The Microwave VS the Oven!
2y ago

The Microwave VS the Oven!

I think we can all agree on the fact that we love to eat! It’s what we do, not only to keep on living, but to celebrate anything, from a…

The Magical Bank Metaphor (Dr. Claire Milligan)
2y ago

The Magical Bank Metaphor (Dr. Claire Milligan)

$86,400 -- Something To Think About!

Imagine that you won the following prize in a contest: Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400…

Stress is for the birds
2y ago

Stress is for the birds

Having a rough day? Some relief may be right outside your door.

Though researchers aren't sure why, studies show that birdsong—the sounds…

The Lookie-Loo!
2y ago

The Lookie-Loo!

Have you ever been on the freeway, when all of a sudden, without warning, every car starts to slow down? The fact is, we all have. The reason…

Empowered through powerlifting
2y ago

Empowered through powerlifting

It's never too late to get strong. At 71, Peeps Nichol, who was diagnosed with MS in 2005 and became a widow in 2020, thought she might take an…

The Last Words...
2y ago

The Last Words...

Some years ago, a daughter and mother had a fight. Not an uncommon scenario. In this story, however, the daughter was so angry that she told her…

The Juke Box!
2y ago

The Juke Box!

THE JUKE BOX SITS IN THE CORNER. It is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. The first thing you hear. This morning it’s…

Woman plays guardian angel to a family, twice
2y ago

Woman plays guardian angel to a family, twice

Paramedic Kristi Hadfield helped prevent John Cunningham from dying after cardiac arrest. Six years later, she would be instrumental in saving the…

The Good "Mistake!"
2y ago

The Good "Mistake!"

I was talking to a friend who told me that she and her family were going on a cruise. She then proceeded to tell me that the cruise line had…

The Gold Nugget!
2y ago

The Gold Nugget!

Have you ever been panning for gold? It is the oldest and simplest way to extract gold.

I see all of you as having an abundance of gold…

No Safe Place to Land
2y ago

No Safe Place to Land

Sometimes you can’t close your eyes. You can’t look away. You get fixated on what you see, and when you close your eyes after a long day at work,…

The Gift of Misfortune!
2y ago

The Gift of Misfortune!

A few years back, I was excited to attend the launch of Gregg Hurwitz’s new novel, Don’t Look Back, at Book Carnival in the city of Orange. Gregg…

The First Day!
2y ago

The First Day!

When my grandchildren were younger I would watch as they get their pictures taken before heading off to their First Day of school. I began to…

What's the Value of Your Property?
2y ago

What's the Value of Your Property?

While we were first conceiving Youtropolis, I imagined a safe haven where anyone could receive their own deed of land just for signing up. How…

Smile school
2y ago

Smile school

When it came to masking during the pandemic, Japan was the undisputed champion, with large numbers of people remaining masked after mandates were…

Small but meaningful
2y ago

Small but meaningful

Something we’ve all grown accustomed to seeing regularly are delivery vehicles from Amazon parked in the middle of the street with their hazard…

The Eloquence of Tact
2y ago

The Eloquence of Tact

When I came across the image above, it reminded me of the smiles and delights a happy and tactful conversation can bring about. Not like the other…

The Clutter in Your Closet!
2y ago

The Clutter in Your Closet!

If you immediately started thinking about that pair of boots you’ve been meaning to throw out, but keep thinking you’re going to wear one day, or…

The "Bad" Event!
2y ago

The "Bad" Event!

Everyone has a "bad" event occur at some point--during the day, the week, the month, etc. But some of you allow the “bad” event, whatever it may…

Loving the Spirit of Liberty
2y ago

Pledge: Loving the Spirit of Liberty

Americans have been celebrating Independence Day for 247 years. In our earliest years as a new nation, those who framed our Constitution, wise as…

Patience is the Key!
2y ago

Patience is the Key!

Thaddeus Thomas didn't see it coming. He knew his wife had a temper, but he didn't expect to die because of it.

In May 21, 2014, Toya…

Special lessons from a special sibling
2y ago

Special lessons from a special sibling

Growing up with a brother with cerebral palsy taught Stephanie Sarazin how to live with empathy, patience, and an appreciation for the "little…

Stop Trying to Control the Uncontrollable!
2y ago

Stop Trying to Control the Uncontrollable!

