Author Archives: juliefj1

It’s been a long day (literally)

It was dark. So very dark. It had been dark for a very long time. The stars were mere pinpricks in the night sky. The trees were spooky silhouettes. Shadows lurked everywhere. Callieach, the Celtic goddess of winter, skulked through her kingdom. Villagers cowered and hid in darkened, straw-lined rooms in fear that the fierceContinue reading “It’s been a long day (literally)”

Create Your Narrative

Last month, I re-triggered a back injury. I couldn’t stand straight. I couldn’t walk. It was nasty. It stopped me in my tracks. I had to cancel several activities that I had been looking forward to. I cried a lot. I questioned my mobility and my future. Then I caved and went to a physiotherapist.Continue reading “Create Your Narrative”

Algorithms & Aging

Funny how you look at one post about something, and then, thanks to the famous (infamous?) algorithm, your news feed is overrun with reels about bulldogs, crochet stitches, and rituals. Or aging. Where the heck did that come from? I am aging. I sure don’t need to read about it during my mindless daily scrolling.Continue reading “Algorithms & Aging”

Finding the Woman in the Well

It had been a long day, and Ellen’s tooth throbbed. She felt a bit warm, which meant she probably had an infection. But she didn’t have the money or time to have a dentist pull a tooth. With a husband and a young daughter to feed and clothe, she had to put herself last. ThereContinue reading “Finding the Woman in the Well”

The Sky Is Falling (or is it just me?)

I fell a few weeks ago. I wiped out. It wasn’t just a little stumble. I was at the grocery store and making a beeline for the cashier with the shortest line. Whoosh! Up in the air I went, basket and all. I’m not sure what happened because it was so fast. When the dustContinue reading “The Sky Is Falling (or is it just me?)”

You Deserve a Break

Have a break, have a Kit Kat. Yum, sounds good to me. This iconic slogan was created in 1957 by Donald Gilles, the executive at JWT London. I bet he never thought that some 69 years later it would still be popular! And while a Kit Kat may enhance your break from reality, it doesn’tContinue reading “You Deserve a Break”

The Ultimate Betrayal

I am feeling betrayed. Betrayed by Mother Nature. You see, I’m sitting outside, enjoying my lunch and feeling the heat of the sun fanned by a gentle breeze. Suddenly, I realize that breeze is cool, and it is from the North. And most importantly, it is not so gentle. In fact, it is creating aContinue reading “The Ultimate Betrayal”

The Art of Napping

Mmmm. That beautiful sensation of floating, that sense of timelessness, that feeling of surrender. I’m talking about how it feels just before drifting off for a nap. It’s wonderful, right? Whether it be from pure exhaustion, relief on a scorching summer day, or intentional meditation, a nap can restore us. I remember my mom usedContinue reading “The Art of Napping”

Purpose Without Pressure

Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summerThose days of soda and pretzels and beer Thanks for those familiar and motivational words, Nat King Cole. When that album was released in 1963, I wonder if he realized what an anthem it would become! On a side note, if you haven’t tried the Kirkland PeanutContinue reading “Purpose Without Pressure”