Small Things Count

These may seem far-fetched, but climate change has already begun to “build” these vacation spots. Something to think about on my Sensible Saturday eco-focus day.

I’d like to invite you to join me and other authors on Sat., April 27, 10AM-2PM at Booksmart’s celebration of Independent Bookstore Day. Local authors will tell you about their books (from scientific to memoir to children’s), sign them if you choose to buy one, and just chat while you have a mimosa. See flyer for details (I’m 2nd from the right). Bring your friends. 421 Vineyard Town Center, Morgan Hill 95037. If you can’t attend but would like to buy my book The Women in Me: How They Helped Me Survive and Thrive, Google the entire title and add ODonnell. You’ll have a large choice of online bookstores to get it in print or eBook.)

I know this has been around awhile. But I just got off the phone with the Apple store, and this lightened my frustration.

It’s a touchy and deeply concerning subject. Is my loved one showing signs of dementia, or is it simply part of the aging process? Read about the signs of dementia in 10 Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore. It defines dementia and will help you recognize the early signs so you can seek treatment and support.

Each day the news reports another earthquake, devastating storm or flood, fires started by weather or by the fact that “greenery” is drying in the unmerciful heat.  I can’t help wondering if Mother Nature is saying to us, “You’re not taking proper care of my Earth.  The planet is not well and is getting sicker.  Nourish it; care for it.”  No, it’s not that Mother Nature is fighting back–she’s just putting out a cry for help.  It’s a cry that we MUST respond to!

Awesome Gang just published an interview with me. If you’re interested, you can find it at https://awesomegang.com/jackie-odonnell. I admit to some of my quirks as a person and as a writer.

When a loved one passes away, we grieve. We keep them in our hearts, but we move on. Today’s Thursday Thought quote tells us how to honor them.

People with disabilities are often either ignored or “helped” into a worse situation, causing a loss of dignity that can be humiliating.  Here are some suggestions for when you want to do something:  If a non-sighted woman needs guiding, let her take your arm.  Allow the stutterer to finish his own word or sentence.  A lip-reader needs you to face him and speak normally (don’t exaggerate your lip movements).  Someone who has fallen or is having trouble getting up a hill or curb in a wheelchair is in danger if you grab hold without asking what he needs you to do.  The disabled woman in the bathroom has only one stall she can use, so invite her to go ahead as soon as it’s open.  And don’t use that stall for changing clothes or potty-training your three kids.  Avoid parking in the handicap space “for just a minute,” and stay out of that cross-hatch zone next to it so wheelchair ramps can be used. Deciding what to do is actually easy.  When in doubt, just treat people as you’d want them to treat you.

I enjoyed Easter Sunday with family and friends. Today I remind myself that yesterday was only the first day of the first of seven weeks which is Easter season in our Western culture. I’m hoping that the spirit of this season continues even past then and that we use that spirit to build a more compassionate, just, united world.