“Adventure is in your blood,” my mom told me recently. 

We were discussing my desire to travel to Japan.  This would be my fifth time visiting my mother’s homeland, but my first time traveling there alone.  I have this itch to test myself that won’t be...

A few months ago I had a strange encounter with a complete stranger.

I was attending an event in another state and the security guard at this event approached me.  He asked if I was from New York and I clarified that I was from Buffalo, New York, not New York City.  This is a common...

It’s Valentine’s Day.

Twenty-five years ago, my boyfriend (now husband) gave me a red toolbox on our first Valentine’s Day and I cried.

This was the first test in our budding relationship.  When a girl expecting flowers and chocolates receives a toolbox, there’s bound...

Why won’t this darn snowblower start?

I was frustrated with myself.  I had this grand plan of clearing the driveway of snow before my husband returned from his business trip.

I was looking forward to the surprised look in his eyes and the accolades he would heap on me for a job well...

Well, it’s been a crazy couple of weeks here in my hometown of Buffalo, NY.

Over Christmas weekend our area experienced a blizzard that blew through with hurricane level winds and dumped 4-6 feet of snow over a 36-hour period.  Over 40 people died, leaving behind family and friends to...

When we first brought home our dog, Scout, we were nervous about her running away.  We decided to purchase an invisible pet fence.

We dug a shallow trench around the perimeter of our yard and installed the wire underground.  Scout wore a collar that would give her a little vibration...

What is your favorite holiday movie?

There are so many good ones to choose from – A Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf, Love Actually, Die Hard (we can debate this one later).

One of my all-time favorites is Christmas Vacation from 1989.

Clark Griswold, played by the hilarious Chevy Chase, is the...

Have you ever found yourself repeating old patterns?  Maybe a bad habit you broke, or an issue you thought was in your past, has suddenly reappeared?

The universe has a funny way of testing us from time to time. 

It begins with a little whisper.  Then the subtle hints become more...

What does it mean to “use your voice”?

I bet you don’t realize it, but you use your voice all the time. 

Sometimes it’s a whisper.

Sometimes it’s a shout.

Sometimes it’s a small action.

Sometimes it’s a strong statement.

We use our voices when we...

Today is the last day of warm weather in my neck of the woods.  It’s been a great run, but summer is breathing her last gasp before the cold northern winds blow in.

This morning I was diverted from my normal walking path.  I was in my zone when I came upon a blockade of yellow...

Saturday, I had the pleasure of enjoying my annual fall ritual – apple picking.

I usually go apple picking by myself.  I find it meditative.  I pull my red wagon through the rows of trees, selecting the apples that stand out to me.  There’s nothing like chomping on a...

I was getting my teeth cleaned and the new hygienist asked, “What do you do?”

I answered, “I help stressed-out people pleasers create healthy boundaries and say NO with confidence.”

She replied, “Oh, I could use you.  I’m such a people pleaser. ...