Moon Over Taylor\’s Ridge Kindle Edition Author: Janie Dempsey Watts http://www.janiewatts.com/ Reviewed By: Anne Holmes for the NABBW This is a wonderful story populated with well-developed characters, and set in a historically rich place – the tiny town of Taylor\’s Crossing, Georgia. The fictional community\’s location is crucial to the story. We quickly learn that Taylor\’s Crossing is in northwest Georgia, near Taylor\’s Ridge, and south of Ringgold. Nestled into an arm of the Appalachians, in Chattooga County, it\’s an area rich in Native American... Read More

Why Don\’t More Parents Talk About Empty Nest? By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert This weekend kids are packing up and heading to college. Parents are shocked at the gut pain they are feeling, hugging goodbye. The “ugly cry” visits them at unpredictable times, like while marketing. Goodbye drops them into the reality that their parenting role will never be as it was before. They are kicked out of the kingdom with an unfamiliar role as parents. Parents are in the background, not leading, not seeing day to day, and not hearing the stories after school. It is... Read More

Book Marketing Power Tip: Book Marketing Tip: Make sure that people can find your book on Amazon.com By Ronda Del Boccio NABBW’s Entrepreneurial Authoring Expert Recently, a friend of mine published her book on Amazon. I was so excited for her! I was ready to look up her book on Amazon and tell my contacts about her book. There was just one problem. I couldn\’t find her book. She told me that her book would be up by a certain date, and I was looking for a full week. Finally, I sent her an instant message and said we were sure book? I thought it was up. She said, quote, it\’s... Read More

“Oh and By The Way I Want To Strengthen My Core” By Lisa Byrne, B.S Exercise Sciences | Certified Pilates Instructor NABBW’s Boomer Women\’s Fitness Expert “Really?” I say. Rarely do I run into a person whether new in the studio or someone I meet that doesn\’t include that statement in our conversation. I\’ve learned that following up with a question tells me more about what they think they know verses what they say. “So, what does that mean to you?” The answers usually pertain to them hand gesturing or even patting their belly, responding... Read More

Don’t Sleep on It By Leigh Anne Jasheway NABBW’s Boomer Humor Expert Driving back home from a trip to Portland, Oregon, I saw a full-size travel trailer painted flame red with the black silhouettes of three obviously young naked women on the side. In fact, they appeared to be naked and living on a planet with little or no gravity. I immediately thought that strip clubs had gone mobile. Yes, it would probably be difficult to stay on the pole as the trailer careens around curves or comes to an abrupt stop, but I’m sure men would pay extra to watch that. If you think talking on cell phones... Read More

Saying Goodbye to Your College Bound Kids By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert In our parent group, I suggested each share what they will miss and what they look forward to when they aren\’t parents every day. I suggested they remember to allow different parts of them to speak, the confident one, the brave one, the sad one, the freedom one, etc. We forget we have so many parts within us when sadness grips. Tears are a great thing even though I have never met one person who likes to cry unless they are alone. Even alone, the beginning of tears feels the worst because you... Read More

Harnessing the Power of Place By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert Not long ago, during a time when stress and fatigue had taken their toll on my body, I booked a weekend away at a local bed and breakfast. Nestled in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I watched breathtaking mountain sunsets, delighted in deer frolicking in the woods, and sat for hours in a red Adirondack chair, soaking in the beauty around me. It was healing. But most of the time, the converse is true. I spend time in stressful places — doctor’s offices and hospitals, crowded shopping malls... Read More

Three Timely Tips for Caregiver Grandparents By Chloe JonPaul New census data reveals that 4.9 million children under the age of 18 live in grandparent-headed households. If you are one of those grandparents, you may want to consider these tips as part of your action plan to promote good behavior and cooperation with your grandchild. Communication Strategies When a child/teen-ager misbehaves, try saying: “I\’m not angry ` a bit disappointed, maybe because your behavior right now just isn\’t matching the good person inside you. I know that good person is in there and I want... Read More

You Want Me to Do What? Journaling for Caregivers Author: B. Lynn Goodwin Website: http://www.writeradvice.com/ywmtdw.htm Reviewed By: Anne Holmes for the NABBW This is a fantastic little book for caregivers who are looking for a way to relieve their stress. Journaling is a perfect stress-buster, and author B. Lynn Goodwin has personal experience to her credit. This book is small enough to fit into your pocket, so that you can journal whenever a free moment hits – or make a free moment by taking it into the bathroom with you! Author Goodwin says, “Think of it this way: Remember how... Read More

Can You See The Bigger Picture? By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert Parents are on the countdown to goodbyes. When you are going through a transition, it helps to focus on the grander image of why you are choosing what you are choosing. 1. Do you need more energy?2. Is it time to explore a change of behaviors or people in your life?3. Whether chosen or given, change happens, so what is possible now for you?4. Who can help you?5. How do you make decisions, quickly or over time?6. What are your gifts and your limitations?7. How do you comfort yourself?8. What fears pop up about... Read More