It’s summer in Texas, and we’re all complaining about the weather. However, this morning I ate yogurt with a delicious Texas peach. It was a splendid meal! I agree with Arlene Francis, “Life is the best party I’ve ever been invited to.” –Joy
Wonderful, not perfect
by resolutewoman on December 16, 2021 in celebrations, families, holidays
“I want this Christmas to be perfect,” I told my husband this morning. Last year, Jerry and I spent Christmas with just the two of us. This year, our two children with be home—and each will bring a spouse for the first time. “It won’t be perfect,” Jerry told me, laughing. “But, it will be […]
Thanks and giving
by resolutewoman on November 27, 2021 in celebrations, holidays, kindness, thankfulness
My friend Lynn sent me a note with a quote I really like. It’s appropriate for Thanksgiving—and for the entire holiday season. “May your heart be filled with both—thanks and giving!” –Joy
Be merry and mellow!
by resolutewoman on November 23, 2021 in beauty, celebrations, happiness, holidays
This is one of my favorite autumn poems. I think I have posted it before! Sing apples and peaches and pears! Singe orange and scarlet and yellow! Sing green turned to glory To tell us the story That autumn is merry and mellow! –Elizabeth Rooney
A new spirit of patriotism
by resolutewoman on July 3, 2021 in celebrations, change, courage, Uncategorized
“So, let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look over not only ourselves, but each other,” President Barack Obama once said.
We are all Americans
by resolutewoman on July 1, 2021 in celebrations, change
Black and white, homeless people and people living in McMansions, Democrats and Republicans. We are all Americans. The poet Langston Hughes wrote: I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother.They send me to eat in the kitchenWhen company comes,But I laugh,And eat well,And grow strong. Tomorrow,I’ll be at the tableWhen company comes.Nobody’ll dareSay to […]
Expect a surprise
by resolutewoman on May 22, 2021 in celebrations, change, courage
“Each day holds a surprise,” the priest and writer Henri Nouwen once said. “But, only if we expect it can we see, hear or feel it when it comes to us. “Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy. It will open a new […]
Happy Mother’s Day!
by resolutewoman on May 8, 2021 in celebrations, friends, mothers
Happy Mother’s Day to my mother, of course! Happy Mother’s Day, too, to a number of women friends who, through the years, have nurtured me, helped me survive and thrive, listened and lectured, always been available when I needed them. Thank you! –Joy
500,000 blooming blossoms
by resolutewoman on March 20, 2021 in beauty, celebrations, happiness, Uncategorized
Jerry and I visited the Dallas Arboretum today for the first time since the pandemic began. And, spring has arrived at the arboretum—with 500,000 blooming blossoms. Yes, 500,000! It was glorious. I felt as if I had survived the pandemic—even though I wore my mask and was careful to stay at least six feet away […]
Counting our blessings
by resolutewoman on February 18, 2021 in celebrations, happiness, hope
Throughout the pandemic, my husband Jerry and I have counted our blessings. We have plenty of money to buy food, our children and their spouses are doing fine, and we communicate with friends with letters and text messages and on the phone, on FaceTime and on Zoom. We have been not been ill with COVID. […]
What’s this site about?
We wrote our book and we’re writing our blog because we were frustrated. We were frustrated with experts who try to tell people how to lose weight, raise their children and improve their marriages—and be a success—in 10 easy steps. In three weeks. In one book.
Our self-help book and blog are for grownups—for women who know that there are no easy answers to life’s complex problems—that finding solutions requires some self-knowledge and self-searching and hard work.
We want to help women discover their own answers and live with them as their guide. We want to help you and other women Help Yourself!
We write about making changes and also about many other issues important to women, including families, friends, work and food.