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A Gorgeous Day!

They’ve been talking about snow and freezing rain for the last couple of days and it never arrived. This morning, however, I noticed that Chachi, the cat was mesmerized as he stood by the window and kept looking back at me.

ME: “TV not working again Chachi?”

HIM: “You’ve got to see this mommy! It is BEAUTIFUL!”

It was. Snow had arrived in the middle of the night and it was a white world out there. The roofs were covered in white and so were the streets. I knew that I needed to bundle up and go out there to salt the sidewalk so that no one will slip and fall. It is tedious work but it’s a must over here and it is expected that you do what is necessary to keep the street safe and clear of any hazards.

After breakfast, I put on my boots, my thick jacket, and headed out with a big bowl filled with salt. The ground beneath felt crunchy and that signaled “ice” mixed with snow. It was dangerous because it is easy to slip and to take a fall. I did my duty and made sure my portion of the sidewalk was nice, clean, and salted.

Then it was time to do my morning walk. The sun was up and about and it looked like it was going to be gorgeous day albeit a little cold because the wind was picking up speed and playing havoc with the trees. I decided that I needed out in the open to clear my mind.

The fields were covered in white and the trees were frosted like straight out of a picture postcard! It was a beautiful sight. Still, it was colder than I expected. Not a single thing, neither man nor beast, was moving out there. I took my usual route watching as I stepped because the rock covered pathway was slippery. Some parts had puddles of water frozen in place and others covered in a mixture of snow and ice.

I gave my mind free rein and watched as it took off, leaving me to walk quietly and deep in thought. I usually think a lot about different things while walking hoping that the open spaces and nature will do its thing and give me some answers. Today, it was no different. I got some solutions and one of them was to break the problems down into smaller and more manageable portions. Solve one problem at a time. I’ve been running with all of them, facing me in all directions until it became overwhelming and hard to manage.

MESSAGE TO SELF: Work on solving things, one problem at a time.

Good. I plan to do just that. The walk was fantastic and the view gorgeous! I came back with a freezing nose but it was exhilarating. I love winter days. Time for a cup of hot coffee and to get moving on with the day.

Have an amazing day.

Letting Go

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I’ve written about letting go before but this time it is about letting go of adult children. It is interesting how they come into your life and turn your world upside down from the first moment you hear that cry, that helpless cry which signals for you to step in and take over as their protector and their safe zone. However, as they start to grow, life becomes a series of letting go.

“Letting go of adult children involves trusting your parenting, allowing them to make mistakes for growth, setting healthy boundaries, and shifting from directing to supporting.”

I’ve been grappling with the idea of “letting go” ever since my son got the news shortly before Christmas that he got the job he has been dreaming of. I couldn’t have been prouder as he stood there wearing the “cat who swallowed the cream” look and gave me the news. I was PROUD but a day later, I found myself gasping for air. The move would mean he would be four hours away, an eternity to me. Even though university was two hours away and I went from, “I can’t!” to I will survive this. I did. However, there were days when my anxiety took over and I had to talk myself down from the tree I was on. I needed to believe that he would be alright but it was hard to do. Somehow I made it through.

“As a parent, you quickly realize that life is one long series of letting go: watching your kid crawl, then walk, then run, and then drive away.” Deborah Mitchell

The papers are there, he will have to make a decision soon and then it will happen whether I want it to or not. Part of me wants him with me but he is no longer a child, he is a young man getting ready to fly. He is looking forward to a new life and even though the unknown is scary, I sense that he is ready to go.

“Raising your child well is hard. But learning to let them go out into the world and prove that you did your job right is even tougher.” J. Crane

It is TOUGH! We had a long talk yesterday and I see this young man who thinks he has the world in the palms of his hands and he is ready to show the world that he is capable, strong, and ready to rumble! I still see my baby. I guess I always will.

“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings.” Hodding Carter, Jr.

AND

“Loving your adult children means letting them grow, stumble, and soar on their own terms. Independence is their gift to themselves – and your gift to them.” Unknown

I KNOW that when the time comes and I have to let him go again, I will. Until then, I will talk myself into letting him go knowing that he has the wings he needs and I will be the wind under them if ever he needs me.

