I don’t take my United States citizenship for granted because my family chose to be American; we weren’t born to it. As we do every year, we went to the North Carolina state Capitol to watch newly minted United States citizens sworn in. Today we celebrated 27 new citizens, … [Read more...] about Fight on The Fourth of July
values
Giving Tuesday & My Favorite Little Charity
On this Giving Tuesday, I’d like to share why the Cecilia Rawlins Fund (CRF) is so dear to me. I dedicate my time by serving on its board and donate money to support its mission. CRF helps nourish children at Wiley Elementary School by funding the weekly Backpack Buddies program … [Read more...] about Giving Tuesday & My Favorite Little Charity
Write to Those Doing the Right Thing
I've spent my entire life writing to legislators, companies, and movie stars. I had written to President Jimmy Carter, Hamburger Helper, and Lucille Ball before I turned 12. Decades later, I continue to write letters. I even taught a segment in my public relations class about … [Read more...] about Write to Those Doing the Right Thing
“What did you do to make the world better?” – Support Backpack Buddies Mediathon
"We know that a peaceful world cannot long exist, one-third rich and two-thirds hungry." -- Jimmy Carter It is criminal that we have hungry children in our community. These aren’t far away kids whose faces you’ll never see (as if that mattered). I’m talking about … [Read more...] about “What did you do to make the world better?” – Support Backpack Buddies Mediathon
I’m a Flag Waving Liberal
The republican president is not my America. My America is open and diverse and welcoming. My America celebrates its freedom rather than squashes it. My America lifts others up, not puts them down. My America doesn’t make me feel ashamed. Independence Day has long been my … [Read more...] about I’m a Flag Waving Liberal
Everyday Can Be MLK Day
It's wonderful to have a national day of service to reflect on the indelible mark Martin Luther King, Jr. left on this country. It's especially healing to honor him now, in this volatile climate brimming with racism, misogyny, xenophobia, and fear mongering. We need the reminder … [Read more...] about Everyday Can Be MLK Day
10 Simple Ways to Make 2017 Shine
I’m having chocolate for breakfast. This should tell you all you need to know about 2016. I’ve pretty much been eating my feelings, especially since November 9. Friends and family have been gifting us sausages from a small, organic butcher in Wisconsin, cheese (also from … [Read more...] about 10 Simple Ways to Make 2017 Shine