There’s so much going on these days, and the seasonal responsibilities of autumn add even more items to the to-do list. My family and I have been busy winterizing the boat, cleaning gardens, and decorating the porch for Halloween. We researched candidates and filled out our absentee ballots. My darling husband has been busy researching new insurance and phone plans, and my wonderful son is super busy with school and work. Between making dinner, grocery shopping, doing laundry, and sweeping the floors, I’ve been pondering the best course of action to balance following my dreams while caring for my people. Adjusting course Last month, IRead More →

We’re all human, doing our best in a challenging world. Despite our best intentions, there are times when we need a gentle reminder to be compassionate with ourselves. I’m not the only person who forgets to be kind to myself because I often see this story come up in the Alchemy card readings I do with my friends and clients. For example, while at the Gypsy Glampout at LeFleur Decor in Hadley, the Sustain card came up quite a few times. So much so that I made a little video about it. “This card reminds us to take really good care of ourselves because whenRead More →

The Lavender Festival at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill in Armada, MI, went incredibly well. I was glad to be a part of the crew from Rochester Holistic Arts. We offered a free massage, healing lotions, jewelry, crystals, essential oils for sale, and Alchemy card readings. Although it was a little breezy, the weather was comfortable as we set up for all three days from 10 am – 5 pm. The event was jam-packed, with tons of people stopping by to look at stuff and get a few minutes of massage from our generous and talented crew, David, Brooklyn, Buffie, Brooke, Lisa, Kathleen, and Nic.Read More →

I was standing in the bathroom, brushing my teeth and getting ready for the day, when a robin flew into the window. The first time, it startled me, but the bird continued, attempting to fly into the closed window, then settling back onto the branch of our maple tree. I tried to shoo it away, but it refused to give up. I went for a walk with my son, Garrett, and when we got home an hour later, it was still at it. Eventually, Robin decided to give up the day, but it was right back the following day, flying into the window again. BeingRead More →

This post is part of my cornerstone content, written years ago and updated for inspiring wisdom and deep understanding today. One afternoon, many years ago, while sitting in my kitchen with a lady friend, we enjoyed a cup of tea while our sons played in the other room. Our conversation became deeper than most and, eventually, we both realized at the exact moment. “You can’t dig yourself out of the pit of despair. You must feed your soul and grow yourself out.” I can still remember feeling like the top of my head was opening up, all tingly with the sparks from the epiphany burningRead More →

a woman pictured from the chest up holds her head and scowls in frustration.

How do you create a life worth living in a world that feels like it’s already crammed with responsibilities, plans, and projects? Most of us start as children going to school, aiming to get good grades to make our parents happy. Then, as we get older, we focus on getting a good-paying job to afford a nice car and a house, thinking that will bring us joy and satisfaction. Eventually, we start to realize despite all the time and hard work we’ve put in striving to reach the “next level,” we’re still not happy. I’m sure I’m not the only person who woke up oneRead More →

After last week’s wedding weekend with my family in Little Rock, Arkansas, I keep thinking about this song. On November 6, my cousin, Sarah, married her sweetie, Trent, surrounded by friends and family. The ceremony was lovely, and the reception was an absolute BLAST!! We had all been looking forward to this celebration since before Covid. Now, with the vaccine, we were glad to get together finally. Lots of people, including me, flew in from around the country. One guy even came in from Canada. Sarah set up a FB live link to watch the ceremony for those who couldn’t attend. I sat with myRead More →

This week’s song comes from Bruno Mars. Whenever I need to clear out my thoughts and feelings, this song does the trick. Mental Hygiene Just as we brush our teeth twice a day to keep our mouth clean, mental hygiene keeps our minds clear and healthy. When anxious feelings or thoughts of despair start to poison our attitude, practicing good mental hygiene reminds us to replace them with more valuable and productive ideas. Get up and Dance, shaking loose the stuck and making room for the new. Sing to clear out the throat and sometimes talking to someone can help us work through what hasRead More →

This week’s song comes from the Avett Brothers. With a light, steady rhythm, the lyrics remind us to stay tuned into the truth within ourselves. “Ain’t no man can save me. Ain’t no man can enslave me. Ain’t no ‘mount of man that can change the shape my soul is in.” Each one of us has a soul with which we can sail through the seas of life. Don’t let the worry, fear, and drama from other people steal the wind from your sails. “There ain’t nobody here, who can cause me pain or raise my fears ‘cuz I’ve got only lo-o-o-ve to share! IfRead More →

This song always gives me the chills whenever I hear it come on the radio. (I know, I’m old school still listening to music over the airwaves!) Although John Lennon and Paul McCartney first wrote and performed this song, I’ve always loved the Joe Cocker version because he was inspired by them. As we head into this week, let’s take a few minutes to think about how we show love and appreciation for our friends and family. Our daily lives get filled up so quickly with drama, responsibilities, and challenges. It’s important we remember we’re not sailing through these stormy seas all by ourselves. WeRead More →