The joy of a hug

Do people seem more huggy at this time of the year, or is it just me? Personally, I’m not a “hugger.” It’s something I’m working on though. As the holiday season approaches, hugs become more than just a gesture — they’re part of the magic that makes this time of year so special. Whether it’sContinue reading “The joy of a hug”

Finding your voice: Lessons from a Humorous Speech Contest

I recently had the pleasure of attending a humorous speech contest, and what an experience it was! Eight different speakers took the stage, each delivering a carefully crafted speech designed to make the audience laugh. The topics were as varied as the personalities: from time travel and family stories to running experiences, life lessons, planningContinue reading “Finding your voice: Lessons from a Humorous Speech Contest”

Do homophones trip you up?

Ever typed “their” when you meant “there”? Or maybe “to” instead of “too”? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. These little mix-ups are all thanks to homophones, and they’re one of the sneakiest challenges in the English language. So, what exactly are homophones? They’re words that sound the same but have different meanings—and often different spellings. ThinkContinue reading “Do homophones trip you up?”

Conjunctions: Keeping it all together

Conjunctions are the glue that hold our thoughts together. These small but mighty words—like and, but, or, because and although—help us link ideas, contrast opinions and explain reasons. Without them, our sentences would be short, choppy and disconnected. Imagine trying to write a story or make a persuasive argument without ever connecting your thoughts. Chaos! There are three mainContinue reading “Conjunctions: Keeping it all together”

The recipe rumble

One of the things I’m doing more often now that I’m older is baking. Sometimes it’s easy. Sometimes it’s a little more challenging. I recently tried to follow a recipe I found online for gourmet cookies. It looked easy enough—just a few steps, a nice photo, and a promise of “foolproof results.” I pulled itContinue reading “The recipe rumble”

Crafting clear communications

Last week, I stepped outside my comfort zone to create ads and launch online campaigns for a local business. As a writer with limited experience in digital publishing tools, it was a steep learning curve—but I pulled it off. (At least I think I did!) The process reminded me how crucial it is to understandContinue reading “Crafting clear communications”

Writing is never static

Writing has always been my sanctuary—a source of calm and mental clarity. In one of my earliest blog posts over four years ago, I shared, “There’s something therapeutic about getting your thoughts on paper, or in this case, online.” That sentiment still rings true. Today, I paused to reflect on the journey. I started bloggingContinue reading “Writing is never static”

A note for a smile

Every so often, a message pops up—like today’s text—checking in to see how I’m doing or how my day’s unfolding. It may be brief, but that simple gesture often brightens my whole day. Sending a note can significantly change someone’s day by shifting their perspective from the negative to the positive. Here’s how. Sending aContinue reading “A note for a smile”

The weight of expression

If there’s one quality I admire in someone, it’s their ability to communicate thoughts and ideas clearly without fear of being challenged or ridiculed. And, if you can express true emotion, that’s even better in my books. For me, openness and communication have always been central. Years of experience have shaped my writing and taughtContinue reading “The weight of expression”

Break the ice and build connection

My good friend has the gift of gab and can strike up a conversation and make friends wherever she goes. She’s not loud or pushy—just effortlessly engaging. For some of us, like me, starting a conversation can feel intimidating—whether meeting someone for the first time or joining a group of people at a business meeting.Continue reading “Break the ice and build connection”