I’ve taught him well and it is time to fly even if my heart wants to hold a little tighter for just a little while longer.

“Being a good parent requires knowing when to push & when to back off when to help & when to let them make mistakes & then being strong enough to watch them go.” Unknown

I wish you well.

My Daily Playtime? (Archives)

I do have one thing I try to do everyday and that is to play with Chachi, the cat. We’ve come up with a different version of hide-and-seek and the little guy knows exactly what to do! I hide and he needs to find me. The difference to this version is that when he finds me and I catch him, he gets 10 kisses each time.

It’s not about the finding but the kisses that matters. Some days he walks away with more than 30 kisses but who’s counting! I love giving him kisses and he loves getting them and that’s what counts. It is a sort of bonding time for us but let me tell you, I am pooped by the time we finish! He walks off with a grin on his face if you can call it that, happy with the world and with his mommy.

Daily writing prompt

Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?

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Chachi’s Night of Terror!

Animals and fireworks don’t mix! However, every year on New Year’s Eve they are put through “terror” that they don’t understand. All they know is that their safe world is suddenly filled with noise and flickering lights. It was the same for Chachi, the cat.

It was a good thing that I was home to keep him company. This year, the fireworks started as early as 8:30 p.m. Some neighbors decided that they had waited long enough and it was time to ring the new year in. First, it was a few but even that sent Chachi in a tizzy. He looked at me with his big eyes, sat up on his haunches, looked to the window and then back at me.

HIM: “What is that MOM?!!”

ME: “Don’t worry, you’re safe.”

Then a few more went off and lit up the sky with a splash of color and he took off running. I let him go. He found a spot under the bed and stayed there. Half an hour later, he poked his nose out and looked at me again, suspiciously this time.

HIM: “Mom, why are you making all that noise? I don’t like changes!”

I picked him up to hold him close and to reassure him that there was nothing to worry about but he wasn’t having it. He jumped, scrambled, and went back under the bed.

Then midnight rolled around and the village went up in flames! Well, it was lit up like a stadium, with fireworks shooting left and right, you get the picture. This quiet little village that usually goes to sleep at around 7:30 in the evenings was loud and noisy with children running around with sparklers and parents trying to outdo each other as far as fireworks was concerned. It was a free for all! I watched sans Chachi. He was behind a cupboard and refused to budge!

It took all of 30 minutes but seemed like forever to the little furball. As things settled down, he stayed behind the cupboard. After much coaxing, he showed his tiny little face looking like he had been through a war zone! I picked him up but he was jittery and restless. A lone firecracker going off sent him running again.

Needless to say last night was a sleepless and restless one. He kept waking me up, meowed “Mommy” every five minutes and refused to cuddle. Morning rolled around before I knew it and he was up at 5:00 a.m. ready to go downstairs but not without his mommy! He kept close as I made my way downstairs and stayed close. It’s going to be a long day as I try to get him back to his normal self.

Should fireworks be banned? That’s like the Grinch who stole Christmas? It was banned for a couple of years but they are back at it with a vengeance. I’ll have to go out there and see what kind of damage was done. Each year, they use the garage area to set off their fireworks and this year was no different. Irritating? Absolutely. Cleaning up is left to someone else to do.

Okay, it is the first day of a new year and I’m going to take it in stride and work on getting Chachi back to his normal self.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! (2026)

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It’s page 1 of 365! A blank one to put whatever you want on it. Let’s make it a good one as we step into the New Year with hopes, dreams and unfulfilled wishes. May it all come true!

Dear Past:

Thank you for all the lessons you taught me. Not all of them were good but they had to be learned.

Dear Future:

I am ready to embrace whatever is coming my way! However, if I want to run back to my old ways, please drag me to the water and make me drink from it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

A New Year’s Message from Honey, Hubie, and T. J. Mueller

As the calendar turns and a brand new year stretches its wings, Honey and Hubie pause on the edge of their favorite woodland hill, watching the first sunrise of the year spill gold across the trees. And just like those two tiny adventurers, we — readers, dreamers, families and little explorers–take a moment to breathe, to look back, and to look forward with hope.

