wisdom – Signora Sheila

Only Man Walks Upright [and Our Sacred Trust]

Silhouetted man stands with a dog beside a calm lake at sunset, with reflections, distant homes, bare trees, and a pale moon.

The beauty and mystery of the heavens and the stars have long fascinated humanity. They speak of something higher and greater than ourselves. The wise men who worshiped the Christ-child were stargazers too. They searched the heavens for a sign of the coming King — the greatest King ever. They were searching, as humanity always has, forContinueContinue reading “Only Man Walks Upright [and Our Sacred Trust]”

Old Age Isn’t For Wimps

Smiling older woman in a blue sweater raises both fists in celebration outdoors, with warm autumn trees softly blurred behind her.

We never expect bad things to happen. Even though we know they do happen, we tend to think they won’t happen to us. For example, I didn’t expect my first pregnancy to end in a miscarriage. Nor did I expect my husband to have a near-fatal chainsaw accident or for me to fall down theContinueContinue reading “Old Age Isn’t For Wimps”

The Golden Years of Worry

Elderly couple reviewing paperwork together at a kitchen table; the woman looks concerned while the man offers reassuring support.

The Golden Years are touted as a time of leisure, free from many responsibilities and rigid schedules. A time to enjoy life, and maybe even a little prosperity. But for many seniors, the Golden Years might more accurately be described as the “Worry Years”. Because they often bring fear and concerns about declining health, theContinueContinue reading “The Golden Years of Worry”

Swedish Death Cleaning

Eclectic, cozy desk display with a clock, books, abacus, plants, lamp, toys, pillows, woven baskets, and a rolled blanket.

Now that both of my parents have passed away, my brothers have been “death cleaning.” I know it hasn’t been easy, especially for my youngest brother who has always lived there. They hired an estate sale agent, which made the process easier and hopefully reduced some of the emotional stress. I don’t have many childhoodContinueContinue reading “Swedish Death Cleaning”

Smart Clothes Shopping: Easy as 1-2-3

Two smiling women shop for clothing in a modern boutique, carrying paper and reusable bags while comparing a garment; cheerful retail scene.

Many women I know love shopping in groups, but not me. Shopping is stressful enough without bringing a bunch of people along. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting together with my girlfriends. Maybe we could grab lunch or a frothy cappuccino. Is anyone free this week? It’s hard for me to find clothes thatContinueContinue reading “Smart Clothes Shopping: Easy as 1-2-3”

Dog Payments, Snowballs and Debt-Free Living!

Stressed couple reviewing bills and calculator at a kitchen table, with laptop and paperwork nearby, conveying financial concern and uncertainty.

I like to say that Hubby and I should have won a financial stupidity award in our early marriage. Armed with credit cards and not much brains, we shopped foolishly and extravagantly. We even bought a dog on credit! If there were awards for financial stupidity we deserved first place! That’s right, we bought a dogContinueContinue reading “Dog Payments, Snowballs and Debt-Free Living!”