Where I'm published
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Memoir Writing for Mental Health
“Each of us is a book waiting to be written, and that book, if written, results in a person explained.” ~Thomas M. Cirignano If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of writing a memoir, now is the ideal time to gather your journals, photos, and memories — and get started. Did you know that writing about your experiences can boost your mental health? I’ve always believed in the healing power of writing about our lives — and one of my missions is to encourage others to write their stories. To learn more, please look for my new feature story in the “Things to Do” section of today’s Oakland Press. To…
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Holiday spirit throughout the year?
“As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year.” ~David Grayson Peace on earth, goodwill to all. Lately I’ve been wishing these winter holiday sentiments weren’t limited to specific dates on the calendar. Last month, for instance, we counted our blessings before slicing the Thanksgiving turkey, but resumed the habit of complaining about everything from corrupt politics to football teams as soon as the good china was cleared from the table….To read the rest of my new holiday essay, click here.
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Holiday Rerun: “Thrift Shop Angel”
“In almost every situation, there are ways that we can fly higher, at fuller wingspan.” ~Marianne Williamson The following holiday story was first published under the title “Thrift Shop Angel” in The Christian Science Monitor, and is included in my book, Writing Home. These days, you can’t predict the shoppers you’ll encounter at our local thrift shop. And you probably don’t expect to hear the flutter of angel wings amid the racks of used clothing. Over the years I’ve frequented resale shops in search of upscale secondhand treasures — the Chanel business suit in mint condition; the Ralph Lauren blazer worn only once. I visit these places…
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Be kind to your server
“A person who is nice to you but isn’t nice to the waiter is not a nice person.” ~Dave Barry This column was originally published in the June 13 print editions of the Sunday Oakland Press and Macomb Daily. Click here to see it online in the Macomb Daily. Now that we’re vaccinated, my husband and I have started dining out in restaurants again. The change of scenery and the break from my home cooking have done wonders for our mental outlook – and helped us regain a sense of normalcy after a long year of sheltering in place. We also want to support our local economy. At the same time, however,…
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Loving October
At the historic Royal Oak Township Cemetery / Cindy La Ferle “October is the month for painted leaves….As fruits and leaves and the day itself acquire a bright tint just before they fall, so the year near its setting. October is its sunset sky; November the later twilight.” ~ Henry David Thoreau, “Autumnal Tints” October tops my list of things that make me happy. Every year, I’m energized by the month’s crisp, cool weather — which always calls for beautiful boots and cozy sweaters. I love heirloom pumpkins, fires in the evening, harvest festivals, spicy pumpkin pies, and the changing colors of the landscape. I love how October rekindles our nurturing…
