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Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Order Up! Garfield – Escape from Mondayjj is Out Now
Save Your Family! Take Back Your Life!
Award-winning investigative journalist Luc Rinaldi offers insights, inspiration, and practical advice to reset our relationship with our phones so we can raise healthier and happier kids and re-engage with life.
Worldwide, we are using our phones far more than is healthy. Research confirms this: our phones are making us nearsighted, causing painful and persistent back and neck problems, and robbing us of the sleep and physical activity necessary for robust physical and mental health. Worse still, they are driving a widespread rise in depression, self-harm, and suicide, especially among young people.
Yet, even if we know that there’s an urgent collective need to get off our phones to be with each other and experience life as fully as possible, we are stymied by the scale of the problem and by the many highly addictive ways in which our phones distract and delight us, pulling us back in.
Beyond diagnosing the self-destructive relationship between humanity and handheld devices, Phone Rules offers solutions for parents rearing digital natives, children navigating their first phones, people perpetually tethered to their devices, and everyone in between. Rooted in fascinating research and sympathetic profiles, Rinaldi shows us not only what is at stake, but paints a picture of what we stand to re-gain.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
LUC RINALDI is an award-winning investigative journalist who has covered technology and mental health extensively for Maclean’s, Toronto Life, and The Walrus, among other publications. In 2024, he was nominated for more National Magazine Awards than any other journalist in Canada. He has worked on staff at several magazines, including Pivot, which won the National Magazine Award for Best B2B Magazine during his tenure as editor-in-chief. He is also a frequent guest speaker at colleges and universities, and has taught magazine feature writing at Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada’s foremost journalism school.
What To Know Before Moving To The Countryside
Life in the countryside can feel very different from living in a town or city, and that is a big part of its appeal. There may be more space, less noise, and a stronger sense of privacy, but everyday life can also require a little more planning.
Before making the move, it helps to understand some of the practical differences that come with rural living so you know exactly what to expect.
You May Need To Rethink Everyday Convenience
One of the biggest adjustments is often how far away everything is. In a city or suburb, you might be used to having grocery stores, restaurants, gyms, and medical facilities just minutes away. In the countryside, even a quick errand can involve a longer drive.
Before moving, look at where the nearest supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, schools, and healthcare facilities are located. It is also worth checking local delivery options, as some services may be limited in more remote areas.
Your Home May Rely On Different Systems
Country properties do not always connect to the same infrastructure you might expect in a more built-up area. Depending on the location, your home could rely on a private water supply, septic system, oil heating, propane, or other alternatives.
Wastewater is particularly important to understand. Some rural properties use sewage treatment plants rather than being connected directly to a public sewer system. These systems need the right care and maintenance, which can occasionally involve arranging a pumping service to keep everything working as it should.
Internet And Cell Service Can Vary
Working from home has made reliable internet more important than ever, but broadband availability can differ considerably between rural locations. Do not assume that a property will automatically have access to the same speeds you currently enjoy.
Check the available internet providers and expected connection speeds before committing to a home. Cell phone coverage is worth testing too, particularly if the property is surrounded by hills, woodland, or large stretches of open countryside.
You May Become More Reliant On Your Car
Public transportation can be limited outside towns and cities, making a reliable vehicle essential for many rural households. You may find yourself driving for work, shopping, school runs, appointments, and social activities.
Think about road conditions as well. Smaller country roads can become muddy, icy, flooded, or difficult to navigate during bad weather, so it helps to understand what your regular routes might look like throughout the year.
Rural Homes Often Require More Maintenance
More space can be one of the biggest attractions of country living, but it can also mean more work. Larger gardens, trees, fences, private driveways, outbuildings, drainage systems, and surrounding land can all require ongoing attention.
Before buying, factor these responsibilities into both your budget and your schedule.
Make Sure The Lifestyle Suits You
Countryside living is about more than finding a beautiful house. It often means greater independence, more planning, and accepting that certain conveniences may be farther away.
If you are comfortable with those trade-offs, however, rural life can offer a ifestyle that is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: space, privacy, a closer connection to nature, and a calmer rhythm to everyday life.
Monday, September 14, 2026
OMG This Has Been A Rough Few Weeks
I have been suffering with my sciatica and stomach this past few weeks. My sciatica has always been an issue. It comes and goes for about 10 years now but I am finally setting up an appointment with a sports medicine doctor. It is usually only 1 side but the past few weeks has been both. It has been so bad that I spent two days unable to walk without wanting to cry.
My stomach issue is on day 9. It started with what felt like just a burning, the became a cramping, burning thing over two days to a full blown give me a knife so I can take myself out, non stop cramping. I was in a fetal position for two days which is what I though brought on the back thing. My stomach feels like a battle ground. It is like someone has set a fire and then I feel the acid rush up my esophagus and then I burp terribly. Urgent Care finally did a CAT scan and they are showing nothing that would be causing my issues. Blood work and urine is fine. WHAT the hell??!!
