From My Window
Happy New Year to you and your family. I wish good things for you in 2024—new experiences, friends, laughter, and love.
Instead of making resolutions for the coming year, I focus on a few goals and work to attain them. This year I’m working on coming home to myself, a concept explained in John O’Donohue’s poem, “To Come Home to Yourself.” I’m coming home to myself by exploring new book ideas, creating doodle art, making new friends, and volunteering at Charter House.
I celebrated Christmas at my daughter Amy’s home. The dinner table was festive, her Beef Bourguignon was five-star, as was her dessert, homemade Tiramisu. Though I didn’t see my Grand Rapids, MI family members during the holidays, my granddaughter sent me this photo of the family with Santa. Looks like a happy group to me!
Articles Published
Thanks to the Compassionate Friends for publishing my article, “Hope in a Jar, A Caring Gift,” in the winter issue of its magazine, We Need Not Walk Alone. I hope many readers will fill jars with hopeful words, keep the jars for comfort, or give them to friends who are grieving.
Thanks to the Rochester Post-Bulletin for publishing “Charter House Resident Shares Artistry of Teapots” and to Brian Todd for writing the article. Now I’m known as the teapot lady—a title I gladly accept.
Teapot photos by Brian Todd.
Reviews
Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles
First of all, I’m a retired Licensed Professional Counselor. I’ve spent 32 years helping others after loss (death, trauma, circumstances).
I absolutely love this book. It is often hard to put your feelings and/or thoughts into words . . . especially when strangled by strong feelings, memories. This book takes away that requirement while allowing inner healing. I always add “doodling and written thoughts”. Sometimes words are the best expression or the need to spill our hearts. Perfect for all ages.
I have bought a copy for each of my closest family members/friends. (10). Inside the front cover, I’ve written a memory of our time together and a short message. These will be given to them on my Celebration Day after I pass.
Amazon customer review.
Book Business
On March 12 Amazon will release my 46th book, Grief in Your Words: How Writing Helps You Heal. Here’s a short excerpt from the book—all good reasons to buy it. Snag your copy today!
When You Write to Heal, You . . .
Access your conscious and sub-conscious mind
Use alone time wisely
Take a break from life’s busyness
Are being creative
Try out ideas
Identify and name feelings
Weigh pros and cons
Start to accept reality
Document family history
Discover new things about yourself
Clarify your problems
Explore possible solutions
See weaknesses in your support system
Become aware of the patterns in your life
Promote mindfulness
Think about your goals and dreams
Quote of the Month
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.”