Lifestyle

I see you. I see the streets you walk every day, the weight you carry on your shoulders, and the way the world tries to tell you that you don’t have choices. But let me tell you something straight: yo...

Morning should have been nothing more than coffee and a grocery list. Instead, my phone lit up with my wife’s name. Her voice was tight in that way that tells you everything before the words do. The p...

After all the years of thinking about it… it’s finally done. Our 22-foot above ground pool is installed, filled, and waiting. And I mean literally waiting — because as of today, it’s full. The water’...

Kindness used to be something we took for granted. A simple word, an expected courtesy. Hold the door. Say please. Send a thank-you note. But somewhere along the way—maybe in the digital age, maybe as...

A Reflection at 63 on What Success Really Looks Like

When I think back on my school days, one thing stands out clearly: I wasn’t anyone’s idea of a rising star. I wasn’t the va...

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this space and its purpose. Recently, I’ve noticed an increasing amount of feedback, some constructive and some not, which has led me to reflect on why I starte...

The Mouse Who Started It All In the world of Disney, no character shines brighter than Mickey Mouse. For me, Mickey stands out because of his timeless charm and unwavering presence in my life. Over t...

Rediscovering Magic There’s a magic to Disney that’s hard to define, a feeling that transcends age and cynicism. For me, a visit to Disney is more than just a day at the park—it’s a return to wonder,...

David Lynch was not merely a filmmaker; he was an architect of the subconscious. From Eraserhead to Twin Peaks, his creations defied conventional storytelling, instead offering immersive experiences t...

A Place That Felt Like Home There’s a certain comfort in familiarity. It’s the warm embrace of a well-worn routine, the reassuring presence of something unchanging in a world that often feels like it...

Getting old sucks. There, I said it. At 63, I feel every single one of those years, and sometimes even a few extra. Don’t get me wrong—I’m grateful for the life I’ve had. I’ve lived, loved, laughed, ...

At 63, I’ve made a decision that feels both exciting and a little intimidating: I’m going back to the gym. It’s been years since I’ve stepped foot in one, and the thought of starting over can be overw...

As the final moments of the year tick away, there’s something universally magical about the transition into a new year. Across the world, this moment is steeped in rituals, superstitions, and traditio...

As the clock ticks down the final hours of 2024, I find myself sitting here, reflecting on the year that’s about to close. New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back, looking ahead, and ma...

Today is my birthday so here is something short yet appropriate: Birthdays are universal markers of time, celebrated in nearly every culture around the globe. From lavish parties with balloons and ca...

Next month, I’ll be heading back to Florida, and I’m thrilled to say that Disney is on the itinerary! It’s been many months since our last visit, and the thought of stepping back into the magic has me...

I apologize for today's brevity. I don't want to write this. Life is unpredictable. It’s full of joys, sorrows, and the quiet, steady comfort of companionship. For me lately, that companionship has c...

It started with my feet. Not with thirst or fatigue, or even blurry vision—just an odd feeling in my toes that I couldn’t quite explain. At first, it was subtle—a tingling sensation that came and went...

There are diners, and then there’s the Marietta Diner. For those who haven’t been lucky enough to visit, it’s not just a place to eat—it’s an experience, a tradition, and a meeting ground for anyone a...

Dreams Deferred, Freedoms Lost When I was 18, I didn’t think much about economics or inequality. In 1980, life was measured in hours worked and dollars earned. I worked at a fast-food joint, earning ...

Note: This piece is written from a place of personal experience and thoughtful reflection. I'm not an expert in the fields of psychology, caregiving, or social impact, but compassion is a topic that d...

Blending Families: A Journey to Unity When I first found myself stepping into the world of blending families, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. To be honest, I wasn't even sure I was ready. Li...

Mistakes are a universal part of the human experience. From minor missteps to repeated life-altering choices, everyone has moments they wish they could redo. Yet, what's more intriguing than the mista...

How Travel Shapes Our Understanding of Culture and Connection In a world increasingly interconnected by technology, there's a paradox where physical travel holds a unique power that digital connectio...

The Hidden Complexities of Familiar Communication In every close relationship-whether with a spouse, a friend, or a family member-communication plays a crucial role. Yet, as straightforward as we try...

Voting is often hailed as the most powerful tool for citizens in a democracy. In the United States, where the government is "of the people, by the people, for the people," the act of voting embodies t...

Motivation is a fascinating and multifaceted aspect of human existence. It's what drives us to pursue goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve our dreams. But just as motivation can be a powerful force ...

Living Cheese-Free: Understanding Dairy Allergies Imagine living in a world where one of the most beloved foods-cheese-makes you sick. From the creamy mozzarella on a pizza to the sharp bite of aged ...

Saying Goodbye to Our Family Log Home It was a bittersweet moment as we decided to close the chapter on our beloved family log home. For years, it was more than just walls and rooms; it was a space w...

Discovering Atlanta: The Heart of Georgia Atlanta, Georgia’s capital and largest city, is often described as the heart of the Southeast. It’s a metropolis where historic significance and contemporary...

Chapter 1: What Is Communication, Anyway? A Casual Look at Something We All Do Understanding Communication in Our Lives When I think back to what I used to understand about communication, it was pre...

As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand that life doesn’t necessarily become simpler with age; it becomes layered. Responsibilities multiply, relationships deepen, and emotional experiences becom...