“Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Enjoy your unique natural beauty. Keep growing.” Joanne Raptis Have I mentioned how much I love,
Read moreSearch Results for: Joann Claypoole
Memories of Springtime and Mother’s Days Past
Winter had worn out her welcome. Memories of springtime and Mother’s Days past recently invaded my dreams. Thoughts of how each season compares to sacred snapshots of unforgettable days of our lives swirled in my
Read moreEaster Vigil When You Don’t Feel Like Celebrating
“It’s a Celebration!” “For some,” I wanted to say. But I didn’t want to be seen as a downer, or as though I didn’t appreciate the significance of this special day. So, I merely tried
Read moreHow Understanding the True Meaning of Leadership Might Help Us Reach Our Goals
Have you ever wondered how understanding the true meaning of leadership might help us reach our goals? As a former salon and spa owner, I know a little about what to do and what not
Read moreMemories of Mom’s Garden and Her Never-ending Love
Mom’s garden, sown with love… Her love reminds me of a garden; ever lovely, growing, and alive. Born and raised in New York City, the feisty redhead sprang into action the day tulips and daffodils
Read moreFinding Wisdom in Seasons of Change
Can unchanging truths about wisdom lead to seasons of real change? Adventures. Tragedies. Romance. Mystery. All the metaphors and poetic verse pique my brain and prod me to study beyond the written page. I want
Read moreEmbracing the Thought of Starting Over Again
Starting over and embracing new beginnings… When I think of winter’s wonders, my thoughts wander like snowflakes drifting with the wind. The sudden rush of goodbyes and quiet after Christmas vacations with our loved ones
Read moreUnchanging Truths About Wisdom, Beauty, and Change
Wise instruction from unchanging truths? Poetic verse and metaphor have a way of piquing my brain. Warnings and instructions. Adventures or tragedies. I want to dig deeper. Learn more. They’re like ghost stories without the
Read moreA little Girl’s dad
The man. WW2 Soldier. Faithful husband. Dad. Storyteller. A Father of three quirky daughters, and a daddy to one of the fairest butterfly fairy-wannabes. Me. My dad will always be my first hero. He’s the
Read moreMy Mother’s Garden
A redhead with two green thumbs? Born and raised in New York City, a feisty redhead sprung into action the day after tulips and daffodils poked their heads up after a long winter’s slumber. Small
Read more