A Sand Dollar Prayer The day after Christmas, it’s our tradition to go to Whitney Beach. Today was perfect—73 degrees, no humidity, and hardly any people. It was low tide, the ideal time to collect shells. Not a cloud in the sky. The water was clear as glass. No waves. I fully expected to find hundreds of sand dollars. There were none to be found. It’s been a problem since our bout with three hurricanes in one month—Debby, Helene, and Milton. They forever changed the landscap

Merry and Bright This year I made Christmas shell ornaments, and one in particular became a favorite—a decoupaged heart cockle with the words Merry and Bright  nestled inside. I was thrilled with how it turned out. It was large enough to serve not only as a trinket dish, but also as a candy dish—substantial and cheerful, just like the words it carried. After the rush of sending gifts to family and friends, I finally had time to sit quietly and enjoy our Christmas tree, its tw

There is something quietly disorienting about being in your seventies while your parents are in their nineties. On paper, the math works. In the heart, it feels almost impossible. Most people my age speak of parents as memories—black-and-white photographs, familiar stories retold, voices recalled rather than heard. Mine are still here. Frail, yes. Slower, certainly. But alive. And that single fact sets me apart in ways I never anticipated. It's a strange intersection of time.

Reaching fifty years of marriage is a rare achievement. Studies show only about 6 to 8 percent of couples make it to their Golden Anniversary. This milestone demands more than just love—it requires resilience, commitment, and the ability to face life’s toughest challenges together. This week, in a quiet, beautiful place, we celebrated this milestone. Our marriage isn't perfect, but it's real and full of lessons for anyone hoping to build a lasting partnership. A peaceful retr

The holiday season often brings a mix of emotions—excitement, nostalgia, and sometimes stress. This year, I have a special reason to celebrate the joy that the holidays can bring. My story, The True Spirit of Christmas , will be featured on the Chicken Soup for the Soul Podcast with Amy Newmark. The episode, titled Finding the Joy of the Holiday Season , airs on November 17, 2025. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share a message of hope and warmth just as the festive season be

Every year, Starbucks celebrates the holiday season with a special event called Red Cup Day. On November 13, 2025, coffee lovers can enjoy festive drinks and receive a free reusable cup featuring a holiday design. This event is a perfect way to kick off the season, enjoy delicious seasonal beverages, and support sustainability by using reusable cups. Photo Courtesy of Starbucks Qualifying Drinks for Red Cup Day Starbucks offers a wide range of festive drinks that qualify for

Something special is on the horizon for November 17th, and it promises to bring warmth and inspiration to your holiday season. While the details remain a secret for now, the surprise involves Christmas, storytelling, and one of the most beloved sources of inspiration: Chicken Soup for the Soul . This upcoming event or release is designed to remind us all of the true spirit of Christmas and fill our hearts with joy. The holiday season is a perfect time to build traditions that

National Cappuccino Day (November 8) and National Espresso Day (November 23) are coming up and since Mark and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary, we'll be away the month of November. Here's a chance to get some Christmas shopping done as I'm giving away a book bundle with my Coffee Lover's Devotional with a bookmark and Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Spirit of Christmas as a pre-holiday special. All you have to do is list your favorite coffee drink in the comment

My story is titled: "The True Spirit of Christmas" One of my favorite holiday memories is part of Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Spirit of Christmas ! This collection is filled with the magic of the holiday season, and royalties from every copy sold support the efforts of Toys for Tots. I'm using the book as an advent calendar and every day I'm reading one or two stories. It makes a great Christmas gift for all of those on your list. And it's Santa Claus friendly, so you do

National Coffee Day -- September 29th ☕ National Coffee Day Giveaway!  ☕ Monday, September 29th is National Coffee Day —the perfect...

Recently, Cure Cancer Magazine published my article on " Making the Decision You Won't Regret ." It has been on my heart to write for...

Exciting News! I’m honored to share that my story, "A Little Housekeeping,"  from Chicken Soup for the Soul: Self-Care Isn’t Selfish ,...

New Release: Chicken Soup for the Soul – Your 10 Keys to Self-Care I’m so excited to share that my story, “A Little Housekeeping,”  is...

Today is National Cappuccino Day and I don't have to tell you how much I love hearts in my coffee! While in Florence, Italy with my dear...

National Coffee Day is Sunday, September 29th. In honor of this special day, I’m having an art latte contest. The winner will receive a...

What do they have in common? Absolutely nothing! But hey, we live in Florida, where a tropical storm can range from "Ooh, a light...

My coffee "addiction" didn't start until we moved to Sicily. My love of cappuccino kicked in and it's still my favorite coffee drink,...

You know how babies sometimes arrive early and some come late? This "baby" arrived early, and the paperback and Kindle versions are now...

Exciting News! "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Young at Heart" is now available in stores and online! This inspiring collection is perfect...

This is what Mother's Day looks like when the kids are married and have families of their own. I'm stuck holding a plant! Actually, our...