Category: Reviews

Mary Ann

You probably know Amy Tan from her international best seller, The Joy Luck Club, and other novels such as The Bonesetter’s Daughter.  She is a talented and engaging storyteller introducing the country and world to her Chinese heritage through vivid tales with universal themes that can be identified by everyone. 

So, it has been interesting to see her writing a book about birds, just birds!  The Backyard Bird Chronicles is her personal journey into nature journaling documenting avian activity in her own backyard, and you discovered this gifted writer is an extraordinary artist as well.   The chronicles begins on September 16, 2017, until December 15, 2022, during much of the Covid Pandemic.  Many people during the Covid shutdown became birders – the birds were freer to move around than we were.  

Tan did her nature journal training with John Muir Laws who is kind of the guru of this art form.  Natural journaling is at a crossroads where the sciences and the arts come together.  You sketch what you observe and document the behaviors you see among the animals or whatever.  The chronicles follow her five years of observations and her comments about what she saw.  She was leaning about the birds she encountered – what they ate, their nests, their bird songs, their eggs, and myriads of other details.   Her sketching is charming, and her writing clearly capture the nature of the birds.  However, the cherry on top of this book are the bird portraits that she does.  Tan draws feather as if they could flutter off the pages.  The artwork is a gift to the eye. 

I love nature journaling and teach classes in it for children and adults.  I have been doing it for over 20 years.  If you love animals and nature, this is a wonderful hobby to adopt.  It is peaceful and nurturing to your soul.  I have seen very active children calm down and become engrossed in nature and sketching while getting lost in time.  Just reading The Backyard Bird Chronicles may spur you on to try it and will incent you to enjoy some quiet time with nature, and you can do it right in your own backyard.  All you need is a blank tablet or book, a pencil, and colored pencils.  No one is going to judge your artwork.  You could draw stick figures – it is more the process than the product.  

There are online free tutorials presented by John Muir Laws (JohnMuirLaws.com) that instruct nature journaling fundamentals.  At the end of The Backyard Bird Chronicles, Tan list bird resource books that can introduce you to our feathered friends. 

I love hummingbirds, and Tan taught me a few things about them that I did not know.  One of these days I will try a hand feeder.  The hummers need to trust me more, yet when you hear the thrum of their wings near your ear, you can have your own trust issues.  They do have little swords for beaks!

The Backyard Bird Chronicles is a joyful read and Tan’s artwork is just lovely adding so much to the text.  It is almost as if you were right there with Tan and seeing the birds as she does.  As I look back on the book, I am still astonished that she spent thousands of dollars on meal worms.  The birds were her babies, and they ate well.  I hope she will follow up with another chronicle again sharing her gift of words and her artistic talents! One unknown author has said, “The greatest gift of birds is their ability to bring a sense of wonder and joy into our lives.”  Amy Tan discovered this.  I hope you will as well. 

Mary Ann

My brother-in-law, Ron, has Parkinson’s.  He fights a valiant battle each day with dignity and grace.  Everything is hard, and each day the disease steals a little more from him.  As a family, we are always looking for ways to make things easier for him.

Parkinson is a neurological disease that has many symptoms, and it seems that each person has a different set of them.  So, when I came across SteadyScrib, I thought we had found an answer to a common challenge for Ron and many other Parkinson’s patients – micrographia. The handwriting is often so small that you can hardly read it.  

SteadyScrib was developed by two college students, Izzy Mokotoff and Alexis Chan, from Northwestern University.  Izzy had a grandfather with Parkinson and handwriting was difficult for him.  Alexis was a biomedical engineering student and had the skills to develop a new product.  They set out to solve the problem.  They eventually developed the prototype, applied for a patient, and proceeded to manufacturing.  SteadyScrib was an idea that became a reality thanks to two young, innovative, passionate women.  

It is a writing system that uses a magnetic clip board and a pen that is weighted, magnetic, and has a special grip that is like the ones that young children use to gain pencil control.  I went on the waiting list to get one once the pens were available for purchase.  Patience was needed because all the steps to production take time.  Eventually, the little company informed me the pens were available.  I ordered one.  It arrived shortly thereafter.

