Have you ever walked into a room to do something and when you begin working on whatever it is, you see something else that needs to be done? You stop what you are doing and begin working on that. You again see something else that needs fixing, and you stop that and go to the new project. I do this all the time and started to call it binging. I am kind of a pinball bouncing from task to task. I find it relaxing, and at the end of the morning everything is all done.
I guess it is a type of ADHD or maybe I am just a super multi-tasker. I have asked other friends if they do this – binging! Some do and some do not. It may have to do with our thinking styles. People are either global thinkers who see the big picture and the interconnectedness, or they are analytical thinker who break down information to smaller bits for understanding. Global thinkers see everything from many directions. Where analytical thinkers are sequential. There is no right or wrong. It is your style. Guess what? I am a global thinker. I see the whole shebang, and I want to get it all done at once.
For me, this is not just an indoor exercise. When I am gardening, I am all over the yard, binging my heart out. I am planting flowers then I am trimming bushes. I am watering and digging holes then it is back to planting the flowers and watering. However, by the end of the day, I have accomplished all my garden chores. In the end, the journey may not be as important as the destination – a clean house, a tidy garden.
I didn’t seem to do this at work or at least I didn’t think I did. I had to be discipline and get things done in an orderly fashion. This took more energy to accomplish. Where binging gave me energy, again I found it relaxing.
When discussing this with a friend, she called me a Pinball Wizard. I guess that is what I am. My style is my superpower even if it only for me. If you identify with me, maybe you are also a Pinball Wizard. We may have to create an association or at least a support group! I bet we would discuss a variety of subjects from all over the place but in the end, we would have it all done, tied up with a bow! Pinball Wizards Unite!!
Here we are. Half-way through the “new” year, already! It seems like quite some time ago we were ringing in 2025 and resolving to reach goals. How are your goals coming along?
I know. Life gets in the way of achieving our goals, objectives, and ToDo Lists. At times, we even forget we defined goals six months ago. Consider this is a gentle reminder to check in. What did you resolve in January to accomplish this year? Did you set timelines or were your items open ended?
For me, goal setting is as much about planning as it is achieving something dramatic. I even attended a planning workshop in January to learn more about setting and achieving my objectives. Yet it seems the more time I have on my hands, the less I am able to accomplish. Isn’t it easy to say, “I have plenty of time. I can do that tomorrow.”?
My system is simple. At the front of my paper planner (to which I refer daily), are two pages dedicated to listing goals. I have labeled each section by month, allowing me to “chunk” my huge list. Chunking simply is the act of separating tasks into doable and achievable portions. Looking at each month’s smaller list is not so overwhelming as looking at a long list for the year. In my mind, that doesn’t mean I necessarily have to complete those items in the month in which it is written, but it is easier to take on a project when it looks smaller.
Upon completion of an item on my list, I place a checkmark to it’s left. When the entire chunk (in this case a month’s worth) is complete, a “good-for-me” sticker is added. A quick glance at the spread points me to the next task to accomplish.
Another tool that helps is telling someone what I intend to attain. Both acts of writing down the goals and of telling another person provide a small level of accountability.
If you made New Year’s Resolutions, half-way through the year is a great time to revisit them. Adjust if necessary. Sometimes, what we thought was important in January is no longer relevant. By the same token, new needs may have arisen. Now is the perfect time to pat yourself on the back for what you have completed. And, rather than beating yourself up for not working towards the other items on your list, start anew towards those things that you still want to realize.
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-20th century America.
Have you ever heard someone say, “if you can travel with a person, you can live with them”? I suppose the adage comes from experience. My cousin and I have traveled together for twenty years. And both of us would admit that we would not want to live with each other. We are as different as night and day. That said, we have found traveling together mostly delightful – and when it is not, we have found ways to cope.
In thinking about our trips, both domestic and international, I wondered whether I should begin looking for someone who is more compatible. A review of suggestions for a good travel companion yielded qualities that both of us display, for the most part. Let me share what I have learned.
Shared Interests and Open-Mindedness. When planning a trip, someone with interests similar to yours gives you peace of mind. While there may be some compromise in activities, the experience will be richer if you are able to see the sites you want to see. You may want to be willing to try something new or a little different than you usually try, making your trip more fulfilling.