My life at times feels like I go between heart break to, body pains, back to feeling like God has my back and is holding me up and a pray and pray and PRAY and back to heartbreak. I know everyone is dealing with something and I do mostly manage to see how I am alive and should celebrate that but there are times that it is harder to do. Oh well....this is my life I should be use to it by now.
Friday, September 11, 2026
Did You Join The Twilight Re-Read?
I was so excited to join the Twilight re-read. Twilight was a book I hold near and dear to my heart. After having my children and being completely obsessed with them it was the first thing that took me out of "mommy mode" for a second. I loved being with my kids but once they were sleeping I found time to emersed myself in the world Stephanie Meyers created and fall in love with Edward and Bella.
Honestly I loved it so much I gave the book as Christmas and Birthday gifts for a year because I wanted to discuss it with my friends after borrowing from a friend to read it. You can see my review here . After seeing the movie my friend and I reviewed it here .
My friends and I were also featured in a documentary about Twilight called Into The Twilight Haze where a bunch of different woman talk about their love of the books.
Soooo sending my son on a mission to retrieve my books from the top shelf of my closet I sat down to start the first one this past Sunday. Currently I am more than half way through it after being sidelined with a stomach virus and sciatica issue and started watching the podcast of the ladies who started this re-read and have been disappointed. Like many who have watched the movie way more than read the book 50 watches to 2 reads I had forgotten some of the book but I still love it.
Maybe it's generational but I read books for the sake of reading the book NOT to pick apart every choice the author made. It is her book and she can make whatever damn choice she chooses. Both woman read the book when they were very young. I read it as a 38 year old mother and do not feel the same as they do. I just turned 60 and they are young woman who see things differently and that is fine but Stephanie Meyer caused a movement that got people reading and talking. She is just a woman who wrote a book that people absolutely loved. My excitement is still there but I will not listen to the podcast with the same enthusiasm.
How do you feel? Are you reading the book with new eyes? Do you see it as misogynistic?
Friday, September 04, 2026
Oh My Beautiful Girl
I wish you saw yourself the way I see you.
You are smart, beautiful, funny, witty, amazing, incredible, and so much more without even trying. Even the butterflies know it!
Goddess has a way with animals. Ever since she was a little tiny girl living things have been drawn to her.
This latest photo she said to the butterfly "Come Here" and it did. Her dad and I were with her and I couldn't even catch my breath. I was amazed to watch it land in her hands. It was so quick I didn't have time to register what was happening. When I finally did I whispered "Don't breathe!" and quickly removed my phone from my pocket trying to get video and photos of the moment. Literally after this one finally flew away another landed on her finger. I asked, "What did you just eat?" What the hell?
Photo Friday - #Numbers
Atlantic City isn't what it used to be however this was a Wednesday and 4 PM. I only went twice before but it was packed both times. It was so very different but my husband played 1 dollar on one machine and won and a dollar on another and won again. I loved how he proudly walked over to the cashier and with his little winning card and claimed his money. We walked out with $8. WINNERS.
Sisterhood in The Age of Social Media
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Beyond Likes and Followers: Teen Author Explores Why Real Sisterhood Matters in the Age of Social Media
TUSTIN, Calif., Sept. 3, 2026 — For a generation growing up with friendship, identity and self-image playing out against the backdrop of social media, 17-year-old author and aspiring journalist Kavya Thakrar believes one thing remains essential: having a support system of women who know the person behind the profile. Her debut book, Bows and Ties, explores the power of modern sisterhood at a time when connection may be just a scroll away, yet genuine belonging can feel harder to find.
Thakrar’s perspective grew from her conversations with 19 accomplished women across law, medicine, entrepreneurship and the arts, as well as her own experience building a network of women she considers her “tribe.” For her, sisterhood is not about having a long contact list or an impressive social circle. It is about finding people who celebrate each other’s individuality, challenge each other when necessary and remain part of one’s support system through life’s many stages.
“Having a solid network and a solid tribe has made me more secure in my mental health and who I am as a person,” Thakrar said.
Bows and Ties is not just a collection of interviews, but a carefully connected conversation featuring the likes of Psychologist Dr. Deepika Chopra, astrologer and author Jenn Sinclair, Chinese functional acupuncturist Kacie Hill, and attorney Astha Ghai. Each woman’s key revelation becomes the next woman’s prompt, creating an unbroken chain that highlights both the uniqueness of each journey and the threads that connect them.
The book’s format also lends itself naturally to classroom conversations, giving educators a starting point for exploring leadership, identity, career paths and women’s experiences through real personal narratives rather than traditional textbook lessons. The varied perspectives allow students to consider how different women define success, navigate challenges and shape their own paths.
