Here is a great list of toys that every child needs. Don’t panic. These gifts won’t break the bank. Geek Dad Jonathan Liu posted The 5 Best Toys of All Time on Wired.com The list is his and can be read at his link. The comments on the list below are mine. Enjoy. 1. Stick

Writing is a skill as well as a gift. Some people are born with a flare and a love for writing. Some even feel compelled to write. And the good news is that your writing skill can be increased and enhanced by study and practice. Here are a couple of techniques designed to strengthen your

I have had the pleasure of speaking to more and more groups about Making Happy Happen in their lives. And the message has been very well received. I have to give a lot credit to my friend and colleague Deanne DeMarco. As many of you know, I have felt a calling for years as a

That’s the challenge a friend gave me last week, and it taught me something new. Brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand exercises the opposite side of your brain. I tried right away and was surprised at how difficult it was. It gave me a new appreciation for the work my little grandchildren do to

Some people write in their journal in the evening, unwinding and reflecting on their day. I find that starting the day with a journal entry makes for a great day. Try using your journal to set a positive mood for the day. Get worries out of you head. Do you ever wake up anticipating the

Do you remember old lady shoes? The kind our grandmothers wore? I swore I would NEVER wear old lady shoes. This particular vow was made when I was about 11 years old. At the time I had two wonderful grandmothers and four sweet doting grand aunts all of whom I just adored. But they all

Even though the Christmas decorations were in the stores waaay too early this year, as usual, I no longer start to panic the way I did in years, past. Beginning in her 50’s my mother began saying that she and all her contemporaries had become “Generals with no armies.” She said it a lot, and

On Mother’s Day we all reflect on our mothers. See if what one mom did right reminds you of what your mom did right and what we can all learn from our mothers. Mom made me feel special. When I was four years old, my big sister went to afternoon kindergarten, and my little brother

Vickie and Dave moved in next door when their youngest daughter, Randi, was 18 months old, exactly one week older than our Jane. When you are growing up, it just doesn’t get any better than having your best friend live right next door. The girls went through all kinds of milestones together: kindergarten, Brownies, going

I decided to get an early start on Thanksgiving. There are so many things to be thankful for that I am making a list. In alphabetical order, I am thankful for: The Arboretum — Just a few miles from my home is the Morton Arboretum. It is one of the most beautiful places I have