...Holidays are times for reminiscing. Memories of what we once had swim before our eyes. We become hyper-aware of who and what we've lost. Amid the smiling faces, there are wounded hearts. Grief is a lonely thing. Surrounded by gaiety, a broken heart can feel more alone and isolated than ever. No one wants to hurt for the holidays, but some of us do... More >>

Winter might as well be called comfort food season. All year long, many look forward to warm, hearty, stick-to-your-ribs feasts with strong childhood memories served on the side. Why not, though, start the comfort food coziness even earlier than that - with the appetizer course... More >>

The Christmas of 1964 comes close to bringing tears to my eyes even today. We only got presents twice a year: birthday and Christmas. We each got three presents. Often what we got was clearly a cheaper version of what we wanted, but imagination made up the difference... More >>

...As a hospice chaplain and grief counselor, I see a lot of holiday grief. Many are hurting and wondering how they are going to navigate this time emotionally. If that's you, here are three tips to help you stay sane this holiday season... More >>

...The holiday season can bring extra trepidation. We feel the pressure to put ourselves out in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle and we feel the need to protect ourselves from overstimulation. This time of year, puts many of us face to face with forced socializing, hosting, family drama and paradoxically, feelings of loneliness... More >>

Lately, I have felt like a lump of coal pushed in from all sides, so much so, I've said, 'I'm pooping diamonds.' My mom passed in our arms less than 2 weeks ago, my poor dad (married 59 years) is a wreck and needs a lot of help adjusting and lives 5 hours away... More >>

Transitioning into the holiday season is more than turning the page of a calendar. It often means --- almost literally --- turning your kitchen into a nonstop oven. The oven may be on what seems like continually for months heating, roasting and baking family favorites, most of which are toasty, hot, hearty entrees. Room temperature tempters, therefore, can be welcome time savers --- and surprisingly gourmet... More >>

Eating a trimmed-down meal off of a salad plate rather than an entree one is still a great idea in order to trim yourself down. I usually do just feel like I am unwillingly eating less, though. However, I stumbled upon some additional items for a cheat sheet that are as close as your kitchen's silverware drawer... More >>

If you sometimes hide candy from your kidlets in anticipation of Halloween, or after your own cleverly dressed goblins have collected it, there are other more productive places to tuck it away... More >>

I wrote this for my wife of 34 years as a tribute to her being a stay at home mother to our sons, now ages 27 and 29... More >>