Because each interview offers a distinct perspective while connecting to the next, Bows and Ties can also encourage students to think critically about the choices, experiences and relationships that influence a person’s sense of identity and direction.
Part handbook, part narrative exploration and part shared dialogue, Bows and Ties offers readers not just advice, but recognition — and gives educators an accessible springboard for meaningful classroom discussion. In seeing how others navigate uncertainty, redefine success and build meaningful lives, readers are invited to consider their own evolving identities with greater clarity and confidence.
“I wanted to show that sisterhood isn’t just about friendship; it’s about learning from one another, celebrating each other’s growth and creating space for more women to lead with confidence,” Thakrar said. “Bows and Ties is a tribute to the women who remind us that success feels more meaningful when it’s shared.”
Bows and Ties
ISBN-13: 979-8271755682 (paperback)
ASIN: B0FYDGLCS4 (Kindle)
Available from: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FYDJ696S
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Wednesday, September 02, 2026
My Girl And I Hit A Different Kinda Boardwalk!
Yeah we just got back from the salty air, sandy Wildwood Boardwalk of New Jersey but my girl and I hit a different boardwalk last week. The Pochuck Boardwalk of Vernon New Jersey goes through the tall grass, over rocks and creeks to the sounds of crickets, birds and more. I have wanted to do this boardwalk for over 18 years now and it finally happened.
I am glad we did it now because thanks to my daily multivitamin regime everyday my body (hip and back) can handle this kinda thing. The boardwalk is mostly about 2-3 feet above ground, narrow and at one particular area a little scary but it was awesome! Ended up a little too hot to do the whole things but next time.
Spending time with her walking in nature and saying hello to complete strangers always makes me happy.
Tuesday, September 01, 2026
Noooo I Don't Want To
I am mostly positive. Everything can always be worse and trying to stay positive is important to my mental health but today I am just feeling a little angry. Honestly I don't want to go back to work tomorrow.
Setting the alarm for 4:45 but having my internal clock wake me at 4 makes me so mad! My body works against me all the time.
Praying that we all have a wonderful day tomorrow no matter what we are doing.
The Words Children Hear Today Become the Voices They Carry Tomorrow
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Words Children Hear Today Become the
Voices They Carry Tomorrow
Physician
and author Dr. Tiffanie Tate says healthy self-worth begins with the
conversations children have with others and with themselves.
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 27, 2026 — Parents
often worry about the words children hear from classmates, social media and the
outside world. But physician and author Dr. Tiffanie Tate says one of the most
influential voices children will ever hear is the one they eventually develop
inside their own minds.
“Children are always listening,
especially to the words that become part of their own identity,” Tate said.
“The way we speak to them, and teach them to speak to themselves, can either
strengthen their confidence or quietly erode it. Words have the power to wound,
but they also have the power to heal.”
Her children’s picture book, Perfectly Perfect, helps
parents, caregivers and educators begin those conversations through an
age-appropriate story that explores friendship, bullying, apology, self-image
and the lifelong importance of choosing words that heal instead of harm.
Written for children under 12, Perfectly Perfect uses
rhythmic language and a relatable story of friendship to introduce big ideas in
small, accessible ways. When a young girl begins to feel unhappy with her body
and stops eating, her friends step in with compassion, helping her see what she
cannot: that her value has never been in question.
“The ‘perfect trap’ is a public health
issue,” Tate said. “Too many children seem to be suffering from image issues
from social media. It’s time for us to rewrite self-worth in this age of
pressure, comparison and mental health crises.”
Designed as both a story and a
conversation starter, the book gives parents, caregivers and educators a
framework for discussing self-image, disordered eating and self-worth.
Wyoming
Star
agrees, writing, “Perfectly
Perfect is aimed as much at adults as it is at children. It quietly
redirects attention back to the environment children are growing up in. It
encourages parents to approach sensitive topics like eating habits with ‘calm
curiosity’ rather than pressure, and to focus on function (how the body grows,
plays, thinks) instead of appearance. The emphasis is less on correcting
behavior and more on reshaping the framework through which children interpret
themselves.”
With themes of kindness, empathy and
confidence, Perfectly Perfect
encourages children to support one another and to recognize their own worth
from the very beginning.
“Perfectly
Perfect is about raising healthier humans,” Tate added. “The story
helps children understand they do not have to earn their value; they already
have it.”
Perfectly
Perfect is Tate’s latest children’s title, following Bad Touching, which teaches
age-appropriate lessons about personal safety; Little Engine Mia Sings, which addresses
bullying; and Money Matters,
which introduces financial literacy concepts to young readers.
Purchase PerfectlyPerfect
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing
ISBN-13: 979-8896378952
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