Have you ever noticed that the more you try to control a situation that's out of your control, the more frustrated you become? That's because you…

Someone Wants What You Have!
2y ago

Someone Wants What You Have!

A while back, I was at Trader Joe's paying for my groceries. The checker, a young woman in her twenties, was making small talk. "Did you find…

From sore to soar
2y ago

From sore to soar

I was on a call with my mom, and she was telling me how she had been putting in a lot of hours doing yard work, and her muscles were feeling…

Heartfelt Harmony and Jane Fondue
2y ago

Heartfelt Harmony and Jane Fondue

The light from the bright full moon fell in a river along the top of a placid lake as two lovers held hands. The scent of night blooming jasmine…

Shake, Rattle, and Roll!
2y ago

Shake, Rattle, and Roll!

When I was working on my B. A. many moons ago, my husband, Joe, got laid off. I was beside myself with worry. How would I finish with no money for…

Self-Confidence is the New Sexy!
2y ago

Self-Confidence is the New Sexy!

So there are the “Beautiful” people, the “Not So Beautiful” people, and the “Less Than Not So Beautiful” people. The NSB people, and the LTNSB…

From laboratory to dinner table
2y ago

From laboratory to dinner table

In what may be a massive technological advancement for the food industry, two companies have been given approval by the FDA to begin commercial…

Pedestal! What Pedestal?
2y ago

Pedestal! What Pedestal?

When I was in my 30’s and 40’s, I used to look up to an actor and motivational speaker named Richard Hatch. I thought he was incredible and I…

PADDED CELL, Patient #777 - Vacate Immediately!
2y ago

PADDED CELL, Patient #777 - Vacate Immediately!

Most of you are familiar with padded cells. You've probably seen them in a movie scene at some point. The "insane" person who's usually not really…

Meet Your New Neighbor, MR. FEAR RAEF!
2y ago

Meet Your New Neighbor, MR. FEAR RAEF!

On Sunday morning you’re awakened by the sound of a large truck. Groggily, you look out your window and see a huge moving van. The house next door…

Lost in a Fog!
2y ago

Lost in a Fog!

When I was in high school, just a sweet girl of 17, my dad let me drive the car to school. Looking back now, I seriously don’t know how we made it…

When I run after what I think I want
2y ago

When I run after what I think I want

"When I run after what I think I want, my days are a furnace of stress and anxiety; if I sit in my own place of patience, what I need flows to me…

News Flash
2y ago

One...

One word can sway a mind. Choose your Word. One song can soften a heart. Choose your Lyrics. One reach can touch a Soul…

Consistent Small Acts = Success!
2y ago

Consistent Small Acts = Success!

Most of us want to accomplish something; do something that will make us feel successful in life. But sometimes the steps to get there seem…

"One day, when I__________, I'll__________."
2y ago

"One day, when I__________, I'll__________."

When you what? When you finish school? When you get a better paying job? When you've paid off that loan? When you have a bigger house? When your…

The Rooster Teaches Me Humility!
2y ago

The Rooster Teaches Me Humility!

I have a little wooden rooster that sits on a step stool in the kitchen. I’ve had it for years. Unfortunately, dogs, kids, people, mops, etc.,…

Lost together
2y ago

Lost together

A young woman with an old soul ponders complexities of life with remarkable openness and curiosity.

She's an agent of love with insights…

What a smile can bring
2y ago

What a smile can bring

I had to renew my driver’s license this year, and I was pleasantly surprised by how my new photo looked. Instead of eyes halfway opened and an…

Imitation...the greatest form of flattery?
2y ago

Imitation...the greatest form of flattery?

“ . . . nobody wants a phony. Nobody ever wants a counterfeit coin.” ~Paul Boynton

It’s often said that imitation is the greatest…

Anti-dopamine parenting
2y ago

Anti-dopamine parenting

There's no denying technological advances over the last thirty years have brought many benefits to society. However, when it comes to the use of…

Be Like a Detective!
2y ago

Be Like a Detective!

Recently, I switched purses to a cross-body because I was going to be doing a lot of walking and didn't want to keep adjusting the ******** my…

How To Be a Master of Delightful Repartee
2y ago

How To Be a Master of Delightful Repartee

“To my taste, the most fruitful and natural exercise of our minds is conversation. I find the practice to be one of the most delightful…

"It is what it is!
2y ago

"It is what it is!

But does it have to be?