Expectations and Communication. One of the best ways to ensure you will both have a great time is to see expectations in advance. On a road trip, for example, how long will you drive each day? Do you like to get to your destination quickly or find your way organically? What criteria do you have for lodging? Are you a Motel 6 traveler or do you prefer a Hilton property? Are you a fast-food junkie or do you prefer a sit-down meal at a nicer restaurant? Have you defined a budget set for entertainment and amusement? These and other visions of the ideal trip should be discussed during planning to avoid conflict as the trip progresses. And during the trip if concerns arise, discuss them right away.
Adaptability. Even with the best laid plans, things happen. You and your companion will want to be able to adjust to unexpected changes. Be positive and select a travel partner who can roll with the punches. A good sense of humor goes a long way to lighten the mood in difficult situations.
Avoid People Who Go To Extremes. This should be common sense. On flitterfever.com I read an interesting and relevant suggestion. Ask your potential travel buddy their opinion on controversial issues such as the President, vaccinations, conspiracy theories, etc. If you cannot agree to disagree or avoid touchy subjects such as these, you might want to select someone else with whom to travel.
The whole point, obviously, is you want to relax and enjoy your adventure. Choosing a compatible travel companion is Step 1 in making happily memorable experiences. Enjoy!
During my caregiving years, people consistently reminded me to take care of myself – to give myself a break. While I knew my friends and family meant well by nudging me, I felt relatively certain they had no idea what my “taking a break” entailed. Much preparation goes into leaving for a few days. You are not just packing for yourself.
I created a “Caring for Mom” notebook with tabs for each category of information one would need to stay with my mother in my home. Once the notebook was complete, I could update it easily when something changed. Using a three-ring binder and creating the documents in Microsoft Word and Excel made updating information easy.
Sections included the “legal” documents which included her DNR, Advanced Directive, Power of Attorney, and Last Will and Testament; General Notes; Exercises; Daily/Weekly Checklists; and Medical. The tabbed sections were behind the page full of emergency and non-emergency phone numbers.
Another tool I used to help others help me was my trusty little label maker. I labeled pantry shelves, kitchen drawers, tableware, and mom’s supplies. I even put labels on the knife blocks to remind helpers to hand wash the knives! I have to chuckle. My kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and mom’s bedroom and sitting room all reminded me of a church kitchen where everything is neatly identified.
Several meals and meal kits were prepared; the freezer and pantry stocked with carefully packed and labeled foods. Instructions for using the Keurig were taped to the beverage bar. Although mom was not a huge fan of “take out” there were a few restaurants she enjoyed. My computer browser stored the passwords and credit card for those, along with Shipt and Instacart access, so the helper could easily place an order for delivery.
I worked with health care providers to ensure there were enough medications to last through a few days after my return. Pill planners were filled for the entire time I was away. Extra supplies of disposable underwear, toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, etc. were stocked.
Mom’s clothes were washed, ironed (where necessary), and hung by “outfits” in her closet. Instructions for washing sheets and clothes were taped to the inside cabinet door above the washer. How to set the dryer was also posted.
Much as packing diapers and formula and several changes of clothes are packed for a small child, every detail had to be covered. Even though I believed I had left nothing wanting, I would still receive daily calls – sometimes multiple calls in a day – asking where something was or what to do about “x”. Getting away was physical but not disconnected. (What did we do before mobile phones?!)
Prepping for a “vacation” when caregiving reminded me of preparing to be away from my full-time job. It took a week or two to prepare to be gone. Upon return, it took a week or two to catch up. Sometimes I wondered if the time off was worth the effort. Of course, having a break is necessary for rejuvenation and mental health.
Should you find yourself in a caregiving mode I hope my experience will help guide you in preparing to give yourself a break. Even if you do not have the responsibility of another person, some of these tips may be helpful to others who at some point may come take care of you.
Several months ago I began working with a dietitian. My goal was not to lose weight, as it is for most people. I feel pretty good about my weight, although I wouldn’t mind losing some “rolls” around the middle! One would think as a vegetarian I have a healthy diet. Yet, being diagnosed with high cholesterol (for the past 30 years!) and high triglycerides, and not feeling good about the pharmaceuticals to “control” those numbers, I began to look more closely at what I eat. I have always believed the old saying “you are what you eat.”
My dietician prepared a plan for me that, had I known, I could have done on my own. Granted, she has a lot of great tips, which I appreciate. She gives me a lot to think about. Being highly motivated, I don’t need her as a crutch or coach, but it is nice to check in once a month and ask questions.
