When was the last time that you learned something new or revisited a hobby that you once loved to do? Over the years my creative side moved toward technology design, workshop development with less focus on homemaking activities…I was working full time and found it harder and harder to use my creativity except during holiday feasting! That is what happens when life gets in the way of living…I didn’t realize how much I had given up until I decided to give up corporate business

Sunday was such a beautiful day that I couldn’t resist getting out for a long walk…while listening to some of my favorite songs. “New York State of Mind” played as I was reflecting on the day I spent with my daughter. Olivia will deliver my first grandbaby in three and a half weeks! Lately, I have found myself going into Mama mode as the arrival of this precious bundle approaches…once a mama always a mama. Even Thursday, I had the need to check on Olivia…I remembered when I w

I woke this morning thinking about how different my life would have been without my mother’s touch in raising me to be the woman I am today. My “Mama” was lovely…gentle…kind…creative…nurturing…and selfless….always putting others needs before her own. She was a seamstress…a fabulous cook and homemaker…the orchestrator of events…and my negotiator when it came to affairs of the heart…(curfews and parties). She was a tease behind the scenes…when it came to April Fool’s pranks she

Did you know that the average person celebrating the holiday will spend $126 on a loved one? Also, shoppers are expected to spend an average of $25.25 on their children, parents or other family members; $6.92 on their friends; and $4.52 on their pets (go to Petco.com for their discounts today). About 6 this morning after exercising…I went to Kroger and saw more men shopping than staff working! Isn’t it great that the grocery is a one stop shop even on Valentine’s Day! The sto

I am like most mothers with children that live away from home….I can never get enough time with them. I remember when my oldest went off to college and I would go past his bedroom and look at the empty bed and often weep because I missed him so much. Today, my children are grown…the oldest lives in Nashville so when I need what I call a “Stratton fix” it usually isn’t difficult..with my other two, it isn’t quite so easy! My daughter is in Michigan…not too far from Chicago…alw