By Maggie Davenport for the NABBW Winter. A time of natural rest and retreat, of wrapping ourselves in fluffy blankets and settling down, reflecting (or not!). Meanwhile, in perfect sync with nature, our furry and winged friends are nesting, mating, and traveling to warmer climates – making ready for a flurry of activity in the spring. Resolutions With January in the rear view mirror, and many of us still feeling stuck in the doldrums after  coming  off of the winter holiday season, lots of us are still a bit out of sync with our usual routines. But despite this disorientation, millions... Read More

God! Gimme a Break! Or Better Yet…How About a Breakthrough? By Chloe JonPaul, M. Ed. There are times in our lives when we can find ourselves muttering “C’mon, God! Gimme a break!”  In the wake of seemingly endless troubles, discouragement can set in easily, leaving us to feel hopeless.  But wait a minute!  We’re not alone.  As a matter of fact we’re in good company:  Consider Job in the Old Testament.  He lost everything – and he did complain to God but in the end he managed to say, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord.” Then there... Read More

A Holiday Note from “The Diva” By Barb Tobias NABBW’s Thrifting Expert I become reflective with the turning of the leaves and the fast approach of the holidays. During this time I am reminded of the days and things and people that colored my 2011 canvas. It was an amazing, pigheaded and magical year. As this last month continues to wane, I look back on the year with a bit of reflection, much gratitude and the hope for a bright future. Reflection. I reflect on what I have learned. Ah…so much. Yet, I still wonder why the lessons are so bumpy. Not that my awareness is limited... Read More