I’m a workaholic; I always have been. When I was teaching, I could enjoy vacation until the last day or two. Then I found things I had to do.
​
Now that I’m retired, I work all the time, I don’t have to, but writing and publishing took over my life. If you look, you can catch me working in these two photos.
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In the first one, I’m pretending to read so my husband can take a picture. Lake Fun for You and Me, my second book, was coming out, and I needed a photo for social media.
​
In the second, I’m really writing. I always sit in a comfy chair with a great view. That’s where I write stories for picture books and middle grade novels. I design posts for my blog and book reviews, and I create newsletters and video scripts. It’s hard to stop writing, but I’m learning.


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​​Part 1: Putting Family First:​  By the time I retired, my children were grown, and they’d moved away. Visits were precious so I tried to be present, and I wrote later.

If I visited during their work week, I’d write all day. Then take time off for dinner. When we settled in to watch TV or a movie, then I went back to work.
​
Looking back, I wish I’d put off working until my kids went to bed. I’m a night owl so it’s easy for me to stay up and write. 

BTW—these photos are not my kids or grandkids. Their images are private.


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​ In 2019, I published my first book, Neil Armstrong’s Wind Tunnel Dream, and my first grandchild was born. Since then, two more joined the family. Time with them is precious.

My husband and I travel 2-3 days to see them for birthdays and holiday vacations. I work all the way there. That’s easy! Once we arrive, I work hard to keep myself from writing. To invest my time in building and maintaining a relationship with them.

Writing, it’s what I do when they’re napping or down for the night. In the six years since the first grand arrived, I’ve learned how to spend my 3-5 hours of writing time. I keep up on my blog and my vlog. The biggest blessing, classic posts; That’s a nice way of saying the old ones. They’re worth pulling out and dusting off. AND, they preserve my time with the grands!

 
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​Part 2: Hanging Out With Family:  I’m a night owl, but my children and grandchildren are early birds. To spend more time with them, I get up early too.
​
I used to be up when the grands woke, but now I’m up an hour later. It’s still way earlier than usual. With the oldest, we play a game where she tries to wake me up. So far, she hasn’t caught me snoring, but who knows? She might get me the next time!

​I also try to be present when they’re up. I don’t work. I don’t hang out with the adults. Wherever my grandkids are, that’s where you’ll find me.
​
Whatever they’re doing, I try to do. When I’m too old, too stiff to join in their fun, I turn into an audience of one, and I cheer from the sidelines. 
​

​

When I hang out with my grands, it’s all about the play. If we’re inside, I’m all in for hide and seek, Candyland, cards, whatever game they pull out.

Outside it depends…I’m terrible at throwing, catching, running, but I can still handle the swings. Slides and monkey bars, not so much either. Some things just don’t age well; at least not on me ☹

When the grands do things I can’t, I join the audience. I watch, applaud, and cheer. That way we’re all happy.

My grands can count on me as a TV/movie buddy. I’ll watch anything from Mr. Rogers to Bluey, from Frozen to the new SpongeBob movie.

I feel the same way about books. I’ll read any story they hand me until we have to stop. My favorites, the ones I gave them, of course!
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Part 3: Heading Home and Staying Connected: All good things must come to an end, and so do family vacations. I treasure time with my kids and my grandkids, yet I’m also happy to get back on the road again.
​​

​​Within minutes, I’m on my computer, writing and revising again. First up, the stories I put on hold to hang out with family.


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​I have two WIP’s, writer-speak for Works In Progress. Charley’s back, and so am I. We’re working with Callie again, and my new goal—to polish Chapters 1-3 until they’re submission ready. I’m close, and Callie will tell me when they’re done.

Now that I’m home again, it’s time to work on staying connected to my grands. For the older two, I video-call once a week. It only lasts a couple minutes; long enough for them to tell me what they’re up to or for me to ask.

