7 ways to protect your mental health during challenging times

September 25, 2025
Not long ago, I found myself standing at the kitchen counter, staring into my coffee like it might reveal all of life’s answers. Outside, the news blared another round of unsettling headlines. Inside, my mind felt like a noisy attic—full of worries, what-ifs, and to-do lists I didn’t...

Crime scene and instinct

December 18, 2009
M. went out on errands while I was at the gym this afternoon, leaving our bigger dogs on the patio and Riley crated.From the gym, I realized I'd left my ring at home. I...

Crazy world

December 17, 2009
One minute you're a pro football player, making good money and about to come back from an injury. The next, you're greeting St. Peter at the pearly gates.One minute...

Leaving

December 17, 2009
In the days when I went back and forth between Tampa and California every two weeks, or every other month, I had the best of both worlds.I had my wonderful Tampa friends...

Hallelelujah

December 17, 2009
No one does it better, either. And I still remember the second soprano harmony.Oh. And it's Handel. Not Handal.I love the tradition of everyone standing for...

Full circle

December 17, 2009
Say what you will about social media -- and believe me, I've said it all. Its most important function, I think, is reconnecting friends across the years and miles that...

Day 1; retirement

December 16, 2009
Grades were in yesterday by noon, and thus ended my working life, at least for the forseeable future.How did I spend my first afternoon "retired?"I spent it in...

Growing old . . .

December 16, 2009
I love this photo and looked at it for a long while, imagining. I love the woman clapping her hands with glee.(I'd be completely grateful if I could hopscotch at that...

Holiday greetings – 1966

December 16, 2009
I thought the theme of this was interesting, given the...

"I am God & can take care of myself"

December 15, 2009
I'm sure you've seen them. Those chain emails protesting the so-called removal of "Christ" from Christmas. Fighting back against any attempt to make the holiday season...

Fade to black, roll credits

December 15, 2009
Finals are over for both of my classes. Today I'll calculate grades, enter them, and finally end my three years as an adjunct professor at the University of Tampa.I said...

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Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.

 

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