I took the pen to Ron and sat with him as he gave it a test drive.  He was able to print with larger, readable letters.  You wouldn’t know he had a writing challenge.  Then he wrote his signature, and it was almost perfect.  It was miraculous.  The pen worked.  I do however believe a little practice is needed to perfect one’s handwriting.  It is that old round, round, ready, write that we all did in elementary school when it was just reading, writing, and arithmetic. 

This blog is a PSA today.  If you know anyone with Parkinson’s or are dealing with it with a family member, this pen seems to work well for indecipherable handwriting. This brings back some control and independence to the Parkinson’s patient.  Everyone should have a good strong signature – Hey, Gen Z or whoever, hear this!  This is coming from an elementary teacher who taught penmanship!!

SteadyScrib Pros – This is a relatively easy system.  The materials are well-made.  It works, and it did for Ron!  

SteadyScrib Cons – It is a bit pricey at $75.00.  It could get cheaper if more are produced.  This is a small operation.  Some of the fee is given to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or another Parkinson’s group of your choosing. They now have gel ink cartridge replacements – 3 for $15.00.  if it works, it is worth the price regardless.  They do offer a payment system.  

Contact Information – SteadyScrib.com is the website.  You can order the pen and replacements cartridges from the site.  There is lots of additional information available, testimonials, and the story behind the invention.   

Thank you, Izzy and Alexis for changing the world and making it better for Parkinson’s patients. 

 With Love, Megan

Mary Ann

Ladies from my generation, do you remember when you were little girls and being enchanted with John F. Kennedy, his wife Jackie, and their children, Caroline and John-John?  They were American royalty – remember it was the time of Camelot.  I think when they were in the White House, I fell in love with fashion and just adored seeing the latest pictures with Jackie’s outfits with her iconic pillbox hats and her adorable children riding their pony Macaroni or playing in the Oval Office.  Then the time was gone in a puff with the presidential assignation, yet I continued to watch for pictures of Jackie and her children.  

Then during my daughter’s youth, Princess Diana reigned more than the British Isle.  She was a fashion icon with her cute little boys, Prince Wills and Prince Harry.   Her clothes were just beautiful, and she epitomized a true English rose.  It was fun again to see what she was wearing and what she was doing.  Princess Diana was a breath of fresh air from the stodgy monarchy.  (I can’t remember Princess Anne as a fashion forward icon.)  Her time ended too quickly with her untimely death. However, she still dominates a good bit of the news.  

Then the next generation, in our present time, came on the scene with Wills and Harry growing up and marrying.  Prince William marries Kate Middleton, and the new princess is just lovely as well.  They have three adorable children, George, Charlotte, and Louie. 

Later, Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle.  The new Duchess of Sussex has an exotic beauty about her and has a flair for fashion.  They have two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – again adorable.    

The larger world and our own personal lives have been full of challenging times, and there doesn’t seem to be much making us smile.  Yet, when I look at the news and the British Royals are featured, I know I will be uplifted with beautiful clothes and cute pictures of their children.  It may seem shallow, but I am thankful for the respite from the woes of our world.  

I realize that the Royals themselves have their own set of problems – stay calm and carry on is something they live by. I was a big fan of Meghan Markle when she was on Suits.  Her blog, The Tig, was an early lifestyle site.  She has always loved food, wine, entertaining, crafting, and travel.  She had a healthy following.  Then you fall in love with a prince and your whole life changes where you must put away the things you love.  

The honeymoon with the British press lasted for a few years then they turned on Meghan.  I am sure that all the accusations have some truth about her, but who would like to live under the pressure of constant judgment.  Whatever you do, it is not right. You might decide to leave that life behind.  Fast forward to present times, Harry and Meghan did just that, and they had to make a living to afford the lifestyle they have been accustomed to and most importantly pay for protection for their family. – all big bucks!

Which brings me to a review of Meghan’s new lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, on Netflix.   I was trying to watch with an open mind because I like her, and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the series.  I learned something new every episode either about cooking or decorating or gardening or entertaining.  I appreciated all her creativity. She moves throughout her world in confident and caring ways.  She has come back to the roots of the things she loves.  Again, she is being judged on everything she presents, but she perseveres. She is a little worker bee even if she is a queen bee! 

