Choose Joy

Surprised by Joy – Go Bananas

It had been an unusually long and busy day for my daughter Natalie. She and her two little girls Hailey and Margo had just hurried home from running errands, so she could fix dinner for her family along with making extra for a sick neighbor’s family. With all the craziness of the day the girls…

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Depression’s Darkness and the Summer’s Sun

Sunbeams stream through my window calling me to come out and play. I squint at the invitation, beginning to feel the warmth on my face. Sunny summer days’ promises are endless as you squeeze sand through your toes at the beach, splash in a pool with friends and enjoy some hotdogs off the grill in the…

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Changing the World, One Mailbox at a Time

While out of town visiting my mother, I was invited to join her on the patio of a neighbor who was having a little social gathering. Not knowing the group, I sat there awkwardly smiling, listening to three simultaneous conversations. I kept hearing the name Joe, as if they were all talking about a long-time…

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Life is More Fun in a Dress!

Say “Yes” to a Dress It’s 6:45pm, the store closes at 7:00 and tomorrow is Easter. I want to find a dress. It’s a tradition. I’m just glad I don’t have to find a matching hat like my grandma did. Still, I don’t know what to do. I really want to wear something new tomorrow,…

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Humor Heals – Laughter is the Best Medicine

  My maiden name is Hoole, which rhymes with fool. So, when I was born on April 1st, many of my parents’ family members and friends encouraged my parents to be clever and name me April Hoole. I’m glad they showed a mature restraint and went with Elaine. Yet still, being born on April Fools’…

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Pull Out Your Pretty Dishes and Feed Your Soul.

photo credit – NatalieBoswellPhotography   I recently had a great experience in finding joy. While I was visiting my friend, Jill, I went to the kitchen for a drink of water. I opened the cupboard to find an array of beautiful crystal glasses. I thought I must be looking in the wrong place, so I…

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