sharing his work with me as he traveled to Swaziland, now called Eswatini, to care for the Gogos (Grandmothers) of this tiny landlocked country that had be decimated by AIDS.   The Gogos were left caring for the children after their sons and daughters died, leaving the children without parents.  The work Dr. M did, started with just a few helpers and has grown to an international organization, Possible Dreams International , with supporters from around the world. One of the reasons I support Dr. M's work is that this is not an organization that slaps a bandage on a bleeding artery and walks away.  PDI works with the people of the community, gets them involved in self-care and teaches the community how to...

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth. (And speak from the heart to be heard.)” ― William W. Purkey These words by author and educator, William Purkey, have sat on my wall for years.  Of late, whether because I am midway through my 70th journey around the sun or what, I am not sure, but I have been taking these words to heart. "You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching," says to me - don't worry about what others will think, enjoy life!  Run in the rain with the children, splash in the puddles.  Make snow angels.  Yell, "Yeah, Creator!"  "Love like you'll never be hurt," is the only way to love in my estimation.  I have shared many times that my old heart looks like a patchwork quilt, but I wouldn't change a thing. I love the story of how the Japanese treasure their pot...

  Image via Pexels I am happy today to share a new post from Jennifer Scott . Jennifer was a guest blogger in 2017, sharing her experiences with grief . You can learn more about her on her site: Spiritfinder .  ~~~~~~ In a rapidly evolving world, unlocking and maintaining your creative potential is pivotal for personal fulfillment and professional advancement. Creativity stands at the core of innovation, problem-solving, and rich self-expression, marking the essence of original thought and vision. For anyone from artists grappling with creative blocks to professionals in search of novel ideas or simply individuals aiming to infuse more creativity into their lives, rejuvenating your creative energy is paramount. In this article, Words from the Heart shares some actionable strategies designed to empower you to thrive by drawing fresh inspiration and igniting your creative spark.  Try Out Diverse Art Forms    Exploring new art forms stimulates the imagination. Fro...

Grandmother Moon on January 1, 2024, at 7:30 AM   Last year, my word was "reflect," which was very insightful. I did a great deal of reflection - about my life, the world, my beliefs, etc. I learned that I have very deeply rooted beliefs in justice, acceptance, and the Divine's love for all of us. I also learned that at times, I can be my own worst enemy because I let the monkey mind convince me that I am not able to do things. I am getting better at quieting this down.  This year, my word is "grounded." Like many of the words we have in the English language, grounded has multiple meanings. This adjective can mean that you are in a state of balance and harmony, or it can mean that you are incapable of movement, as in the pilot was grounded due to fog. Of course, I will be holding the first meaning in my consciousness as I travel this next voyage around the sun.  Being grounded, or as some call it "earthing," takes practice and work, as does most everyt...