Favorite Reads, 2018 Edition

Every year, I set a goal to read 50 books and for the past 10 years I’ve met that goal. In 2018, I finished 65 books. It has become a custom for me to list my favorite reads at the end of each year. It’s fun to look back and remember all the great books I’ve read in the last 12 months. It’s also fun to share those favorite reads with my friends, family, and blog readers too. I keep track of my reading lists on Goodreads.com. It’s an amazing source of book information and once you join (for free) you Read More

The Best Gifts Ever

How many articles have you seen lately promising the best gift ideas ever? Perhaps you’ve had a few emails promising something at a great price that is sure to please anyone. Maybe you’ve searched in vain for that “perfect” gift. I have the answer you seek. No. Seriously. I know the what the best holiday gift is. The best thing to give someone at the holidays (or really anytime) is the gift of yourself. Corny? Yes. But true nonetheless. There is only one you and to the people who love you most, you are enough. Your children might be making Read More

Do You Know Your Human Rights?

On December 10, much of the world celebrates Human Rights Day. The United Nations established Human Rights Day in 1948 when U.N. General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).  2018 marks the 70th anniversary of celebrating Human Rights Day. The values promoted in the UDHR are just as critical today as they were in 1948.     The UDHR consists of 30 articles. They claim basic human rights for every person. The declaration is not legally binding, but is the basis for many international treaties, constitutions, and laws. Over 48 countries (including the U.S.) voted on and Read More

You Are Special: Mr. Rogers Says So

My husband and I recently watched Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, a highly acclaimed documentary about Fred Rogers and his long running public television show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.  I have childhood memories of watching the show, but they are pretty vague. As a child, I did not realize what Mr. Rogers was trying to teach me. I only saw the show as entertainment. One thing that stood out to me while watching the film was how much Mr. Rogers wanted children to know they were valued and important. Mr. Rogers and his show have been the subject of many books, films, Read More