I recently read a quote from Theodore Roosevelt.  It was reprinted in a current issue of Time magazine (12/16/2016).  However, that reference was used in a political slant.  In this blog I focus on health issues whether that be the physical, spiritual or mental realm.  However, the quote seems appropriate to the subject of health for obvious reasons. “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the does of deeds could…..

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I attended a local health fair.  My curiosity was the motivator.  Having moved into the area recently I wanted to investigate the available resources. As I entered the building the chaotic chatter greeting my alerted ears was a beacon for the rich variety of resources being offered in the hall. The concessions were assembled in a “Disneyland” array to help facilitate the movement of customers.  The array was varied.  One table displayed a collection of raw desert honey and local…..

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I have moved into a new community which is listed as an age restricted in that the homeowners are age 55 years and older.  It has been very interesting to “read” my neighbors.  I don’t mean that I sit next to them and read the local newspaper or recite from a book, I am referring to the art of observing their habits and activities. As with any community, there is a collection of personalities in my neighborhood.  Some of them…..

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I went to see a movie today in a local walk-in theatre.  It is located in the southwest part of the United States.  Arriving on time for the screening, I settled in for my afternoon enjoyment.  At the appointed time the movie screen started to show the well known spot “First Look.”  This gives the movie patron a quick look at the upcoming attractions. The quick review lasted for about three minutes – quickly followed by an array of every…..

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These past few months have brought changes into my life but also opportunities.  These opportunities have presented situations for me to examine how I deal with change.  Flexibility is something that is always required by all of us if we are to move easily among the other humans who inhabit our lives.  This quality, I thought, was in my lexicon of abilities.      This idea is and has been tested daily, even hourly, during these summer months.   Arriving at the decision to…..

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The 50+original signers of the Declaration of Independence may have wanted to provide flexibility for our justice system for all citizens.  On a holiday such as the Fourth of July we celebrate this idea with joy and excitement.  When each citizen is independent and able to celebrate their freedom in a manner that fulfills their goals and does not harm others, the original signers may have reached their goal. Remember that this freedom has been won by our fellow men…..

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I have physically changed my living location.  It involved a coordinated effort with family members. As I reflect on the efforts involved, I realize that my family and close friends are cherished and valued for me.  When someone decides to make a significant change in their lives, that change often involves not only themselves but the support and attention of others.  Reliance on that social network for support when we change any part of our lives is often something that…..

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We all have a father.  Is that person in our life?  That question may will be answered  differently for each of us.  Even if we do not share pieces of our everyday life with our father’s, they are still part of our lives.  They gave us life.  We may not know them, we may not like them, we may not understand them, we may not ever want to meet them or we may love them more than life.  Whatever the situation, a…..

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Tragedy always makes us pause and reflect.  The recent incident in Florida with the mass killings certainly falls into that category.  There is sadness for every aspect of our lives.  Since I tend to look at situations from a health point of view, there is always an element of stress both physical and emotional in every tragic situation.  In this particular situation there is more than enough tragedy and stress to go around. Obviously, these adults in Orlando, Florida were having…..

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Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) offers a person certain unique challenges which others do not encounter.  These include joint stiffness, fatigue – not relieved by rest, generalized body pain, neuropathy, sleep disturbances and an overall risk for developing other chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important to observe accepted health rules more closely than the average person.  There are a few guidelines that can help along this path.  DECREASE STRESS, this can be through meditation or simply being mindful of your…..

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Just had a moment to reflect about today’s activity.  I had the opportunity to talk with my loving husband, e-mailed with my children, sent a text to my granddaughter, completed a project that I have been working on for a few weeks and spent some time working on my novel. I imagine that it was a pretty successful day.  If all my days and weeks are this busy, and I hope that they are, then I may end up accomplishing…..

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Mother’s Day brings special thoughts to mind. We all have a mental image of our own mothers. As we grow and, hopefully, mature in life, that image may change and evolve. Whatever the image is that each of us carries with us each day, everyone certainly takes a moment on this day to remember our childhood and our mothers within that childhood. Whether that be a sad or happy memory, we all have or had mothers at one point in…..

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Just publishing a book is both an exhilarating and a scary event. I find that it is the best time to initiate writing the next book.

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Good morning writing world! I want to thank all of my readers for their positive reception of Lines of Listening. My friends and family have read the book and it has stimulated a lot of family discussion.

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