It turns out, the plan she put together is free online from the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Click the link https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-plan to get started. Answering just a few questions will yield a MyPlate Plan for your needs.
The MyPlate Plan makes it easy to follow a healthy diet for yourself by giving easy-to-follow guidelines for “measuring” food and intake. Unlike dieting plans that expect you to weigh and measure food, this plan gives you equivalents. For example, my plan includes five-ounce equivalents of protein each day. One ounce of protein could be seafood, lean meats, poultry; or one egg; or one tablespoon of peanut butter; or ¼ cup cooked beans, peas, or lentils; or ½ ounce unsalted nuts or seeds.
The other categories are equally easy to follow: fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy. The website includes information about each food group, and it provides recipes for various cuisines. As for the dairy, while I enjoy cheese, it is high in cholesterol, and I have never been a milk drinker. My dairy can be fortified soy milk, non-fat Greek yogurt, and some hard cheese (usually white, as the white cheeses generally use vegetable enzymes rather than rennet).
The plan also helps me limit my sugar, saturated fat, and sodium by listing how much is allowed each day. I print out the colorful charts, one for each day, and post them on the side of my refrigerator which reminds me to record what I put into my mouth.
Reading this, you may say, “Wow. That is a lot of work!” It’s not as bad as you would think. My experience is that this method makes following a healthy diet extra easy. I don’t have to count calories. I don’t have to measure food (you can estimate what constitutes a ½ cup or a ¼ cup). And when I jot down what I have eaten and have met the recommended amount of a category for the day, I get to check off “Yes. I reached my target.”
The best part for me, though, is when I think about a snack, I can check my plan and see what is missing for the day. Instead of sugary candy and cookies, I might reach for the peanut butter and a chopped apple on a rice cake. It’s filling, satisfying, tasty, and healthy. Then I can pat myself on the back. I’ve made every bite count!
I was given a Bullet Journal by a friend, and if you haven’t heard about them, the Bujos are an interesting way to organize your life or at least part of your life. I don’t know about you, but I am forever collecting pieces of papers with information that I might need. It can be a tear sheet, a Post-it note, a flier, or a booklet about a kitchen gadget. My phone photos are full of screen shots, my electronic version of my ever-increasing stash of info. A Bullet Journal seemed to be the answer to get a handle on the paper.
Bullet Journals are quite simple to do. You can buy beautiful Bujos online, several with starter kits. However, all you really need is a notebook and pen. There are instructional video if you need more help. Just Google it. After you get the notebook, you will make an index of the topics you wish to include with page numbers where the information is found in the journal, and the rest of the journal are the numbered pages of information. I started with a pile of paper and began organizing them into topics. I listed the subjects and began a section in the book about that topic. I numbered the pages leaving a few extra pages for future entries. The page numbers are then listed by the topic in the index.
There are advanced uses of Bulletin Journals. I have not graduated to them yet. Bujos can be logs for future planning and goals or a reflection log of past work, brain dumps capturing your ideas, habit tracking, and pretty much whatever you want it to be. I looked at several posts online about Bujos, and they pretty much said the same thing. (Pinterest has many examples.) They all use signifiers which are symbols to categorize the info. It is as simple as a bullet point or a dash. You can make the signifiers whatever you want.
Get creative and use stickers to highlight different sections or colored pencils to differentiate the topics. Cynthia is the queen of stickers and colored pencils, pens, and markers. She has organized all her stickers and highlights her planners and calendars with them. They are works of art. Sometimes, I glue a clipping or clothing tag in the Bojo. However, I try not to make the book bulky.
At first, I was pretty good at putting materials in the Bullet Journal. Then, I became lazy resulting in a paper log jam. I did put all the papers in a small box, so it is ready to go. I just need to add the new info while I am watching TV or whatever. This is not hard. Then I can make confetti gleefully tearing up all the odds and ends of paper. Of course, I will recycle. I will then have a go-to place when I am trying to find the name of that wonderful plumber everyone raving about.
I would suggest keeping on top of all the paper, so it doesn’t become a landslide. Bulletin Journals are an excellent answer to organizing information. You can use Bujos for several purposes, so the sky is the limit for your ideas. You just need to begin!
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!