I’ve heard this phrase often. Someone tells me about a situation they’re in, and then follow it with, “It is what…

Signs of Aging...
2y ago

Signs of Aging...

I don’t know of any human, animal, or thing that does not show signs of aging with the passage of time. It’s an indication of life. Of life…

Invest in Yourself: Give!
2y ago

Invest in Yourself: Give!

Do you want to feel happy, full of joy, satisfied? It’s quite simple—GIVE!

There’s nothing more uplifting than Giving, providing support…

Just An Illusion...
2y ago

Just An Illusion...

Illusions! They seem so real, don't they? That's why you believe them. That's why magicians can captivate and hold an audience's attention. They…

If Worrying Were a Currency, You'd All Be Rich!
2y ago

If Worrying Were a Currency, You'd All Be Rich!

You all do it! Worry, that is. You all entertain those thoughts, images, or emotions, usually negative in nature, about some potential catastrophe…

If Only We Could All Be Like Starlings!
2y ago

If Only We Could All Be Like Starlings!

Scrolling through YouTube, I happened to see a video of the starling murmuration. I was enthralled, amazed, in awe, that anything like that was…

"I'll Start on Monday..."
2y ago

"I'll Start on Monday..."

“I’m going to write my paper, on Monday.” “I’m going to start my diet, on Monday.” “I’m going to quit smoking, on Monday.” “I…

Are You Getting High on the Sound of Your Voice?
2y ago

Are You Getting High on the Sound of Your Voice?

“There can be no doubt of all the accomplishments prized in modern society that of being agreeable in conversation is the very first.” J.P…

"I Want My Money Back! This Coffee is Too Sweet!"
2y ago

"I Want My Money Back! This Coffee is Too Sweet!"

A while back, I was talking to a friend of mine who’d been working a food truck at a golf tournament. They were the only truck around where anyone…

"I Love You!"
2y ago

"I Love You!"

The three most important words to say! The three hardest words to say! The three words most taken for granted! The three…

"I have a feeling I should..."
2y ago

"I have a feeling I should..."

Has that ever happened to you? Where a feeling rushes over you like some kind of warning? It does to everyone. You're about to say or do something…

Hurry, Hurry Catch That Thief! (II)
2y ago

Hurry, Hurry Catch That Thief! (II)

The Stolen Lap Top, Part II

We made our way to the gate, all the while my eyes scanning the airport. A part of me was still hopeful I’d…

Hurry, Hurry, Catch That Thief!
2y ago

Hurry, Hurry, Catch That Thief!

The Stolen Laptop, Part I

Several years back, I went to South Carolina with my son and grandson to visit family. Because I wanted to be…

A message worth paying attention to.
2y ago

A message worth paying attention to.

Taking this message to heart will make for a good day.

News Flash
2y ago

A paralyzed man can walk

I'd be happy to have my tax dollars fund this type of groundbreaking and life changing technology.…

Having More Money Won't Make You Rich!
2y ago

Having More Money Won't Make You Rich!

So often I’ve heard people say, “If I had money, all my problems would be solved.” Or, “If I won the Lotto, I’d be able to help so many people…

You Are the Gardener of Your Life!
2y ago

You Are the Gardener of Your Life!

"All the FLOWERS of all The TOMORROWS are In the Seeds of TODAY." ~Indian Proverb

You are the Gardener of your life. You…

Wisdom
2y ago

Wisdom

I agree with this recipe. Would you add anything to it?

Searching for that Four-Leaf Clover?
2y ago

Searching for that Four-Leaf Clover?

Finding a four-leaf clover has been considered a source of good luck. Unfortunately, the chances of that are estimated at 1 in 10,000. This cute…

Talking Refrigerator Needs a Gag Order!
2y ago

Talking Refrigerator Needs a Gag Order!

One of the things I love about being a librarian is you can tell people to be quiet when they are talking and they have to listen (or comply). I…

For Better of For Worse...
2y ago

For Better of For Worse...

Or more realistically, “Until you do something I don’t like.”

A while back, I attended the beautiful wedding of a young couple in their…

Do you know CPR?
2y ago

Do you know CPR?

This video teaches the "compression-only" version of CPR. I highly recommend taking a class, but this video will show you the basics that can…

Flight #727 Ready for Takeoff!
2y ago

Flight #727 Ready for Takeoff!

