Picture this… I had a half hour to blast my way through Kroger to buy the stuff I needed to make the sugar-free crap that I’m eating because my blood work sucked. I know my way around that store blindfolded—been going there over a decade. Or so I thought… The first clue was the expression of confusion and terror on the faces of my fellow shoppers. I should have left. However, I didn’t have food in my dang house because I’ve been out of town and a dinner consisting of pickles, cereal and stale hamburger buns was not an option. …
Polly’s Winter Wellness Tips
It’s summer in Australia, and most days we’re sweltering under the hot Aussie sun. I love seeing the photos my USA friends post of their gardens, roads and houses covered in snow, but I also know how taxing this time of year can be trying to stay on top of it all. Winter can be a challenging time for maintaining health and wellness. The cold weather, shorter days, and holiday indulgences can all take a toll on our bodies and minds. Here are my ten tips to help you stay healthy and vibrant throughout the winter months: By incorporating these …
Winter, What Winter?
It’s no secret I live at 8K feet in a small alpine village in California’s High Sierra. I ran the county mental health and alcohol/drug program for many years. During that time, hiring staff was always interesting. Some new hires stuck, but far more ended up in my office a few weeks out explaining that they (or their partners) just “couldn’t live here.” Too high. Too remote. Bad weather. Didn’t realize how tough it would be actually living here… For me, this highlights the expectation set we bring to the table. I live in Paradise, but it comes at a …
An Update Knocked Me Down But I Got Up Again
I’ve been working on my current manuscript, but it’s been slow going. Lately, it’s been tough to find my groove. External factors haven’t helped, but I’ve been plugging along. I love the characters, the scenario, and especially the last scene I wrote a few days ago. It was full of witty banter and some important clues. And then, in the middle of the night, Microsoft decided to perform an update. The next day, I opened my file and—poof—over a thousand words were gone. The entire last scene just vanished. At first, I refused to believe it. I was convinced I’d …
Share your story! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner!
Here’s the story of me and my fabulous hubby, Steve. We’ve been together seven million years and I still love the weirdo. How’d we meet? — On the National Tour of Bye Bye Birdie First date — Not really applicable since we were on the road together so I’ll do first kiss instead. LOL — Hotel lobby behind a large plastic plant. Time together — 35 years (married 30) Age difference? — 2 years (I’m older!) Who was interested first? — Mutual Who is taller? — Steve Who said I love you first? — Honestly can’t remember. Probably Steve. Most …
Heart-Healthy Recipes: Since February is also American Heart Month, share recipes that are both delicious and good for the heart.
February is not only the month of love but also American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to focus on heart-healthy recipes that are both delicious and good for you. Here are some delightful dishes to enjoy with your loved ones while taking care of your heart. 1. Avocado and Tomato Salad Ingredients: Instructions: This refreshing salad is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, making it a perfect starter for your Valentine’s meal. 2. Grilled Salmon with Quinoa and Asparagus Ingredients: Instructions: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, while quinoa …
A spell for self-love
There’s so much emphasis in February on Valentine’s Day, and getting caught up in spending lots of money on flowers, chocolate, cards–you name it. I don’t want to pooh-pooh on V-Day if it’s your thing, but I do think there’s a lot to be said for getting back to basics. So often in this life we get caught up in what society expects of us that we forget that there’s a person underneath the weight of all the should-dos in our daily lives. Love magic has always played a role in folklore and traditions. From whispered spells to enchanted herbs, …
Be Your Own Valentine: Self-Care Tips for Stressed-Out Readers and Writers
Self-love and self-care are more important than ever, and February, the month of love, feels like the perfect time to talk about why we should be our own Valentine. Whether you’re an author struggling with creativity and deadlines or a reader trying to escape the chaos of the world, stress can take a toll. So, let’s talk about ways to treat yourself, reduce stress, and maintain your sanity. Stay Connected (But Wisely) 📱 Reach out to real friends through phone calls, video chats, texts, or even a well-timed meme. If you can, get lunch or plan an in-person visit. While …
Do Authors Need Other Authors? YES. Yes, they do.
There are ohhhhh so many reasons for this…. I’m going to focus on one author in particular today. She’s my ride or die, my critique partner, a brilliant writer and one of my besties. Her name is Renee George. I adore her. We lovingly tear apart each other’s books with constructive and amazing critiques. I’m a better writer because of her! We love to laugh hard and hug harder. We both have husbands named Steve and are crazy cat ladies along with being certifiable dog moms. We just fit. We also do stupid shit. Read on for one of our …
Budget-Friendly Celebrations: Love Without Breaking the Bank
Can you believe it’s February already? The month where we celebrate love, but if you’re single, like me, it can be rather overwhelming. This year, I’ve decided to celebrate and give thanks to those around me that are special to me. Those that give my life meaning. Either way, it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are some creative and budget-friendly ways to make this Valentine’s Day special without breaking the bank. 1. Cook a Romantic Dinner at Home Skip the expensive restaurant reservations and cook a romantic dinner at home. Choose a simple yet elegant menu, …