Kevin Kelly is a creative who co-founded the magazine WIRED in 1993. He is the author of several publications and has researched “Cool Tools” for more than twenty years. Having traveled extensively, he has listed what he has learned over years of travel. I wanted to share the link to his tips, but I have quite a few of my own.
When I retired, barely into my 60s, I had planned to travel extensively, also. Maybe not at the level of Mr. Kelly, but I could not wait until I was free to roam with no obligations. While that didn’t work out for me (within months I was caring for my aging mother), I was still able to take a few vacations. Several countries are on my bucket list, but there is nothing like a good road trip.
Now that I am in my 70s and the aches and pains have kicked in, I find I must adjust my former way of hopping into the car and heading out. Recently my cousin (with whom I have traveled for a couple of decades) and I planned a trip to the Redwood Forest. As the time to leave drew near, we agreed that a shorter trip was in order. Driving five or six hours a day is the longest we felt we could handle. I do most of the driving (which I enjoy) but I can no longer see well enough at night to feel safe in unfamiliar territory. Plus, it’s nice to start finding a hotel / motel before dark.
When on a road trip, we plan an “ultimate destination” and some potential sight-seeing adventures, but not much more. A true road trip allows one to experience Americana. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a sign indicating an historic site, a point of interest, or a “world famous” or “world biggest” something. With no specific destination required for the day, an unplanned turn has yielded some of the most interesting and enjoyable experiences.
Getting off the interstates and traveling state highways allows us to drive through small towns and villages we would otherwise never know existed. Much as our mothers knew no strangers, we will talk to anyone in a local restaurant. We meet the nicest people, most of whom have fantastic suggestions about things to see “up the road.” These provide opportunities to get out and stretch our legs, taking short – or sometimes not so short – walks to the monument. Riding for too long is not great for circulation, so these side-jaunts counter the long periods in the car.
We have found packing cubes make one-night layovers easier. As more mature women who are out for a couple of weeks or more, lugging large suitcases in and out of the car every morning and night is not fun. I pack each cube with a complete outfit, including footwear, so all I have to do is grab a cube. A small, rolling bag* contains toiletries, flip flops (I don’t walk on hotel floors barefooted!), and sleepwear, along with technology and chargers, is the only suitcase I take in. When we reach a destination at which we want to stay multiple nights, we take the big suitcases in, repack our cubes, and we are set for the next hop.
Traveling in the car does present a challenge here and there. Weather apps on the phones set to roam will provide alerts if adverse conditions are expected. Another necessity is to assume you will have car trouble, even though you have had the automobile serviced prior to leaving. I keep two flannel blankets, a first-aid kit, a road emergency kit, and snow scrapers in the trunk at all times. My AAA membership card, Senior Lifetime National Parks membership name tag, insurance card and registration, along with a small amount of cash are always in the car, too. I have a set of corrective sunglasses, regular glasses, and now reading glasses in the side pocket.
Purple has a nice little cushion that rides along for road trips, to add extra cushioning. Even in the summer, I use the seat heater … and crank up the air conditioning, to keep my muscles relaxed while driving.
Another must for road trips is the snack box and a slew of water bottles. I have yet to take home an empty snack box. However, a few “dinners” have been created from the goodies we bring along. Non-perishable items such as dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars provide quick energy and a nice “hold over” until a restaurant of interest is found. Starkist has a nice little tuna-on-the-go kit. Oloves has individually wrapped, flavored olives for healthy snacks. While we stay away from sugary snacks, Kodiac has individually wrapped Bear Bites – graham cracker bears in chocolate and honey – which offer a sweet treat when needed. And anything that can’t be frozen may be packed for the first couple of days of the trip – a pasta salad full of veggies, tabouli, muffins, fruit cups, etc. No reason to waste food!
Finally, even though I have GPS in my car, and my cousin and I both have smart phones with GPS, I take an atlas and regional road maps. Sometimes, you want to get off major highways and explore. Good old-fashioned maps are helpful for getting the bigger picture and sometimes for navigating streets and roads.
The only other things that needs to be considered for a road trip, is whether you can travel enjoyably with the other person. But that’s for another missive. Meanwhile, enjoy the ride!
*PS I have duplicates of everything I use daily and small versions of “emergency” needs such as scissors, nail files, pain relievers, etc. My “toiletry” bag is always packed, ready to go in a moment’s notice!