I loved the little edible flowers in the first episode and cannot wait to get some.  I will be sprinkling everything.  I loved the idea of using a Ziplock bag as a pastry bag with a scissor snip.  I love hosting so she gave me a few ideas to spruce up the guest room.  I haven’t tried the recipes yet, but I will.  I am going to rewatch the series again and catch the things I may have missed.  And it is exciting there is going to be a second season.  I can hardly wait.  So, despite how other may feel about her, she has given me a place to escape our challenging times and enjoy a pretty life!  I can’t wait for her to reissue her products – they sold out within an hour.  She may be more popular than presented.  

When I was a young woman, we had Alexandria Stoddard.  She wrote books about living a pretty life. I always loved reading her suggestions.  I think this is what Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is trying to do – giving us ideas for making the ordinary extraordinary in simple ways!  Then came Martha Stewart.  I lived by everything she said.  She went off to prison, and we all seemed to still like her.  

If you haven’t watched With Love, Meghan, I think you might enjoy it.  No need to judge her, just use her ideas in your life to make things more interesting and enjoyable. Get some dried edible flowers sprinkles and spread a little joy!    

Note: The Second Season dropped earlier than I anticipated. I just finished watching Season 2. Again, lot of ideas to make your life prettier. I also purchased some of the products that As Ever offered. The packaging was very well done with little details such as personal notes and the like. The products seemed to be of fine quality – I got my flower sprinkles. The apricot jam I ordered was out of stock. They reimbursed me for it and are sending a free jar once they restocked. I think that is excellent customer service and encourages future purchases.

Mary Ann

Mel Robbins is the number one female podcaster in the world.  She excels at taking research and making it relatable to the average person.  Mel knows how to ask just the right questions of her podcast guests.  She is authentic and vulnerable as she share her life stories and experiences.  Over the last few years, she has developed The Let Them Theory, and it now has become a best-selling self-help book.  

If you are fan of Mel Robbins, you will love the book.  If you are new to her work, you will find answers to questions you may have.  For me, Let Them and Let Me which are the two main premises of The Let Them Theory reminded me of the Serenity Prayer.  Let Them and grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change are both alike, and Let Me and grant me the courage to change the things that I can are similar.  Regardless, it is good advice to live by.  Mel tells you how to use the principles with several examples from her life or her family and friends.    She has done in depth research and had conversations with experts in the field of psychology that she shares in the book.  

She gives excellent advice on friendships and romantic relationships.  When you are hurting from a toxic friendship or trying to heal from a broken heart, you can find solace in The Let Them Theory.  Individuals with addiction issues can find support in the book as well.  

Life is hard and sometimes you need a little help from you friends, and sometimes a friend can be a book. You cannot change other people. You can only change yourself.  You have to say Let Them and then take steps to Let Me to care for yourself.  As someone who tries to fix everything, The Let Them Theory, was a good book to relate to my character flaws.

This is worth a read in your personal journey to self-discovery.  If you like the book, check out the podcast.  The Mel Robbins Podcasts are also full of good advice and interesting guests.  I am not sure Mel herself has developed new ideas, but she does bring the work of others to her audience and does the digging for you.  Her keen sense of what is important guides the way.  She can summarize topics in a concise and empathic manner making many subject relatable and understandable.  Thanks, our friend, Mel!  (When you listen to the podcasts, you will understand this ending.) 

By Liz Moore

“The God of the Woods,” an evocative title that promises myth, mystery, and a haunting exploration of both landscape and psyche, is a literary work that draws readers into the tangled, shadowed depths of a story both timeless and timely.  The narrative unfolds in layers, blending perspectives: the grieving family, a relentless investigator, the insular townsfolk, and the enigmatic presence rumored to haunt the forest’s depths. Each voice adds texture to the central mystery, deepening our sense of unease and fascination. The novel deftly balances suspense with introspection; the woods are not just a place of external danger, but of internal reckoning.

“The God of the Woods” boasts a cast of deeply drawn characters, each grappling with their own secrets and sorrows. Some of the characters are likeable; many the reader will love to loathe. The story of a child missing for fourteen years anxieties is woven skillfully into flashbacks and recollections. And now, another child has gone missing.

The investigator, often an outsider in the community, brings with her a quiet determination and a past of her own. Her dogged pursuit of truth serves as a catalyst for the community’s unravelling.

Townsfolk, from the eccentric hermit rumored to commune with spirits, to the stoic schoolteacher who knows more than she reveals, offers a rich tapestry of motives and memories. The shifting perspectives grant the reader both intimacy and distance; we are drawn into each character’s world, yet always aware of the secrets that separate them.

