In order to write with credibility, the author needs to complete all the research necessary for a novel. This includes researching about the foods included in the story without sounding like you’re repeating a menu. One writer who does this well is Jan Karon. Her Mitford series is filled with all types of recipes and […]
Recently, I met a woman whose son died in a tragic car accident. One minute he was alive with plans for a wonderful future. The next minute, he was lying in a coffin. A terrible event with intense grief. For families with loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer’s, the grief comes in small steps. We
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When life unravels into Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important for caregivers to carry survival tools. As I speak in various venues throughout the metro and beyond, I share these survival tools.This week, I had the opportunity of sharing these tips with professionals at the Chem Council in Kansas City. With 43 million caregivers in the
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In her book, “The Artist’s Way” (http://amzn.to/1ajQmPn), Julia Cameron suggests that artists schedule an artist’s date. This includes any type of artist who desires to build on the relationship between her work and her soul. Potters, sculptors, painters and wordsmiths like me. The artist takes a break from a current project and does something else
This happens every time I do a speaking event. Someone in the audience either reaches for a tissue or wipes their tears away. Sometimes, from the people in the front rows, I see tears puddle in their eyes. Maybe it’s because my topic is usually centered around my mother’s Alzheimer’s or my father’s dementia. Maybe
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A royalty check arrives from my publisher at CrossRiver Media. My novel, “The Unraveling of Reverend G” has traveled to more homes and more hands. Someone is reading my words. I look at the list and marvel at the numbers of people who read the story of Reverend G – these folks who follow her
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Most of my recent blog posts have centered around Mom and her Alzheimer’s journey, but years before Mom’s diagnosis – we faced a similar struggle with Dad and his dementia. Check out the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s here: http://bit.ly/AFg8SC On a cold November day, Dad decided to build a fire in the fireplace but
Dear Mom, This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and I sent you a card. Hopefully, you will understand the words and remember who I am from my signature on the bottom. I wish I could be there with you, but since I can’t – please know that I love you and celebrate Mother’s Day with you.
Living with Alzheimers and/or dementia causes a host of emotions—especially for caregivers. Mom’s emotions aren’t that difficult. She lives in a contented land where all she has to worry about is where she put her teeth during the night and can she find her underwear the next day. Even then, somebody helps her with those
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Since I am an author, I’m constantly looking into how research builds hope. Plus, “The Unraveling of Reverend G” and the rest of the books in my series deal with Alzheimers and dementia. So research is a must. I find it easy and enjoyable to do research. I study everything I can find about caregiving,
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