CODE NAME HELENE by Ariel Lawhon was the right book at the right time for me – the story of a tough-as-nails woman whose struggles and bravery make our shelter-in-place woes seem trivial. (Yes, the fictional story is – remarkably – based on a real-life character [one of the most […]
Backyard Engineering: Bike Experiments In Speed
Most of us like to try new things, especially if they are relatively safe and easy to do. But, would we be willing to endure hardship in order to explore a new idea? Probably not. Yet, most of us will have a time in our life when we will be […]
Comfort Italian Style — Stuffed Cabbage
As the weather cools, it is nice to be able to serve sonme comforting food, My Italian version of this dish will definitely comfort you. I like to serve this dish with mashed potatoes and oven-roasted carrots. ###
Words: ” A Bright Future For Man …”
If only there were “Here Thanks To Nature” tags attached to everything everywhere as a reminder that our very lives are utterly and completely dependent on nature — not technology… I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her […]
Rescue Journey of Piglet and Calf Buddies
A ride to an animal sanctuary was all the bonding time needed for this piglet and calf to become bffs. These two are not only adorable and heartwarming, but living proof that animals — regardless of whether they are domesticated pets, livestock or wildlife — have a basic need and […]
The Lost Era Of Electric “Flying Trains”
Over 119 years old and still in operation today, the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn in Germany is the world’s oldest electric elevated railway with hanging cars. Developed as the first to transport people instead of goods, this electric “flying train” is an impressive feat of engineering and magical to watch. At an […]
Book Review: THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE by Charlie Mackesy
I received THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE by Charlie Mackesy as a birthday present earlier this week and likely would never have picked it up on my own. What a little gem I’d have been missing. Especially in the time of Covid-19 and social distancing, I […]
For The Joy of Animals: Seal Holds A Diver’s Hand
It is pure joy to watch the emotionally powerful and extraordinarily moving interactions between diver Ben Burville and his diving buddies. What a wonderful celebration of life and human/animal connection as a wild grey seal holds a diver’s hand! At the same time, it is a sad reminder that these […]
Book Review: WORDS by Jessica McCann
In the introduction to WORDS: Essays on Writing, Reading, and Life, Jessica McCann shares with the reader a core belief that is as intricately a part of her personal journey as it is her writer’s journey and forms the basis of her writer’s perspective from which all else flows: “…this […]
Canceled Vacation Plans? Consider Mindcations Not Just Staycations
The research is clear. Vacations are good for our health — physically, mentally, and emotionally. According to David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, vacations are good for your heart, “we are actually seeing a reduction in the risk for cardiovascular disease the more vacationing a person […]
A Fresh Pear Bread Breakfast Treat
Looking for something sweet for breakfast? Give this easy to make quick Fresh Pear Bread a try. It is filled with fresh pears, walnuts, and lots of flavors. ###
Book Review: FAMILY OF ORIGIN by C.J. Hauser
What first drew me to FAMILY OF ORIGIN by C.J. Hauser? When I saw it at an indie bookstore, the jacket was face-out, displaying the frilly butt of a diving duck. Score. This could be right up my science- and nature-loving alley, I thought. Then I saw the word ‘family’ […]
For The Joy of Animals: Blissfully Splashing Dog
We tend to think — if there are limitations in our lives, then there are limitations in our happiness. But is that true? Or do we just make it so? Maybe finding our bliss, the things that makes us happiest, is far simpler than we imagine… And, maybe, if we […]
A Shortcut Method For Making Eggplant Parmesan
My eggplant preference is the heirloom variety called Rosa Bianca and they are plentiful in my area at this time of year. Rosa Bianca eggplant is an eye-catching variety of eggplant. They’re plump and round, and their violet and white exteriors have an attractive appearance. This mild variety is not […]
Book Review: BOOST YOUR BRAIN by M. Fotuhi & C. B. Antoniades
I often don’t review the nonfiction books I read, but I felt this one was important to share. BOOST YOUR BRAIN is an older book (published 2013) I downloaded on my iPad years ago when it was on sale. It’s one of many parked on my e-reader about brain health […]
Enjoy Better For You Raspberry Poppyseed Muffins
Instead of getting your breakfast at the coffee shop, bake some delicious muffins that are also good for you. The way to accomplish a better muffin is to use some whole grain flour, a healthy fat, buttermilk or yogurt, and less sugar and salt. Add fresh fruit and some nuts […]
For The Joy of Animals: Animal Acts of Compassion
Compassion is not just a human trait. It is a universal “being” trait and animal acts of compassion are all around us if we look. The meaning of “Compassion” comes from Latin root “passio”, which means to suffer, and the Latin prefix “com”, meaning together — to suffer together. Compassion […]
Book Review: ANIMALIA by Jean-Baptiste Del Amo
As ANIMALIA by Jean-Baptiste Del Amo promises by its title, it is, on the highest level, about animals – specifically, about the complicated and often brutal and indifferent historical treatment of animals by farmers. But it’s also about people, an introspection about the similarities and differences between humans and those […]
Words: Albert Einstein “Widening Our Circles Of Compassion…”
In a letter to a grieving father, Albert Einstein shared his thoughts on the human disconnect between the narrow “universe” we are imprisoned in and “Universe” of nature we need to “widening our circles of compassion” to live in: “A human being is a part of the whole called by […]
Book Review: THE SPEED OF LIFE by Anne Pete
THE SPEED OF LIFE by Anne Pete is a compelling debut novel and a must read for anyone who loves the Arizona desert, strong but vulnerable female characters, and moving personal journeys. The biggest fear most of us have is losing control over our lives and our body. If we […]
For The Joy Of Animals: Ninja Squirrels
We humans tend to think our intelligence makes us superior, but we still have a lot to learn from the animal world, especially when it comes to patience, persistence, and adaptability… Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, entrepreneur and science guy provides the proof with a must see video for […]
Make Your Own Creamy Salad Dressings
Now that shopping is a major chore in this pandemic time, keep it simple by making your own salad dressings. Start with homemade mayonnaise. You won’t believe how easy it is to make or how delicious it tastes. You probably have most of the ingredients you need to make these […]
Book Review: EAT COMPLETE by Drew Ramsey
Eat Complete by Drew Ramsey, MD effectively details the importance of nutrients and the role they play in brain health. After working with mood and anxiety disorders in patients, Ramsey began researching nutrition and how it affects the brain. His latest book is an amazing scientific resource detailing what nutrients […]
Spring’s Best — Fresh Broccoli Salad
Broccoli is at its best in the spring. Broccoli is also good for you because it is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If you are tired of cooking it in traditional ways, try this unusual and great tasting fresh broccoli salad recipe. ###
Music: NO DIRECTION by Rachael Yamagata
Songs resonate when they speak to us personally and capture a moment in time. While binge watching ONE SPRING NIGHT on Netflix, I became entranced by a song — NO DIRECTION by Rachael Yamagata — that played in the background. The melody and words beautifully matched the mood of the romantic story being […]