Suspense is a constant, simmering presence in “The God of the Woods.” The mystery at its heart is not just “whodunit,” but “whydunit”—the motivations and histories that drive people to desperate ends. Clues emerge slowly, sometimes in the form of half-remembered dreams or local legends that may or may not be true.  When the resolution comes, it is both surprising and inevitable — a testament to the author’s skill in planting seeds early on and allowing them to ripen naturally. The ending is satisfying without being simplistic; it honors the complexity of grief, forgiveness, and the enduring pull of the wild.

In sum, “The God of the Woods” is a masterful exploration of mystery, memory, and myth. Its lush prose, complex characters, and haunting setting coalesce into a work that is as much about the secrets we keep as it is about the ones we seek to uncover. It is a novel that lingers like the scent of pine after rain—an invitation to wander, to wonder, and to listen for the voices in the trees.

For readers drawn to atmospheric fiction where place and psyche intertwine, “The God of the Woods” is not to be missed. It is a tale that honors the wildness within us all—and reminds us that, in the end, the greatest mysteries are those we carry inside.

Mary Ann 

Every year to celebrate Earth Day, Disney with National Geographic produces a nature film on a particular animal – elephants or big cats or polar bears.  This year they did a three-part series on penguins – such delightful little creatures!  Their very survival is a challenge in every aspect.  Yet, they seem to do it with such a good attitude, a lesson for us all.  

There was also another film this spring about a penguin that was both charming and captivating.  The Penguin Lessons is a true story about a professor, Tom Michell, from an elite boy’s school, St. George’s, in Argentina during a fascist regime in the 1970s.  The professor, a bit of a curmudgeon, is adopted by a penguin that he saves from an oil spill while on a trip to Uruguay.    When you are claimed by penguin as one of his peeps, you do not have much choice but to bring it home with you.  This is where the story unfolds.

The penguin, Juan Salvador, captures the hearts of everyone he encounters, even taming Michell’s unruly English class. Juan Salvador is a great listener to Michell, the cleaning lady Maria, and eventually the headmaster himself.  It was time to end the no pet rule.  Michell played by Steve Coogan and Jonathan Pryce as Headmaster Buckle are naturals for these leading roles and masterfully portray their characters.  However, Juan Salvador steals the show in every scene he is in. 

This film is far from an animal special.  There is an underlying story of the plight of the Argentinian people during a dictatorship.  Thousands of people disappeared off the streets and were never seen again.  This storyline is portrayed by Maria the cleaning lady and her granddaughter Sofia, a political activist, giving other penguin lessons that are applicable to our world today.

I love independent films – good stories, fine acting, low budget, and usually smacking with charm in one way or another.  For the most part they are shown in small, unique theaters throughout the country from the Angelika in NYC to local renovated ones, often a hidden gem, in your local community.  You should seek one out to see films like The Penguin Lessons and feel the magic in the dark.   

Mary Ann

I just finished Charlotte McConaghy’s new book, Wild Dark Shores.  I couldn’t put it down.  In fact, I finished the book in two days.  You could read it all in one day.  McConaghy is an extraordinary writer giving the reader rich storylines with complex characters, settings that are in remote places, and lots of twists. She combines all of this with strong themes about nature and environmental issues – often a wake-up call about our planet. 

Shearwater, a remote island near Antarctica, is home to widower, Dominic Salt, and his three children, Raff, Fen, and Orley.  Dominic is the caregiver to the world’s seed bank. His job is to protect the seeds that may be needed in the future to feed the world. The island and the seed bank are under pressure with rising sea waters.  The island also is home to a research center for scientist to study plants, animal, weather, climate change, and the like.  Scientist come and go a few times a year. 

The family lives in an old light house atop of the island.  Have you ever noticed how people who live in light houses are a little off?  There are many books and movies that depict this.  The Shearwater lighthouse is no exception.  It seems to be haunted.  Is it real or imagined?

The weather is unpredictable, the seas are rough and rising, and the island is constantly under attack from the elements.  During one storm – yes, a dark and stormy night, a woman  washes ashore.  The family saves Rowan, the mysterious woman, and while she heals, Rowan bonds with the island and the Salts.  They are all awaiting the Navy ship to take them away from their home of eight years, for Rowan to return to her life, and rescue the seeds. The story unfolds during the days of preparations.