When our parents build our childhood home, they purchased a lot that had a small creek along the one boundary. It was about two feet wide and six to twelve inches deep as it meandered towards the Susquehanna River.
The property had an interesting history before we claimed it as our home. Early in its history, an Indian tribe had a village there. We would find arrowheads and other artifacts when we were tilling the ground to plant. In the early part of the 20th century, the property was an ostrich farm – the feathers were used for ladies’ hats of the time. Mid-century, the land was used as a nursery. The creek remained central in all chapters of the land, and it was for our family as well.
When my brother, Timmy, and I were young, we were constantly in the creek. We would build dams; catch crawfish, baby fish, or frogs; and one year, we discovered freshwater muscles. The muscle shells had mother-of-pearl interiors. We were sure we could make jewelry out of the shell and become rich. Childhood dreams!
Alongside the creek, we would build barns for imaginary horses and jumps for them to leap. It was endless days of summer fun. In any season, we were playing in or by the creek. On snowy days, we would cross a wooden plank that bridged the creek allowing us to get to the ice-skating ponds. Often, we would slip and fall in the creek’s really cold water. Our mother was always thawing us out as we dressed again to go outside and do it all over again.
One summer, the creek dried up, and all the baby fish were in small puddles thrashing around to stay alive. I caught a snake having dinner on the trapped fish. I went for a shovel to end it days, and it was gone by the time I returned. I had to save the fish so the snakes would not eat them all. I got a bucket and filled it with water and put the baby fish in it. I had to carry the fish to a big pond about two or three football fields away from our house. I remember that the walk to the pond was so hard because the bucket was heavy with water and my hand hurt as the handle dug into my palms. I had to stop often to rest. Then fight the weeds to get to the pond. When I got there, it was such relief to dump the bucket into the water and save the fish. I made about three or four trips that day saving those babies.
We saw the water snakes as the enemy of the creek. This was before we understood the balance of nature. Eating the baby fish was just doing a snake’s job. However, I would don my father’s waiters and grab a shovel. Then it was off with their heads. We cleared the snakes from the creek. I cannot believe I did that. I have had several snake encounters over the years – another blog one day. I keep thinking that it is all karma for me taking their lives, and it should equal out soon – I hope.
As we grew, the creek became less important, but an event happened that changed it all for my family. There was a big oak tree that grew at the corner of our property near the creek, and by the tree there was a big metal tube that was used as a bridge for the farmer to traverse to plow the fields behind our house. Stones surrounded the tube keeping it in place. The tree had a Tarzan rope swing that we would play on. All fun! However, my brother, would climb the tree and throw his coat down and then lie at the bottom of the tree and say help me, I fell. He thought it was so funny. Timmy was a tease.
Then, one day as I was feeding our dogs at the coop – the dog kennel – near the creek, I looked up and down came Timmy’s gold hooded jacket trimmed in fake black fur, and this time, he was in it. He fell about 15 feet, hit the metal tube, and bounced on the stones into the creek. My mother was watching from the kitchen window and flew out of the house to get Timmy. She got him out of the creek. He was unconscious. She rushed to the car with a neighbor to take him to the emergency room. I stood there in the swirl that was happening. Off they went, and I was scared wondering about Timmy.
Hours later my mother returned. My father was with her. I overheard words like fractured skull, concussion, and maybe he could die. With the morning, Timmy gained consciousness and escaped the worst possibilities. He did have a bad concussion. He would have to be careful about any future head injury because it could be fatal for him. I think his thick winter coat saved the worst of the fall. The creek was not the same after that. Some of it was our age, and some of it was the memory of the fall.
In years to come, my own children played in the creek when they came home to visit their grandparents in the summers. It held the same magic for them. Then years after that the creek became Terry’s Creek named after a neighbor’s child. He, too, was in the creek all the time as we were as children. It is a wonderful playground for children allowing their imaginations to grow, and each new generation of children claimed it as their own.
When my parents downsized and sold the family home, I went to take pictures of the house and of course, the creek. I collect stones from the creek for my parents, my brother, my children, and me. I made them each a photo album to remember our family time there and a stone to remember the creek. It was a nice closure to many years of memories. Now, I do believe the creek actually runs through our hearts and souls and is a part of who we are. Did you have a creek or a pond in your youth that still flows through you?
Silver Sage Sisters 