If you have spent many summers in Buffalo, this time of year, the firebirds can be seen loading up the tents and boxes to set up firework stands across the country. What I call the Firebird migration is a mass dance that involves firework vendors traveling to towns with their campers and setting up large tents to celebrate Independence Day. more

I think we all want our kids to grow up and be successful. Whatever that may look like: relationships, spiritually, finances. But what about their health? I think that is another faucet that sometimes doesn’t get the prep work that it deserves. I am sure that you have heard “give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for life.” People love to apply that to different areas of life, but what if we apply it to the health of our children? What if we teach them what healthy is, model it, and then they are prepared for life? more

I’ve met several people since the first of the year. A couple of them are Negative Nellies. It makes me question the theory that everyone is seeking happiness. Negative Nellies act bitter and unwilling to make a better life. I’ve researched the pursuit of happiness and will share the findings I’ve discovered. more

One week in June 30 years ago I was on a life-changing journey, but I didn’t know it at the time. I thought I was just on my way to a writers’ convention. more

As I was waiting to be seen at a medical center, I watched as a woman was helping her husband get his overall strap straightened out. Another woman was helping a confused husband tell the doctor what he needed. more

I think all feet are gross. Could you explain to me the Ilmeda Marco obsession that I’ve been living with for most of my adult life? more

Firstborn of four boys, I was always close to my dad. more

A couple of articles ago we talked about leptin and how it is the protein hormone that regulates hunger. A person can become leptin resistant. That means the signal from your fat cells to the brain is reduced and does not tell your body that it has enough energy stores and lacks the feeling of fullness. This can lead to obesity. Leptin also plays a larger role in the body such as bone formation and reduced immune function. There are many scientific studies on leptin’s impact on the brain (and the body). more

I know it's not Thanksgiving or Christmas, but the cooler temps we have had lately made me think of those festive holidays. more

When I was a young woman, the word engage seemed to have only one meaning. Couples became engaged when they decided to make a promise of marriage to each other. more

When my husband died ten years ago, I was advised that an intense mourning period would last up to 18 months. At the time, it gave me hope that that empty feeling would fade. Well, they were wrong. A decade later, my heart still mourns. more

How did I get here? more