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Christmas Memories

When I saw the quote from Laura Ingalls Wilder about childhood memories, it got me thinking about Christmas during my childhood. Every child should be able to experience the magic of the season—Santa Claus bringing gifts, Christmas programs at church and school, baking Christmas cookies—traditions that become so ingrained that they carry them into adulthood to pass on to their own children. The…

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What Makes a Reader?

Check out this article on thoughts about what creates a reader and how it can impact the personality and career choices of children.

A recent conversation with three children ages seven, eight, and 16 made me wonder what makes some people like reading when others don’t. I used to think it was parental influence, but that doesn’t hold true because kids from the same family can have different preferences. I considered whether children who struggled in school with the language arts became non-readers and those who grasped those…

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What Is Professional Photography?

This post is the result of being told I couldn't use my camera when viewing an exhibit because it produces professional pictures, but I could take photos with my cell phone to use in any way I chose because they aren't professional images.

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How Wedding Traditions Came to Exist

Have you ever wondered where our favored wedding traditions come from? Click below to learn about how many stem from superstitions, fear of evil spirits, ownership of women, and business transactions.

An average of 2.4 million weddings occur in the U.S. annually, or about 5,000 per day. When planning a wedding, most couples incorporate several traditions, including a wedding shower, an engagement party, the father giving away the bride, tossing the bouquet, going on a honeymoon, and more. Have you ever wondered how these traditions came to be? I was surprised to learn that many derive from…

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Looking Forward Means Looking Back

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Create a 2023 Success Plan

Create a 2023 Success Plan

As we enter 2023, many people will be once again setting New Year’s resolutions. The problem is most of those resolutions are never met, and the list repeats itself year after year. Why is this? A resolution is a firm decision to either do something or not do something. It is something that is resolved. Resolving means you are deciding to find a solution to a problem. The thought process that…

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Merry Christmas Memories

This year I find myself reminiscing about Christmases prior. Remembering the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, planning a meal, and having the family over for dinner and gift opening. The beauty of the Christmas tree lights sparkling in the dark over the perfectly stacked Christmas gifts and the living room looking like a massive hurricane went through after the gifts have…

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What Is Our Future?

What does our future hold? I believe we are headed for a civil war. If you want to know more about what prompts my thinking, read below.

When I look at what is happening within the United States over the past few years, combined with the conduct and verbiage of political figures and citizens, I believe it won’t be long before this country finds itself in the midst of a civil war. Civil war includes conflicts over government control and may involve military coups, insurgents from within the government, and challengers from outside…

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Restoring Relationships

A recent set of events led me to research information on restoring relationships. Learn about what inspired this post and what I learned by reading the blog below.

Three years ago, I made a decision to take legal action against a family member. I did this with the support of other family members.  After exhausting all other options, a joint decision was made that I would be the “face” of the group, acting as the plaintiff when filing petitions. The matter was resolved through mediation more than 14 months ago. A conversation with a family member on the…

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Oldies Observations

I've been enjoying some TV oldies from the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's and made a few observations from my 2022 perspective. Check them out below.

We were unable to get any local stations while traveling this summer and found a TV station playing some prime-time oldies.  Watching shows from the past leads to some interesting observations. This includes the way people were portrayed in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Perry Mason (1957-1966) Perry Mason is an attorney who always wins his case. This almost always happens during a trial by showing…

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Grandkids Keep Life Fun

Grandkids Keep Life Fun

As if going on the road doing full-time RV was not bad enough for a long time away from my three grandchildren, COVID-19 kept me out of my home state of Michigan for more than a year. I finally got to spend a fun three days with Austin, Corbin, and Alexandria over Memorial Weekend 2021. The weekend kicked off when my 6-year-old granddaughter, Alex, ran out to greet me. Throwing her arms around…

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20 Biltmore Observations

It had been on my bucket list for decades and I finally can check it off – a tour of Biltmore Estate and Gardens. Biltmore is America’s largest home. Taking my best friend, Vicki, with me, we elected to schedule the audio tour. This provides an array of informative information about the rooms you walk through as your visit three floors and the basement. George Vanderbilt began construction of…

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Not Smart Enough

Imagine back to when you were in the 8th grade, about 14 years old. You must make a decision that impacts the balance of your time in school. You can take a vocational program, which you attend to grade 12, or a university prep program, which you attend to grade 13. Once you make your decision, you cannot change to the other program. Now, consider being that 8th grade boy and before you make…

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Hindsight is 2020

While the age-old saying about hindsight being 20/20 is often used, the roll-over of the new year gives it an entirely new meaning. Regardless of what you personally think of the past year, there are likely some choices you would have made differently. This is true for any year, but especially given the horrific one we had. Are there thing I would have changed?  Not many. I would not have…

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The Game of Life

The Game of Life

            When you own hotels, you can collect a lot of rent. Every time you round the corner you collect $200, and there is always a chance you can get out of jail free. Every player knows it is better to purchase property on Park Place and Boardwalk than it is on Mediterranean or Baltic Avenue. The real competition is everyone wanting to own a railroad Monopoly.             Of course, it is…

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Celebrating Traverse City's Centennial 1947

Celebrating Traverse City’s Centennial 1947

I have always liked this photograph of my paternal grandparents, Louise Elizabeth (Lautner) King and Dominick King. They are wearing period dress for the celebration of Traverse City’s Centennial celebration in 1947. The photo made me wonder what the celebration and Traverse City were like in 1947. 

My grandmother was 35 years old, and my grandfather 44. They were the parents of three boys; my…

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Looking Ahead Seven Years

Looking Ahead Seven Years

It is often said, plan for your future. Everyone is supposed to have a 5-year plan and a 10-year plan. I recently read something that asked where you anticipate your life being in seven years.  

Strange number, but what the heck. What will your life be like in 2027? What do I anticipate for mine?

I know things can change on a moment’s notice. The best laid plans change and before you know…