What if Someone You Loved Went to Prison?

The gavel came down!  "Five years!"  How did my husband land in jail? I didn’t know any criminals. He was NOT a miscreant. I didn’t even know people who lived on the edge. What were we going to do?

I had no income and the lawyer informed us that Paul would be paid forty-nine cents a day during his incarceration. Actually, I didn't expect he would get anything, but, forty-nine cents a day? That was only $15 a month to pay for things like his toothpaste, chocolate bars, etc. Paul said he would send his entire check home to me. I laughed and cried at the same time. I did not know if I would cash it or frame it.

They sent him to Oakalla Prison. I knew he was going to jail but I had no idea it would be to such a hard-core place. Even so, I expected some form of cleanliness and order. I expected to see some normal looking people. I was so wrong! On the way to the prison, Paul's mother and I were confronted with a sign on the wall explaining what to expect.

It stated that a physical search of all visitors would be made by patting the body with the hands and often by exploring bodily orifices in an attempt to find concealed weapons, explosives, drugs or other contraband. 

Does Your Life Have a Restart Button?

A question was recently posed to me that I believe many of us have wondered about: 

In Stephen King's 11/22/63, the protagonist is asked to travel back in time to prevent JFK's assassination. If given the opportunity, what event in your own life or in history might you travel in time to change and what would your life afterward look like?

I must admit that I laughed out loud when I read this because I have had major traumas in my life and it would require me to live my life entirely over if I wanted to change even one of them.

Let's break it down a bit:  

1)  I  would not have married the man my parents and family warned me against.  If I had not married him then my life would have been a lot easier after the divorce.  I would not have been gang-raped and left for dead.  I would not have had my home completely destroyed by a gang of vandals.  I would not have had an emotional and physical breakdown.  

Even on that day, I was hiding my pain - knowing it was a mistake

My Cancer Diagnosis was the Best Thing that Ever Happened To Me

When the doctor said "You have two choices, hysterectomy or death,"  it made me angry.  I was only in my twenties and wanted children.  I certainly could not have them if I had the surgery or was DEAD!  Something inside of me rose up and I replied, "Doctor,  I will not accept that diagnosis.  I...WILL....WALK...IN...HERE...PREGNANT....ONE....DAY."  

The doctor rose up from his chair and pointed his finger in my face, "Then, lady, GO HOME. SUFFER.  AND DIE!"

Motivated like never before, within three weeks my life took an abrupt turn and I discovered answers to healthy living. Fourteen years later I walked into his office.....pregnant.  As a certified health coach and symptomologist, I have spent the last four decades guiding people to optimum health -- including helping hundreds of women get pregnant when there was no hope.

Have you ever thought about what it would feel like to wake up feeling great every day?  To feel rested?  To feel healthy?  To feel energized?



















What would you give to feel that way every single day?  Maybe you already do and if you do, you are one in a million.  Many people wake up tired, achy or just a bit 'off.'  They shuffle to the kitchen for their first cup to get them through the morning.

What would it be like to have an energy level greater than people half your age?  And that energy being true energy -- not from a cup of coffee or energy booster of some type.

Breezing through Menopause

Letter To My Unborn Granddaughter

Dear Grandaughter:  Here you are -- almost ready to face this world.  Here we are -- ready to welcome you.  Your parents and grandparents are thrilled that you are going to be a baby girl. Your big brother said, "If I don't get a sister, Mommy.....put it back!"

In our family, you will be the first girl born into a generation of little boys.  I can only imagine you will have the upper hand in most situations.  Girls RULE -- Boys drool, right?

I try to picture what you will look like and this in utereo photo is amazing. Technology has come so far and during your lifetime, you will see it go even further.

I remember when the doctor placed your mommy into my arms for the first time.  It was not love at first sight because I loved you from the moment I discovered you were in my belly.  Your mommy was desperately wanted, just as you have been.  That story click here

You will be surrounded by love and protection from all sides of your little universe.  With such a sensitive nature, your big brother will be extremely close to you - protecting you, caring for you and teaching you everything a big brother can.

How Does Flattery Affect You?

"Do you mind if I ask you something?"   Without a clue what to expect I replied, "Of course  I don't mind."

I was at our goldsmith's shop where there were four goldsmiths and three diamond setters working. We have used these goldsmiths for over 25 years to make custom jewelry for our clients. During the course of these years, we have never seen superior quality -- their workmanship is unmatched.  We respect them and their work so I assumed the question was going to be work related as our relationship is strictly business.

"I have known you over 20 years, why is it you still look the same?"  I was not sure if this was a compliment or an indication that I needed to upgrade my appearance.

I laughed, not knowing what to say.  He continued, "How old are you, anyway?"

I laughed again and said, "You know you are never supposed to ask a lady her age!"  He apologized profusely, "How old do you think I am?"

He took a step closer to me and said, "I can't lie and I hope I am not insulting you, but you must be between 40 and 45."

Now, it was time to burst into hysterics as I said, "You China men all think we blue-eyed, blonde white chicks all look alike!"  The whole shop burst into laughter.  He was embarrassed, not knowing if I was flattered or insulted.

I said, "I will be turning 70 soon." He lost his balance, landed in the closest chair and said, "If you weren't married, I would be asking you out!"

I told him "All men are liars!" and there was another round of laughter.  He proceeded to say some very nice things and I couldn't wait to call my hubby and tell him.  I knew he would be pleased -- and he was! That made my day, week, month, year.

Emergency trip to the hospital