My friend's untimely death left her family with dozens of conflicting emotions. Several issues had divided them in one way or another. Now confronted with her unexpected death, they found themselves unable to say, "I am sorry. I love you. … Read more

Because our friend died without a will, his earthly family is in a mess. Lawyers, distant relatives, and the government are making decisions about his meagre estate and even his family. While he loved and protected them throughout his life, … Read more

At the very first rendition in Dublin on April 13, 1742, Handel's Messiah raised 400 pounds for the poor and indigent, and freed 142 men from debtors' prison. Handel personally performed it for charity more than thirty times, and it was … Read more

Did you ever get a zatzkapol for Christmas? I've had a few and I think I might have handed out some. A zatzkapol is a present you get that you don't want and can't figure out what it is or why someone would get it for you! So I am asking … Read more

Norma Farber's poem, The Queens Came Late , is new to me and perhaps to you, too. It's about several royal queens who travel to see the newborn Christ-Child. They leave housework and children behind in order to see this marvellous sight. … Read more

You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout. I'm telling you why! "Santa" might bring you a new computer! Thousands of people spend time in hospital emergency wards every Christmas because of computer injuries. A foot … Read more

The little turtle scuffled his head back into his shell. He didn't know whether the boy had a mean streak or if he was just curious. To be on the safe side, he hid. That's exactly what I wanted to do when the book galleys for *Heartfelt: … Read more

Did you know that the blue-footed booby bird with the bluest foot wins the girl, that an anteater has a blue tongue, that a bonga's rusty colour rubs off, that a newborn wallabee weighs less than a paper clip, that the okapi licks its … Read more

Sometimes, when I playfully ask hubby if he loves me, he reams off his "proof list". It generally includes things like cutting the lawn, folding laundry, and loving me just the way I am! The English language includes only one word for … Read more

My weight struggle is no secret. I am a member of Weight Watchers. I own all their books and gadgets. I even have a workout pal who nudges me into daily exercise. So then, you might well ask, "Brenda, are you thin?" No, I am not thin, but … Read more