Life in Full Spectrum: Adventures in Creative Living

There are souls in this world who wear masks so intricately woven that even they seem to forget where the mask ends, and their true face begins. These are the masters of the role of “the victim,” those who’ve spun an artful web of misfortune and pity, drawing others in with a magnetic pull. To them, life is a stage, and they are the leading star, ready to evoke compassion, loyalty, and sympathy—all in service to an inner void that never truly fills. Their method is cunning, polished over years of practice. They know how to pull at heartstrings with gentle gestures or a well-timed tear, creating a fragile, helpless image that can melt even the hardest hearts. It’s a game of leverage, a carefully choreographed dance where everyone else is unwittingly cast as supporting characters in their self-centered play. When someone dares to see through the performance, however, the mask drops, and the dynamic shifts in an instant. Suddenly, they twist the light, turning tables so that anyone who da...

There’s something undeniably magical about the movies from the 80s, particularly in the realms of fantasy and science fiction. These films weren’t just entertainment for kids; they were a portal to other worlds, each filled with adventure, wonder, and a sense of endless possibility. The storytelling in these movies had a way of speaking directly to our imaginations, daring us to dream bigger, explore farther, and believe in things that seemed impossible. When I think back to the 80s, the first films that come to mind are  The Goonies ,  Explorers ,  The NeverEnding Story ,  Labyrinth ,  E.T. , and  The Dark Crystal . These movies weren’t just about cool special effects or action-packed scenes (though, of course, there were plenty of those); they had heart. They sparked a sense of wonder that has stayed with me and many others well into adulthood. A Time of Timeless Storytelling The 80s were a golden age for children’s films because they didn’t talk down to ...

We’ve all heard it: “Just eat right and exercise, and the weight will come off.” It’s the go-to advice, and sure, it works for some people. But if that simple formula doesn’t work for you, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong. The truth is, weight loss is a lot more complex than just cutting calories and moving more. For many of us, there are deeper factors at play that affect how our bodies hold on to weight. Let’s break down some of these factors and talk about practical ways to address them. The real reasons some of us hold on to weight are often linked to a mix of physical, mental, and emotional processes that all influence each other. Weight gain can be affected by hormone imbalances, mental health, stress, genetics, medical conditions, and even the environment we live in. Hormonal imbalances can make weight loss a lot tougher. Conditions like PCOS, hypothyroidism, or insulin resistance affect metabolism and how the body processes food, often leading to weight gain despit...

I’m not dealing well with the way the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is being handled. The situation is beyond frustrating—it’s infuriating. People who have already suffered enough have been left to their own devices, relying on sheer survival instincts. And to make it worse, those who have shown up to help—out of compassion and with the means to do so—have been turned away, threatened with jail time if they fly up the mountain to rescue anyone. Babies are missing. People are starving. They need water and medicine. This is a travesty, a great injustice, and it’s happening right in front of us. It makes no sense. When did we, as a society, become so consumed with policies that we’ve completely lost our humanity? No one should be turned away from helping others in their time of need. If you have the means, the ability, and the compassion to step in, why is that being criminalized? One particular story haunts me. An elderly man, just moments away from being rescued, was left behind. His wi...

I’ve always loved storms—the more dramatic, the better. Ever since I was a little girl, sitting on the front porch with my daddy, watching the rain pour down in sheets and listening to the thunder roll, storms have fascinated me. There’s something about the power of nature that’s thrilling. The anticipation, the way the sky darkens and the wind begins to howl—it feels like a masterpiece in motion. When I first heard about Hurricane Helene, I felt that familiar excitement. There’s something about a big storm that makes me feel so alive, as if the chaos outside brings a strange calm within me. My autistic daughter, Kat, understands this too. She stood outside in the pre-storm rain for 20 minutes, letting it soak into her skin. It’s like we’re wired the same way—both of us mesmerized by the spectacle of nature. Of course, my husband, Johnnie, was far more serious about the situation, reminding me that we might lose power or face worse. He was right to be cautious. As much as I love the se...