Autumn Breathes
by Lori Pelikan Strobel
Colored magic and crisp whiffs whirl over wooded pastures
Summer sighs
Autumn inhales
Coolness dawns while Fall tumbles into me.
7 Tips – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
by Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. and Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D.
Courtesy of healthpicture.com
For over 25 years, October has been designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You’ll find races to run that raise funds for research. Stores will be selling everything from mixmasters to ipods in pink.
In fact, pink ribbons will be virtually everywhere. What does this focus on early detection and recovery mean to you?
If you are over 40, have regular screening mammograms and perform monthly breast self-exams. And see your physician for an annual breast exam and consultation about risk factors and additional diagnostic steps to take, such as MRI. With early detection, most breast cancers now can be successfully treated.
There are between 2 and 3 million American women living today who have survived breast cancer and are thriving. Yet, as many survivors have learned, the process of coping with any serious illness can take its toll – emotionally and physically. […]
The Perimenopausal Double Whammy
by Melanie Elliott
I became a mom, through adoption, at the age of 45. I’ve been a mom now for a little over 4 years, which means I’m pushing 50.
Yikes and Yay!
I love being this age, even though I have a few more cricks and creaks in my body. For the most part, I have a pretty level head, am grounded and comfortable in my skin. Life is good with no major complaints. There’s a bit more stress in my everyday world because we recently rescued a lovely dog, Pepper, so we’re all adjusting to the furry addition in our lives. And, there’s an added layer of, well let me call it mishegas (Yiddish for crazy), in life due to entering the world of perimenopause. […]
10 Signs Your Teen is Developing an Eating Problem (Part II)
by Irene Celcer
At age 14, Chloe becomes interested in boys and develops a crush on Jason. But Jason has a crush on Amanda. Her friends comment, “Amanda is so pretty and so thin!”
A couple of days later, Chloe decides goes on a diet. Chloe has gotten taller since she turned 12. Her weight is on target. ‘Don’t eating disorders start with dieting?’ her mother thinks. “I will get you fresh and good quality food,” she says.
Chloe begins dieting intently. She loses weight. Friends and Aunt Dottie congratulate her profusely. Something starts happening for Chloe. Dieting becomes her most important activity. Deep down, Chloe believes that being thin will grant her admiration and, Jason.1
Does Chloe have an eating disorder? Not yet. As a parent be vigilant! […]
What Being a Mom Means To a Dad, Who Happens To Be a Mom
by Nicolas D'Ambra
Now Is Your One Last Chance
by Tracy Franz
Having lived a number of years in Japan, I’ve often heard the Japanese phrase ichi-go ichi-e—literally, “one time, one meeting”—described by Japanese and Westerners alike as carpe diem, “seize the day.” Or, if you prefer the pop-culture version, “YOLO.” […]
A Mother’s Musings – Cannoli
Judith Lee Herbert
I
“Cannoli,” you say,
your first word this morning,
sweet remembrance of yesterday’s taste
of creamy pastry, still on your tongue.
I laugh, delighted
by your bright smile,
warm honey-colored hair,
sturdy little legs.
You are two, and
I sing to you
in the mornings,
strangely happy to greet the day
even before coffee. […]
My Top 13 Mommy Confessions
by Karen Osburn
I’m not typically a Mommy who worries. Really.
But I have my moments. I have my doubts, fears, and insecurities like many Moms do.
Or do they?
Maybe it is just me? […]
Autumn in the Air (Going Back)
by Maggie Lamond Simone
“I wouldn’t go back there for the world!” I said to a woman whose daughter was picking out new school stuff alongside my son.
“All I did was worry about homework and clothes, and if I wasn’t doing that, I was chasing a boy – not that I ever caught one. It was just way too much stress.”
“I know!” the woman laughed. “I’m glad this one’s only in first grade!”
“That’s when I was talking about,” I replied. She grabbed her child and fled. […]
Is That Your Grandson?
by Nancy LaMar Rodgers
Here’s to Your Health
I put the supplements up on the counter at the health food store. My eight month old was positioned on my hip and my 11 year old was standing next to me, bored and put out by the endless errands we had to run that day.
On the counter was Kava Kava for relaxation, B12 for energy, Vitamin D for my immune, Psyllium powder for constipation, and Black Cohosh for menopausal symptoms. My son was fidgeting and trying to grab whatever was colorful on the counter. The owner had yet to come to the register. I handed the baby off to his sister and said, “hold your brother for a second, I forgot something.” She obliged begrudgingly, still annoyed with his existence, ruining her standing as an “only child.” […]