When a Story Brings Back Fond Memories

 

I saw a friend today who shared that she had bought Caitlin's Star and loved it. She told me that Grandmother Pearl reminded her so much of her own grandmother.

 

I asked her what kind of “job” she thought her grandmother might have. She paused for a moment, then smiled and said she imagined her grandmother would be the one welcoming people. She also thought she would be the one offering gentle, heavenly advice.

 

I love hearing people talk about what their loved ones’ special jobs might be. Their eyes light up, and they smile as they remember the traits, habits, and kindness that made those people so special. It’s a beautiful reminder that love continues through the memories we carry.

 

I’ll share one of mine, too. This is my grandmother (Mom Mom) at Christmastime back when I was about six years old. She's here with my Pop Pop, mom, sister and me. When I think about her special job, I imagine her as a warm, loving caretaker — always making sure everyone felt safe, welcome, and loved. She's probably still giving the best hugs!

Memories of Holidays Gone By

✨A conversation with an old friend brought back so many holiday memories — the music, the food, the people who filled our homes and our hearts. This reflection grew out of that conversation and out of Caitlin’s Star. My hope is that it brings a quiet moment of warmth and peace to your holiday season. 

👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/pNtTLBcB23E

#HolidayReflection #FamilyMemories #CaitlinsStar #RememberingLovedOnes #GentleMoments

 

 

 

 

Fear of Public Speaking and Some Tips to Overcome It

 Did you know that the fear of public speaking sometimes ranks # 1 in the list of fears that people face. It surpasses fear of spiders, falling, fire, flying, heights and even death! It also has a name - Glossophobia and it affects  up to 75% of people to some degree. The major reasons for the angst is fear of judgement, past experiences and social anxiety.

Recently in some book groups that I am in on social media, an author said that she was going to be making some presentations about her book. She said that she was petrified and she asked for some suggestions on what to do.

She got all kinds of responses and I agreed with many of them. Others though, not so much. I've attached my response to her. 

"I'm a former corporate trainer and my job was preparing and giving training sessions and presentations. My best advice is to plan what you are going to say and practice, practice practice. Find out how much time you will be given and create a small presentation to fill that space. Have an intro - who you are, your background and why you wrote the book. Tell a little about the book - who it is for, read some portions of it, give examples of why those parts hit you and why. Give a personal story or two, people like that because they can relate. This is authenticity.

 I like to walk around during a presentation but with a book, it's good to stay put. Look at the people and don't forget to smile. Once you know what you want to say, practice it in the car, in the shower, while doing the dishes. Say it out loud and then time yourself. You will be surprised at how good you are and how much better you get with each presentation. I envy you and can't wait to hear how you made out!"

 

What other tips would you add? 

Thankful

 

Yesterday was a challenging day. I was deep in the technical side of preparing my book for hardcover—formats, conversions, error messages… the frustrating but necessary part of authorship.

And then an email arrived that immediately changed everything.

A woman who recently purchased Caitlin’s Star asked me to inscribe it for her sister, who lost her son six months ago. She later wrote:

“I just received your book and read through the most touching tribute one can give to/for a loved one. It is beautiful! Thank you so much.”
— C.V.

Later that same day, more messages came in:

“I received your beautifully written Caitlin’s Star yesterday. Loved it. The notes at the end are such a thoughtful addition.”

“That was just beautiful—TRULY. I love the whole concept of the grandma having a job and inviting Caitlin to participate. It truly is a wonderful message!”

These aren’t just book reviews.
They are reminders of why I wrote this story in the first place.

For many families, grief is complex, especially for children. My work, whether through writing, coaching, or teaching, has always centered around helping people navigate change, loss, and new beginnings. Caitlin’s Star is simply another expression of that mission.

Hearing how this book brings comfort, connection, and healing is the kind of feedback that keeps me going, even on the difficult days.

If my work can help even one family feel less alone, then every format issue, every technical hurdle, and every long night is worth it.

 

 

Keep Learning - It's As Simple As That

 I learned something new this week, and it reminded me why continuous learning matters at every age, especially in today’s job market.

Like many older job seekers and career changers, I’ve heard the same assumptions over the years: that older workers don’t want to learn new technology, that they resist change, or that today’s AI tools are too complicated for them.

But here’s the truth: we are not only capable of learning — we are capable of creating. We have been adapting our entire lives.

This month, I taught myself how to use Canva, animation tools, AI-enhanced design, and video editing to create the official book trailer for my new children’s book, Caitlin’s Star.
Here it is: https://lnkd.in/eK7H3PXt

It wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it.

More importantly, it reminded me that learning isn’t tied to age — it’s tied to mindset. In a world of rapid technological change, the most valuable skill any of us can cultivate is curiosity.

To every older job seeker: you are not behind, too old, or stuck. You are experienced, capable, and resilient. You are NOT invisible! Those qualities matter now more than ever. You can learn new tools. You can embrace AI. You can navigate whatever comes next.

If I can teach myself how to create a video trailer using brand-new technology, you can absolutely learn whatever your next step requires.

I've been saying this for years -continuous learning is not just possible at any age, it is essential.

For job search questions or if you'd like to talk about my book, please let me know. Now excuse me while I update my LinkedIn skillset. with technical skills - something I never thought I'd do!

Grief and the Holidays

 

As we enter the holiday season, I want to acknowledge something we don’t talk about enough:

The holidays can be beautiful… but they can also be incredibly hard for anyone who is grieving or missing someone. 💙

Many people around us are carrying invisible emotional weight while trying to move through daily life and celebrations.

If that’s you — please know that you are not alone.
Be gentle with yourself, and reach out to someone you trust if you need support.

I recently created a children’s picture book, Caitlin’s Star, to help families talk gently about loss and healing — and I hope it brings comfort to anyone who needs it this season.

 Wishing peace, compassion, and light to all who are hurting.

Caitlin's Star

 

The Gift of the Pause

Today our yoga practice centered on the word “Pause.”
It feels especially meaningful during this busy holiday season, when so many of us are rushing from one responsibility to the next and our minds rarely stand still. In yoga, a pause is a conscious moment of stillness; a place to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

 

As I lay on my mat, I thought about how the word pause has shaped my life, especially as a mother. I remembered the years when bedtime stories, baths, and giggles filled our evenings — and how often I wanted to rush through them to get to the next task.

There were lunches to pack, clothes to prepare, work deadlines waiting. And too many nights, I forgot to pause… to inhale the scent of freshly washed hair, to treasure warm snuggles, to listen to the laughter.

 

And then one day, it all changed.
No more bedtime stories.
No more rocking-chair cuddles.
No more blanket-fort adventures beneath the dining room table.

What breaks your heart is that you never know when it’s the last time — until years later, when you realize those moments had a beginning and an end.

 

This week, we celebrate Thanksgiving and it is a reminder of how important it is to pause and truly see the people we love. To be present. To savor the laughter and the faces around the table.

 

That’s one of the reasons I wrote Caitlin’s Star — to honor love, family, and the memories we carry with us forever. The story is a reminder that connection lasts, and that the moments we pause to treasure become the ones we hold in our hearts.

 

So my wish for all of us this season is simple:
Pause.
Look up.
Hold the joy.
Treasure today — because we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

 

Caitlin's Star