The Heartbreaking Ripple Effects of Divorce: A Grandmother's Plea Life's fragility struck me recently - both through my own health challenges and by witnessing Jay Leno's remarkable resilience after his recent fall. Like Jay Leno, who returned to work swiftly despite injury, I'm learning to move forward with determination, understanding that adversity doesn't define us, but how we respond to it does. As Thanksgiving approaches, a deeper pain weighs on my heart - the silent epidemic of divorce that tears families apart more thoroughly than any physical ailment. This week, in a crowded waiting room, I discovered I wasn't alone. Surrounded by fellow grandparents, aunts, and cousins, we shared stories that echoed with haunting similarity - tales of alienation, false accusations, and heartbreaking separations. Bonding over vibrant hair and endless laughter 💜 My granddaughter Olive has become the unwitting victim of this familial destruction. Knowing she...

 Voting Has Begun!  Early voting has begun, and I cherish the memories I create with my granddaughter at the polls. This tradition goes beyond simply casting a ballot; it opens the door to meaningful conversations about standing up for our beliefs and values. Chiming Belle with Granddaughter at  the Polls Voting empowers citizens to elect leaders who prioritize the public interest and common good over personal gain. The key is to evaluate candidates based on their qualifications and capacity for wise governance.  However, in today's information-saturated world, distinguishing between prudent candidates and those who rely on manipulation can be challenging. Unwise leaders often employ charisma and flattery, telling people what to think rather than encouraging critical thought. They may use emotional manipulation and make absolutist claims, demanding acceptance instead of inviting questions. In contrast, wise candidates educate voters on issues and seek to reveal t...

 Sunset Chasing I'm a Sunset Chaser - it's one of my hobbies. I'm a slow mover, but one thing I can chase is a sunset! Just in case you are not familiar with this hobby, a sunset chaser a person who sees a beautiful sunset forming and tries to capture it's beauty by taking lots of photos. You don't need much to catch a sunset. A simple  camera , (paid link) or phone camera and it maybe a special sun chaser shirt  (paid link).   It's also a time to admire it's beauty and take a deep breath and recharge. It's a wonderful way to end any day, even a stressful day.  Not every day do you see a sunset. But when I see one it's so beautiful and rewarding. Sometimes I'm able to pull over and capture the moment. However, trying to capture a Sunset Selfie is challenging, but I had lots of fun trying! Trying to take a Selfie in Front of a Sunset Sunset Captured By Side of Road Many times I just cannot stop the car. On this day my Granddaughter, who wasn...

It's easy to feel alone... Caring for a loved one can sometimes make you feel like you are all alone. Just when I was beginning to feel lonely I was invited to a family reunion. It was the first family reunion in decades!  After many hours, I arrived. About to Enter the Family Reunion It was the rejuvenation that I needed! It was great to share memories together and meet family members that I hadn't met before. It was so much fun re-connecting.  Sharing Fun Times Together - Cherishing the Moment Appreciate the people in your life! Cherish the people who love you, and even if you grow apart, let them know you'll always be cheering for them even if it's from afar. However, much to my amazement, even though we had grown apart, most if not all have a social media presence or an email. So now, it will be easier to keep in touch! I don't feel alone anymore! Hoping I'll be around for the next reunion!

 August if for Golfing!  We Just Love Golfing! My family loves Golfing and August is National Golf Month! However, I'm not much of a Golfer. Sports and exercise wasn't that important to my family growing up. Now, as an older American, I wish that exercise was more of a priority. I think I might of avoided some of my health issues. Enjoying The Golf Course With Family!  So, since my family enjoys playing, I found a way to enjoy it. Sometimes I Drive the Golf Cart, which is always lots of fun!  When golfing outdoors, I've thought of it as a nature walk. To me, I find the idea of just walking outside, observing nature peaceful!. Plus at the same time I can cheer on my family and be part of their exciting moments like when they make a long putt!   Of course, in the hot months, if you cannot get a tee time in early morning, there's several inside golf options. Places like TopGolf have made golf very social and enjoyable. Plus, I love their food menu!  Hav...

One Year ANNIVERSARY of being a blogger! My Blog-Averary! (as I call it) Yay to me! I wasn't sure I could do it. It's been a tough year for me personally, so to be able to blog for a year is a huge accomplishment for me. My biggest fan has been my granddaughter!  My Biggest Fan! My Granddaughter! I feel like I have a second chance at life after coming out from my coma. I had always wanted to be a blogger - writer and poet and now I better start, especially after surviving a coma and learning how to walk again!  Chiming Belle in a Coma with her biggest fan - Olive!  After my recovery, I regained some strength and then I became the primary caretaker of my husband. Being a caregiver has made it a challenge to continue to blog! But I did it!  Chiming Belle taking care of her husband Thank you to all my fans!