You are the Pilot of Flight #727. Everyone and everything that needs to be on that flight, is. Everything is loaded and ready to go. The control…

Love in the sky
2y ago

Love in the sky

I wish I'd seen this in person. It must have been quite majestic.

Fear of Rejection or Rejecting Opportunity?
2y ago

Fear of Rejection or Rejecting Opportunity?

Recently I had a conversation with a young woman who told me she had an interest in someone but was afraid to ask him to hang out. When I asked…

Is this plastic recyclable?
2y ago

Is this plastic recyclable?

How great it would be if each and every plastic item could be recycled and remade into something useful. Maybe one day, but we're not there yet…

From Buzz Lightyear, with love!
2y ago

From Buzz Lightyear, with love!

I’ve been going to my chiropractor for a number of years and a recent visit to his office came with an admirable story about a father’s love. At…

DOUBT...The Silent Killer!
2y ago

DOUBT...The Silent Killer!

Client had a recent situation come up with her BF and it upset her enough that we needed to address it today. Her BF went to dinner with a friend…

Don't Be an Unreasonable Political Animal
2y ago

Don't Be an Unreasonable Political Animal

A friend moved back to town who I hadn’t seen since she graduated college. She was married now and I was eager to meet Troy, her new husband. I…

Be You Unapologetically!
2y ago

Be You Unapologetically!

Dot-Marie Jones is a woman. At first glance, however, if you're not paying close enough attention, you might think she's a man.

I first…

Dope on a Rope!
2y ago

Dope on a Rope!

A criminal committed a crime. (Because hey, that’s what criminals do.) Anyway, he was sent to the king for his punishment. The king told him he…

The Inner Citadel or Little Realm of Your Own
2y ago

The Inner Citadel or Little Realm of Your Own

To a librarian the term “inner citadel” could mean a few different things. It could be what I like to call the inner sanctum of the library—a…

Work Hard, But Don't Kill Yourself in the Process!
2y ago

Work Hard, But Don't Kill Yourself in the Process!

“Mary Jane” has been an excellent employee most of her life. She has worked hard, has gone above and beyond the call of duty, traveled three weeks…

The Mindless Menace of Violence
2y ago

The Mindless Menace of Violence

Did you hear about Monday’s mass shooting in Farmington, New Mexico? It’s a small town of just over 45,000 people. Three people were killed, 6…

Don't dismiss the nudge!
2y ago

Don't dismiss the nudge!

Perhaps you’re doing chores at home, driving to an appointment, or cooking a meal, and then it happens—someone you know comes to your mind and you…

Italian Food Didn't Get the Best of Me
2y ago

Italian Food Didn't Get the Best of Me

”The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Philosopher  Last…

Saying YES When You want to Say NO!
2y ago

Saying YES When You want to Say NO!

DO YOU SAY YES WHEN YOU REALLY WANT TO SAY NO? If you're nodding your head, then you're not alone. It's not uncommon for many of you to say Yes to…

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!
2y ago

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

They’re inevitable! Often during your Life’s Journey, you will come to that proverbial Fork in the Road. And it won’t be just once; it will show…

Amusement
2y ago
A Stoic's View On Removing Thorns From Your Side
2y ago

A Stoic's View On Removing Thorns From Your Side

Of the 72 Roman emperors, Marcus Aurelius, who reigned between 161-180 CE, still reigns supreme in my mind. It's not just because he had curly…

News Flash
2y ago

In conversation with Kym Allen

For this installment of “In conversation with…”, I sat down with my tribe member, Kym Allen, a master fitness trainer and instructor, and my…

Not An Unlikely Conversation Between Two Women!
2y ago

Not An Unlikely Conversation Between Two Women!

Jane: I’m really upset!

Judy: Why?

Jane: Can’t you tell?

Judy: No. Is it the new Admin, Kandy Kane?

Jane: No…

Tribal Wave Poll
2y ago

Blindfolded Poll Request

Question: (blindfolded)

Stoic Emperor Meditates on a Royal Feathered Cap
2y ago

Stoic Emperor Meditates on a Royal Feathered Cap

While organizing my book shelf of Roman emperors over the weekend, I took a look at King Charles’ coronation and couldn’t get over Princess Anne’s…

Constipated Much?
2y ago

Constipated Much?

No, I’m not getting personal! But, let’s do talk about constipation—Emotional Constipation—that is!

But first let’s take a look at…

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