May reminds me of Mom and the flowers that grow in the Midwest. She had special vases for her lilacs each spring. They don’t grow in Arizona, so I make do with pictures of them. Funny how we most appreciate what we have after it’s gone. This aphorism applies most specifically to moms. The other …
When I lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I took part in a program called “Leadership for Five Seasons.” It was one of those year long programs where young leaders could learn about the community with the intention of discovering the volunteer opportunities they’d love. At graduation, we were all given a tag line, and since …
Can Women Talk About Shoes and Still be Taken Seriously? Read More »
Tuesday, I’m attending a business luncheon where we will be asked to tell about an influential woman from our past. I’ve done this type of thing before, and yet not once did it occur to me to select my own mom—until this year. I LOVE what Deb Guy, Executive Director of the Women’s Exchange in …
We can all use more love in our lives, that’s for sure, and February is a perfect month to express our love to others. Sometimes writing “you’re special to me” doesn’t feel like it gets to the heart of what I want to say. If you’ve ever thought that, here’s a workshop to inspire you …
How to Create A Keepsake Letter for Those You Love Read More »
Because Mom’s mantra was, “Get along with your brothers and sisters,” the eight children of Alice and L.J. Whalen (hardly children today) do their best to comply with her deepest wishes. With that thought in mind, I’d like to tell you about two traditions you might want to adapt to your own family—or friends who …
The “happiest” days for some, ironically, can be saddest days for others—if we don’t plan ahead. One of those days is Valentines Day. By a show of hands, who has ever felt a little more lonely as Valentine’s Day approaches because there is no someone special in your life who will remember you? My hand …
The Perfect Greeting Cards for All of Your “GALentines” Read More »
It’s tempting to go from Halloween fun to Christmas cheer, yet 2020, more than any other year, is the perfect time to keep Thanksgiving in your heart. There are a million ways to show thankfulness and gratitude to the cast of characters who’ve graced the stage of your life this year. My vote is for …
There’s nothing quite as sweet as a grandparent’s love, and so the isolation of 2020 due to Covid 19 has left an unexpected pang of sadness for this group. As soon as I read Maureen Wilson’s poem, I knew many you would relate to her words as much as I do: Grandma’s Arms I …
The “happiest” days for some, ironically, can be saddest days for others—if we don’t plan ahead. One of those days is Valentines Day. By a show of hands, who has ever felt a little more lonely as Valentine’s Day approaches because there is no someone special in your life who will remember you? My hand …
Give Your Friends the Gift of Angel Valentine Cards Read More »
