Building Trust Over a Plate of Sardines and Tomatoes

On July 5, 2018

In the U.S. we are celebrating the anniversary of our Independence on July 4th this week. And with that comes a whole lot of tradition—picnics, fireworks, and FOOD. What’s your July 4th fave? Hamburgers? Ribs? Corn on the cob? Baked beans? For me, the meat varies depending on who’s showing up, but the constant is

The Gift Of Generosity

On December 21, 2017

I recently lost a very good friend to cancer, someone I had known for close to 40 years. My friend was a dynamic spirit who filled her life with adventures. At her celebration ceremony, many people from different interests in her life came forward to share the piece of Valerie that they knew. Her whitewater

Seeing Relatives Over The Holidays? Change The Dance!

On December 16, 2014

Over the river and through the woods….whether you are heading home or relatives are coming to you, having family together can be a warm and happy–and incredibly stressful–time. It seems no matter how old we get, the family dynamics revert back to when we were teens. We fall back into the dance we knew when

30 Seconds To A Happier Holiday

On December 3, 2014

You know those cozy scenes on holiday cards–glowing fireplace, tree perfectly trimmed, presents elegantly wrapped and you, curled up in a big cozy chair sipping mulled cider (or wine!) with stockings hung by the chimney with care? I see them and I think—get real! If I’m lucky, that calm scene maybe happens for 5 minutes…and