This past year has been a journey neither Honey nor Hubie ever expected. What began as a small tale about a courageous miniature greyhound and her daring frog friend slowly grew into something larger, warmer, and beautifully shared.

Children discovered them in classrooms.

Parents read their story at bedtime.

Teachers used their adventures to spark imagination.

Families met them together, one cozy page at a time.

And through it all, Honey’s gentle bravery and Hubie’s loyal heart reminded us that even the smallest characters can teach the biggest lessons.

Looking Back on the Journey So Far

The world of Honey and Hubie blossomed with every reader who welcomed them into their home. Their adventures –filled with fairies, Moppets, talking woodland friends, and magical landscapes — became a place where children could laugh, dream, and learn what courage can look like.

But something else happened too.

Grown-ups began to see themselves in Honey’s quiet determination and Hubie’s fearless curiosity. The story reminded many of us that imagination isn’t something we grow out of. It’s something we return to when life feels heavy and we need a spark again.

As the dedication says:

“May you never lose your sense of fantasy because it is what dreams are made of.”

This year, that message touched hearts in ways words can barely capture.

Stepping Into a Brand New Year

With the start of a new year, Honey and Hubie are ready for more.

More discoveries.

More laughter.

More unexpected bravery.

More reminders that friendship is one of the strongest kinds of magic.

Honey hopes this year brings quiet courage — the kind that helps little ones take their next brave step.

Hubie hopes this year brings curiosity — the kind that makes children ask questions and explore the world with wonder.

Together, they look forward to meeting new readers, revisiting familiar ones, and continuing their journey with anyone who believes the world becomes brighter when we choose kindness.

A Heartfelt Wish for the Year Ahead

From T. J. Mueller, from Honey, from Hubie, and from every magical creature hiding between the pages:

May this new year bring gentleness to your days, courage to your heart, and wonder to every corner of your life.

May children discover new stories, new questions, and new dreams.

May parents find small moments of calm and connection.

May teachers continue shaping young minds with stories that lift imginations toward the sky.

Above all, may this be a year filled with the kind of adventure that reminds you that magic is real, and it often begins with a single page.

From our little woodland world to yours, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My Biggest Challenges (Archives)

I think it is learning to undo some learned patterns and behavior traits. We become accustomed to what is comfortable and that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for us. The same goes for me. I tend to be very accepting of things that do not serve me knowing full well that they don’t but instead of putting a stop to it I make excuses and that right there is my problem. Sometimes being “nice” doesn’t necessarily bring the same into your life.

This year I need to stop being nice and accepting of things I know that are not good for me and learn to break the patterns that enable such behavior. It starts with looking within to see why such patterns exist and that is not a comfortable thing to do. It means owning up to and accepting what is there and changing it for the better. Not always an thing easy to do.

Daily writing prompt

What are your biggest challenges?

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Taking Care of Yourself

“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first; it means me too.” L.R. Knost

Taking care of yourself should be at the top of your list but it rarely is. We pull ourselves in different directions trying to appease others and we put ourselves where we are barely visible at times. I do. “Me too” is not what I think of when I go about trying to help someone else and often, I forget myself in the process. I forget that I need nurturing too, I need taking care of, and I am important too.

“Remember to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Unknown

Take care of yourself. You can’t be much help to anyone else if all you’re doing is looking to see how you can put yourself out there being the “angel” who is there for the calling, the helping, and one who comes to everyone’s call of distress without thinking about the toll it is taking on your being. I did that three years ago when I came to the aid of a sick friend and I put myself through hell and high water to care for him only to find out that even though it was a good deed, the price you have to pay is a high one as far as your own well-being is concerned. Will I do it again? It is a definite NO!

“Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.” Jim Rohn

Taking care of your body is a must. You don’t do it to look good for others, it is a necessity to survive in a world where much is needed from you, and if you don’t take care of yourself, no one else is going to do it for you. Do whatever is necessary to put yourself first, take care of yourself first and the rest can follow.

