https://www.happyherald.com/articles.sec-8507-1-on-the-bright-side.html In an effort to explore new creative avenues in my retirement, I enrolled in a community education poetry class. ]]> In South Florida, October may not bring falling leaves or frosty nights, but it offers its own version of seasonal transition.]]> I try to keep a historian’s eye on the situation, and remind myself that when technology makes human tasks easier, the results are always revolutionary – so to feel uneasy is normal. ]]> I retired in June after 30 years of teaching. This is both exciting and daunting. I’ve been working since I was fourteen, and now my time belongs completely to me! I am free to travel, take classes, explore some new hobbies, and work on my novel (it’s coming along!).]]> Days grow longer and the sunshine stronger. That’s June in South Florida! Summer isn’t just a season – it’s a state of mind]]> Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. That these three words have been branded as somehow unfair has me baffled. It is antithetical to their meaning.]]> The idea for Earth Day was born in the late 1960s, a period of increasing public concern about pollution, environmental degradation, and the health of the planet.]]> Spring is around the corner, with all its vibrant promises of renewal, growth, and fresh possibilities. This month is the perfect time to reflect on the journey toward our dreams]]> The month that’s a perfect mix of sunshine, sea breezes, and just enough winter chill to make you feel like you’re living in a tropical paradise and experiencing “winter” at the same time.]]> As the calendar flips to a new year, the big empty boxes and blank lines on To Do lists await our dreams for the New Year: lose weight, save money, learn French and more selfcare]]> Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude and reflection. It’s a cherished holiday where we gather to reconnect, share meals, and appreciate each other’s company. ]]> Storms roll in, and as long as they are not hurricanes, I find them to be very peaceful. It gets dark for a bit, and the world has to pause for at least a few minutes – longer, if you have the time to wait it out. ]]> A friend invited me to join her for a weekend retreat. It included yoga, meditation, nature walks, organic vegan meals – she had me at retreat]]> At a recent yoga workshop, the teacher suggested that at this moment in history, we humans – collectively – are suffering from an imbalance of the root chakra.]]> Hearing from students that they’ve been inspired to pursue further study of history as a direct result of conversations we’ve had never gets old, and is a powerful reminder that how I have chosen to spend most of my time over the last 30 years of my life matters.]]> Really no different than all of the polarities in our lives: bright side/dark side, half-full/half-empty, and the fundamental good/evil. The cool thing about dreams and nightmares is that they, for real, cannot hurt us, so it may be easier to view them with a curious mind. ]]> President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first official Flag Day in 1916, and in 1949, Congress passed legislation designating June 14th National Flag Day. The significance of the date goes back to 1777 when the Continental Congress agreed upon a flag to represent the new United States of America.]]> Remember the days when discussing religion and politics, or your annual salary, or cost of your house was considered taboo? I long for those days. People keeping their opinions to themselves and going into the voting booth not telling a single person whom they selected. ]]> Not only is it Women’s History Month, but it’s also an election year. Did you know there have been 16 women who have run for President? ]]> I’ve been looking at the bright side my whole life, but most publicly for the last 20 years in our happy little newspaper. I was stunned. And – if I’m being honest – annoyed. The audacity!]]>