Author: Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant Reviewed By: Georgia Richardson Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant is called “The Accidentail Comic” but after you read her debut novel, Life is Funny, I\’m sure you\’ll agree that her humor writing is no accident. It\’s pure talent. Life, politics, secrets that become front page news, hairdressers who give new meaning to the word dysfunctional, and our main loveable, witty character, Judy; a hairdresser UN-extraordinaire, who dreams of one day becoming a stand-up comedian. Does she finally go for it? Uh huh. Sure does. Not only that,... Read More

There are 78 million baby boomers in America today that are facing their upcoming retirement and other reminders of growing older. However, this group has already proven themselves to be different than previous generations by being more active, healthier and living more productive lifestyles. The chance to pursue life- long interests and other activities, once constrained by commitments from work and family, is a welcome blessing now. The general premise is, if you want to do something, go for it. In fact, a study done by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, in June 2006,... Read More

Valentine\’s Day is over. If you are single, how did you fare? Were you depressed? Did you ignore the day? Did you find your own way to enjoy it? Wait a minute, you say. Why think about Valentine\’s Day at all, since it has just passed. You feel safe for another 12 months. Maybe by then you\’ll have a special man to give you a box of candy or a sexy card. Why think about it now? It\’s because it is not a burning issue now that you may be more open to a new perspective on being single next Valentine\’s Day.Society still puts a higher value on marriage than on being... Read More

“I will believe in you every day of my life,” was told to ET by Elliot. About a week ago, I woke up in the middle of the night and heard someone say, “Why don\’t you write about me?” I was pretty sure I recognized that voice. The next morning I picked up a book, opened it, and read, “I will believe in you every day of my life.” Okay, so this person is not so subtle! David is my Elliot. We met 25 years ago. We were both 12 (we were mature for our age) and were employed in the Direct Mail/Advertising department at Bloomingdale\’s in Manhattan. We had that comfort level that... Read More

…by Prill Boyle How does one discover a calling? The honest answer is, I\’m not sure. For the majority of us, I suspect, the seeds appear in childhood. (My interviews with late bloomers bear this out.) But other than that, I can\’t really say. What I have noticed, however, is that serendipity often plays a role. Take one of the first late bloomers I ever interviewed, Linda Bach, whose chance encounter with a medical student at a bar in the Cayman Islands changed her life. As Linda and the young man got to chatting, she confessed that she\’d always wanted to go to medical... Read More

…Mary Pearsall It seems that many more people are eating out more frequently. You could be setting yourself up for weight gain if you are a frequent diner – but it need not happen. With a little effort you can have as much control over what you eat when you dine out as when you eat at home. The following tips give you the tools you need to win at the restaurant game 1. Get a Little Something on the Side. Salad dressing is not the only topping that can be served on the side. You can maek the same request with sour cream, sauces, cheese, any toppings and most seasonings. 2. Ask... Read More

Menopause is yet another chance for us to see life as a blessing. Not many women say it\’s easy. What makes this mid-life transition less stressful is really how we think and feel about ourselves. It is an undeniable chance to see how much inner work we have really done so far. Most women report that it can be a deal-breaker phase of life. In other words, women going through menopause often get the feeling ‘its now of never\’. But whether you have been diligent about healing, moving on, staying open, remaining positive, or just barely keeping your head above water, for many women... Read More

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. – Hebrews 13:15 amp I received the nicest email from someone who stumbled across my devotionals. Dianne complimented me on the site, and encouraged me to keep working for the Lord. I appreciate the fact that Dianne took the time to cheer on a fellow Christian she has never met. Her email caused me to wonder. When\’s the last time I applauded someone? Have I inspired someone to work harder in his... Read More

It was a dimly lit restaurant. Still she was dressed in pink, and while I admit it\’s hard to tell the gender of three month old babies, clothing color is a reliable clue. So, it surprised me when the waitress began playing with my granddaughter, asking “How old is he?” Twenty minutes later, that same waitress served our dinners into my daughter-in-law\’s lap, spilling the contents of her tray as she approached the table. We made light of the occurrence, assisting her with basic cleanup, but the interaction got me thinking. I\’ve met and managed too many people who... Read More

Acting and film-making schools can give your grandchild poise and confidencey By Mary Ann Cooper for GRAND Magazine You may be a proud grand who thinks your grandchild “oughta be in pictures,” because you see that same teen or preteen flourishing in the spotlight. If so, you might think about enrolling your grandchild in acting or film school. It would give the child real-world, hands-on experience as well as give both of you a souvenir DVD or just good old-fashioned memories to last a lifetime. Lots of grandparents enroll their grandkids and pay for the tuition. This has less to... Read More