“Take care of yourself. Go for a walk, eat your favorite food, get a haircut, cry if you need to, read a book, take a vacation, have a drink, do what you need to do. Take care of yourself, because at the end of the day you’re all you’ve got.” Unknown

As the year draws to a close, the one resolution that matters for next year is to take care of myself first. I do that religiously, but sometimes I forget when life rolls around with its demands and I forget about “me” in the process and take off to do whatever is necessary for someone else. A helping spirit is a good one but not when it is to the detriment of your own well-being. I’m going to remember that as I move forward into the new year. It is not being selfish, it is called self-preservation.

“When you start taking care of yourself you start feeling better, you start looking better and you start to attract better. It all starts with you.” Unknown

AND

“Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable and remove yourself from the unacceptable.” Jane Travis

That last one speaks to the heart of the matter. Removing yourself from the unacceptable can mean many things. Toxic people, things that drain your energy, and people who don’t give two hoots about your well-being. Put them into context, take a long hard look at what you will accept and what you won’t and go from there. Most of all, you MATTER!

Have an amazing day.

Nostalgic Longings (Archives)

I think it is those days when I was young and running wild as the proverbial tomboy in the woods behind my home. It was a time of freedom and not caring for the norms that life or society stipulates on how you should be. No rules, no regulations and no listening to that inner voice, just letting go and living life as it was meant to be.

Those days are gone but if I had a chance to go back there again, I would! Some days the rebellion sets in and I still jump in duck puddles when no one is looking but it is few and far between. I am all prim and proper now but don’t let that fool you, there is that little “wild child” still inside of me. Some days I revisit those days and it still brings a smile to my face. Good memories of days gone by but still precious and they live on in the grown-up me.

Mom, if you’re listening, I am more like you wanted me to be, more of a “lady” but I can tell you, it is NOT that much fun!

Daily writing prompt

What makes you feel nostalgic?

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The Cheesecake Dilemma! (Archives)

Update: The Cheesecake Fetish is all but out the door! I’ve toned it down to once a week and small bites at a time. No fun? Exactly but I had to do something before the cheesecake monster took a hold of me and took me to places I didn’t want to go! The guy is gone and so is the constant presence of cheesecake in the fridge. So things are looking up and I hope that I’ve got the cheesecake dilemma or rather “fetish” where it belongs!

One of my resolutions for this year is to cut out the “Cheesecake Fetish” altogether! If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it is this all-consuming lust for cheesecake!

This particular fetish started last year and since then it has taken on a gigantic personality. I never used to be a person who needed a “fix” of something sweet or of anything else for that matter. Somehow I got on the cheesecake train and have refused to get off.

To make matters worse and as life would have it, I met someone who offered me a slice of the best cheesecake in town and I was hooked. I wasn’t hooked on the guy but on what he had to offer. This love fest took off to new heights when every time he went to play tennis, he would bring me a whole cheesecake from the store close to the tennis club. How convenient? What’s that saying? “The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.” He basically took it to heart and I had my never-ending supply of cheesecake of the very best kind.

The problem. Ever heard of cheesecake taunting? Neither have I but every time I walked past the refrigerator, I would hear it knocking and calling out my name! It got to the point where I would just open the fridge, stand there in its all-encompassing presence and bathe in its scrumptiousness. I was able to ration it to one slice a day and so it has been until I realized that thoughts of “cheesecake” accompanied me on my walks!

It was time to hit the brakes. Willpower needs to take a stand and show this bad behavior the door! This year I’m going to have one slice per week, no ifs or buts about it. It will be my reward for working on myself. I don’t care how loud it cries from behind the refrigerator door and begs me to take a bite, I WILL turn a deaf ear and sip on mundane coffee to stave off the craving.

Hard is not the word for it, but I’ve got to start somewhere before that “craving” takes over my life! What about the fixer? Well, I’ve put him on notice not before seeing the disbelief go flitting past his face but I’m sure he’ll find new ways of getting through to the heart that has locks, chains and a moat surrounding it! If there’s a will, there’s a way as they say.

It’s time for coffee and I swear I can hear the half- finished cheesecake screaming my name but nope not today. It’s time to put on my shoes and do 30 minutes of HIIT training! Willpower do your thing! Yes, WE CAN do this!

I’ll keep you posted.

Have an amazing day.