Charlotte McConaghy moves the story forward through the perspective of the various characters. They all have backstories that you will discover, and as in all McConaghy’s books, there will be many plot twists and surprises.  That is why it is hard to put her books down.  By the end of the story, you know all the characters well and will miss them.  I have loved all McConaghy’s writing and particularity her use of nature themes.  Her books are food for thought on many levels.  Wild Dark Shores is a worthwhile read that will haunt you long after you finish reading. 

Historical fiction has always fascinated me. So much of it is set in the World War II era, but I recently ran across this delightful book by Kate Quinn, a best-selling American author. Previously I had read The Alice Network and The Diamond Eye, so I knew her book would be well written.

The Briar Club is a delightful story of the Briarwood boarding house full of women, each one different from the others; each with her own story or secret. The book is set in early 1950s America encompassing the McCarthy era and the Cold War.

Quinn introduces many characters, yet the stories center on the occupants of the house. The landlady, Mrs. Nilsson, is a crotchety women who seems to be mad at the world. She borders abusive to her children Pete and Lina.

Borders include Grace March, a lovely, energetic, fun-loving woman who engages the other ladies and begins to build a community within the house. Other boards you will be delighted to meet are Arlene, Claire, Felicity and her daughter Angela, Reka, and Nora. Each lady’s life will fill your emotional well – some with laughter, some with angst.

While to stories of these women’s lives are intriguing the reader also gets a glimpse into life for single women in the 1950s. Quinn weaves history delicately throughout the pages pulling the reader into the boarding house as more than an observer.

This book had multiple themes, the most obvious being female friendship. Yet in reflection it included missives on finding your voice and coming of age. Quinn addresses post-partum depression, domestic abuse and dysfunctional families. Economics and politics found their way into the story line. This book is jammed full of issues that culminate finally into the one most important lesson of life. Accept others as they are and where they are. You may not know their back story.

I recommend The Briar Club to anyone who enjoys reading fiction and wants a realistic picture of Washington D.C. in mid-20^th century America.

Mary Ann

Every year at Christmas when I am wrapping presents or addressing Christmas cards, I watch my favorite Christmas movies – The Holiday, Love Actually, and Bridget Jones’ Diary.  I know the stories by heart, so I really don’t miss anything if I must leave the room for more wrapping paper or ribbon.  It is kind of my mental comfort food.  I look forward to this little tradition of mine each year.  It is like visiting old friends, and Bridget Jones is one of my best friends.   

I loved the Bridget books by Helen Fielding, and when they made the transition into movies, Renee Zellweger became the real Bridget.  It is hard to believe those movies are 25 years old.  So, when the new movie, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, recently debuted, I questioned whether an aging Bridget could capture our hearts in the same way she did when she was a younger woman, especially if Colin Firth was not her leading man. Who could forget that passionate kiss at the end of the first movie.  I had a little crush on the dashing Englishman in all the movies.  Renee Zellweger did indeed take on middle age with the Bridget’s signature vulnerability and sassy grit.  Her perky little walk has not changed in the span of the four movies.  

In Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Bridget is a widow and is coming out of her depression about losing her beloved Mark Darcy.  She now has two children, a boy who is like Mark named Billy, and a daughter, Hazel, who is a mini-Bridget.  Bridget, of course, parents like Bridget lives life. Not much upsets her, and the kids seem well-adjusted because they are loved deeply by their mother.  So what, if the children have wrinkled clothes for school or that breakfast is a total chaos. Everything in the end works out.  

Bridget does find love in this film, but the journey to that love, of course, has its challenges.  She becomes a cougar with a summer of love with a young man, Roxter, who helps her come alive again. Returning character Daniel Cleaver played by Hugh Grant remains the charming cad that he is.  He is one of Bridget’s babysitters and teaches Billy how to make cocktails.  Bridget goes back to work, gets a nanny, and finds herself once again.  There is more to her love journey, and that is for you to discovery.

In all the four movies, Bridget’s joy de vie is always there.  Her bubbly laugh is infectious, and people envy that. Men find it attractive.  I loved seeing her happily jumping on the bed with her children.  The children will never remember the chaos but will remember bouncing on the bed and her sweet goodnights to them. At the end of the movie, watch for Billy’s jumper – a sweet memory.  

