Review of Crooked Lines: A Single Mom’s Jewish Journey, by Jenna Zark5 stars The publisher of my book, Koehler Books, is home to many talented authors, and as time permits, I have read a few of their works. As is often the case, reading a book as a favor to a fellow author often results […]
Connection (Connect with others)
Labor Day Gratitude For Those Whose Work Enriches Our Lives
What is Labor Day? “Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country” [from the U.S. Department of […]
After The Casseroles Are Gone
Most of us are pretty good about sending sympathy notes or taking casseroles to a friend we know who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one. An online friend is coming up on the two-year anniversary of her son’s death, and it is a stark reminder that the pain of loss doesn’t ever […]
Does a Personal Note Have to be Handwritten?
There are many times when etiquette and custom and sentimentality call for a handwritten note whenever possible. There is something so much more personal—more intimate—more special about going to the trouble to write something by hand, especially thank you notes and sympathy notes. The receivers of handwritten notes say they love just holding them, re-reading […]
Wearin’ o’ the Green to Honor St. Paddy
From the Heartspoken Archives This was first posted in 2012, but since many of you are new, I thought you’d enjoy some of these special literary celebrations of the St. Patrick’s Day. And if you’re inclined to cook something green in addition to wearing something green, you might enjoy our family’s Green Rice recipe — […]
Note Writing Can Heal The Sender Too
Once asked what action he would recommend if a person were to feel a nervous breakdown coming on, famed American psychiatrist Karl Menninger (1893-1990) replied: “Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, and find someone in need and do something for him.” One more reason to write personal notes! Over time, I’ve […]
Tragedy Requires A Soft Touch
NOTE from Elizabeth: So many of my note-writing friends have expressed a lack of confidence when writing sympathy notes, especially when the death involves a child, suicide, or other challenging circumstances. I am enormously grateful to Patricia Alcamo Choruzy, who bravely shared her perspective on the death of her son from an overdose in this […]
January 23 is National Handwriting Day — Celebrate!
It’s okay if you need an excuse… Writing notes and letters makes me happy, so I rarely need encouragement to do it, but I find this is the exception rather than the rule. Some of you are intimidated because you think you don’t know what to say. Some find it difficult and therefore don’t like […]