Dropping from its long-held position of second place, the mammogram has moved into third place as the most painful or embarrassing of annual events for women over 40. Still in first is the dreaded gynecological exam. Apparently, having to sit in a freezing cold room for an hour wearing nothing but a large paper towel [...]

Announcer’s voice: “For too long Hollywoodhas treated the role of mother using only stereotype and/or prejudice. Think about it. Films such as Mommy Dearest, Throw Momma from the Train and Monster-in-Law typecast moms (or mothers-in-law) as unkind, unbending, unforgiving. Like fish in a barrel, moms have been easy targets. On the opposite end of the [...]

Most women struggle with body image at one time or another.  For some, that battle starts early in life and wages war on their heart, their mind and their relationships. In the book Hollow: An Unpolished Tale  (Moody Publishers, 2010), author Jena Morrow recounts one of her earliest memories. While wearing shorts, she sits in [...]

I stand in the door with a heavy heart Creating outfits, a taxing art My limited skill at matching clothes Contributes to my fashion woes.   Keep it simple, start with jeans But most of mine were built for teens. I squeeze and tug and try to fit Resigned to the fact this just ain’t [...]

Seven Secrets to a Long-Lasting Marriage (aka The Dos): Leave (your family of origin) and cleave (cling to your mate). Pray together (Daily is best, but aim for twice a week). Spend time together (Daily visits, weekly dates). Forgive quickly and keep short accounts. Be unselfish. Consider your spouse’s needs above your own. Make marriage [...]

After my stroke in 2004, I suffered short-term memory loss for several months. My physical body recovered quickly. Paralysis went away. My vision returned improved after only a day or two. However, my cognitive function refused to hop right back into place without first putting up a fight. I found out later that the folks [...]

I don’t think I look or act nearly as old as my mom did when she was my age. —Shirley in Texas The quote above represents the mindset of the vast majority of women in their 40s and 50s. Based on their energy level, outlook and enjoyment of life, most don’t consider themselves to be [...]

That we age, if we are lucky enough to do it, is a given. How we age is up to us. —Marianne Williamson Everything about midlife contradicts itself. Feel free to write me if your opinion differs from mine on these common midlife realities: By the time women actually accept their bodies and feel comfortable in [...]

Now that the succulent taste of your Christmas turkey or roast has faded to a distant memory and your Christmas tree has dropped half of its needles, it’s time to move on to the next in a progression of holidays—celebrating the new year. Even before we attack that ever-increasing To Do list—made longer by the [...]

After we stuff ourselves on turkey, dressing and green bean casserole each Thanksgiving, our family enjoys the tradition of sharing a few things we’re thankful for. We don’t do anything formal for our share time. Instead, we “open the floor” to anyone who wants to rattle off their list of blessings from the previous year. [...]