We end with this question – will there be a Bridget Jones in Assisting Living?  I think we would still see again her perky steps as she wheels her walker down the hall.  Daniel Cleaver would probably be the Don Juan of the retirement community.  We will just have to wait to see if this will happen! 

For the most part I have been reading fiction, but recently I was intrigued to learn of the book, The DOSE Effect by TJ Power.  The DOSE Effect provides a practical approach to learning about the four major brain chemicals that affect our daily living.: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. If you are interested in the science of how these chemicals that we hear about frequently affect our lives and how we can harness the benefits of these chemicals, this is the book for you. Written in an easy-to-read and understandable format, The DOSE Effect is surprisingly enjoyable.

TJ Power is a neuroscientist who lectures and trains individuals and organizations on mental health issues. He has conducted extensive research focused on brain chemicals. He has the ability to share this information in a relatable and usable manner.

I first learned of TJ Power when I heard him speak at a virtual conference which was attended by more than 10,000 people. [That alone was amazing to me.]  Mr. Power is half my age and teaching me through his book how the brain reacts to the rise and fall of these four primary chemicals. Of course most of us senior citizens have heard of these chemicals, yet TJ Power presents them in a fun and practical manner.

Admittedly, it was an adjustment reading this book due to the format and writing style. Yet as I progressed through the book, I discovered the information was easy to “take in.”  Some examples Power first uses will likely appeal to a younger audience. I pondered ways I could translate the science and strategies he shared into meaningful exercises for a 70-something reader. Focusing more on the science, which he describes in common terms, I enjoyed learning how I might use the chemicals in my brain more effectively.

Dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical that relates to motivation. It makes hard work feel good and controls the pleasure-pain balance. The main causes of low dopamine are sugar; alcohol, drugs, and smoking/vaping; pornography; social media; gambling; and online shopping. With low levels of dopamine one feels demotivated, distracted, and depressed. The opposite is true of high levels which make us motivated, determined, and excited. One can boost his/her level of dopamine by entering flow state (concentration), discipline, phone fasting, utilizing cold water, and identifying and following one’s own pursuits. Basically, an individual is in control of his/her own motivation.

Oxytocin. Oxytocin is increased with good-quality, in-person social connection along with positive, grateful, internal self-talk. When oxytocin levels are low one may experience loneliness and isolation. One will lack self-confidence. Basically, relationships with oneself and with others are required to increase oxytocin in our brains. We can boost our oxytocin by touch (hug someone!), gratitude (what are you thankful for today?), a social life and contributing (volunteerism and putting others ahead of self whether helping friends and family, performing high-quality work or creating a team environment, engaging in charitable work, or simply smiling at a stranger). We can promote our oxytocin by getting off our phones, listening actively to others, sharing compliments, make eye contact and physical contact, and asking good questions that show others you are interested. Remember to celebrate yourself, even if you are achieving through “baby steps.”

Serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical not only in the brain. Ninety percent of serotonin is created in your gut. Remember the “you are what you eat” adage? Gut health is a vital component of high serotonin levels. Serotonin affects mood and energy. If you are anxious and tired, your serotonin may be low. Serotonin can be boosted by time spent in nature, soaking up the sun, taking care of your gut health, getting plenty of quality sleep, and learning underthinking. Many of us tend to over think – going first to the “worst-case scenario” and believing that helps make the reality easier to take. To combat this, breathing exercises will help slow your heart rate and focus your thoughts. Deep sleep also increases serotonin while impacting memory, attention span, learning efficiency, emotional processing, and even metabolism.

Endorphins. Endorphins are released as we engage in physical exertion. They naturally de-stress the brain and body. Being sedentary, chronically stressed, and lacking joy cause low endorphins. We all know about the value of exercise and movement. And we are beginning to become more aware of the value of laughter. These increase endorphins along with heat, music and stretching.  Soaking in a tub of warm water at the end of a stressful day while listening to soothing music is a great way to allow endorphins to flow.

These four brain chemicals can be increased and utilized for improved health and happiness.  TJ Power has presented the science of our brain chemicals in fun and practical terms.  Even we “old timers” can modify our behavior in simple ways to improve or brain function – at least using dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.