Particularly Patsy Archives

A Plan For Holiday Sadness

Melancholy can descend upon us like heavy drapes from a theater, which is why it’s good to have a plan for holiday sadness. The gala emphasis on family, while good, can also push our loss buttons causing our cheery feelings to be run off by “ghosts of Christmas past.” Those whom we love who are…

4 ways to “Douse an Angry Exchange”

Remember it’s hard to maintain an argument with someone who isn’t adding brush to the fire. 1. Thoughtfully. Stop angry words before regret. Learn to nip verbal cycles that lead to arguments. Some spats have lasted far too long and others don’t need to happen. Practice a pause (one deep breath or two) before you…

Changing Seasons: Risk and Trust

Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile. ~ John Howard Bryant Do you have the same level of angst I do when I’m down to the last few pages of a book that has cast a spell over my heart? The characters have become friends, close ones, and I don’t want them to leave. I love their town,…

Changing Seasons: Seeds of Promise

I’ve been working on a family tree. It’s been fascinating, shocking, funny, and by all means revealing. For instance, I am a distant relative of Pocahontas. Isn’t that delightful! Also my great, great, great grandmother was Mary Todd’s teacher for 4 years. She helped Mary perfect her French and taught her the dances of royalty.…