​For the littlest, he taught me something new…His mom sent me a quick video. He said, “Hi grandma. Love you.” That’s it! Short and sweet! It took me a few hours to realize I could shoot a video too. His reaction—he burst into a smile as soon as he saw it. At his age, that’s HUGE! If you have a little who isn’t ready to video chat, I think it’s a great way to stay connected!

Simon at DiBella Law Office asked me to share a link to their website. I looked, said yes, and decided to add my advice as a retired teacher/parent/grandparent. I’d prepare my kids first before putting them on public transportation.

Simon’s link: dibellalawoffice.com/public-transportation-safety-guide-for-kids/ 

I live in a small town; my kids used school buses. But if you live near a city, your child may have to take public transit. It can be an opportunity to learn safety skills and independence. My goal, to help your kids do it safely. 

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 Part 1: Talk to Your Kids: The first step is to have an age-appropriate conversation. You want to inform your child; to help them feel prepared, not anxious.

For elementary age kids, DiBella’s site suggests that parents focus on strangers. Talk about who’s trustworthy, like transit employees or moms with children, and who to avoid. I’d check in with your local transit system for safety suggestions. It’s in their interest to help you and your child.

​For middle and high schoolers, DiBella suggests that parents have honest conversations with their teens about risk, Unfortunately, that might include physical or sexual harassment. You also need to talk about how to report unsafe conditions. You should be their first contact, and their advocate.

To get them ready, I’d ride with my kids first and talk about what we see. How other people handle situations, what they did right, and what they didn’t. I’d let my kids sit by themselves, with me a few rows back as a safety net. It gives them confidence and lets them test their wings.
​
I’d also take DiBella’s suggestion to role-play situations your kids might encounter. Practicing where it’s safe, where they can make mistakes helps kids respond when they need to. A rule for teachers: repeat to remember; remember to repeat. Another strategy, ask your kids what they’d do in problem situations. The faster they can answer, the faster they can respond in real life.


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Part 2: Set Expectations for Behavior: Talk with your child about rules for public transportation. Help them understand there are consequences for breaking them.

Here are 6 rules from DiBella’s website. I’d also double check with your local transit company
to see if they have additional ones.

1. No running or climbing on buses or trains. It’s a safety issue.
2. Be courteous to fellow passengers. Think please, thank you, and excuse me.
3. Use headphones when listening to music and videos. It’s the polite thing to do.

4. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. If you’re using headphones,
I’d use 1 earbud to stay tuned in. Sit where you have the best view of the people
​around you. Consider the buddy system; 2 sets of eyes are better than 1.

5. Locate the fire extinguisher. I’d also look for exits in case there’s more than 1.
6. Share your location with your parents/guardians, just in case.
 

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​
​Part 3: Teach Kids How to Handle Emergencies:

No matter how hard you try, you can’t anticipate everything that could happen to your child. But you can teach them how to respond, and you can minimize harm and maximize their safety. 


​

The biggest risk for your child— getting lost or confused.
These 2 tips will help them figure out where they are.

1. Teach them how to read the transit maps so they can find their location in real time.
2. Make sure they know their route and the important landmarks on it.
​

               ​Part 4: Teach Them How to Deal with Danger:
​

When something feels wrong, tell your child to trust their gut and look around. There might be something broken, a reckless driver, or someone behaving strangely. If that happens, try these 2 tips.

1. Move away from the problem. Giving yourself distance, even backing away, is a good thing.
​
2. If things still feel wrong, get off the bus/train and contact a parent right away.
​
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​Your kids may need to get help from the transit authority, so prepare them ahead of time.​

​ 3. Show them where to find security booths and call boxes along the routes they use.

4. Help them program the transit security number into their phone.

5. If your child gets on or off in a school zone, tell them they can go inside for help.

6. Let them know 911 is the best option for emergencies ​like fire, a serious injury, or crime.
​
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                                                                                     Part 6: Additional Information and Resources:
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Part of keeping your child safe is teaching them how to handle basic first aid, just in case. You’re giving your child a gift…the knowledge and confidence to handle whatever happens.

1. Keep band-aids and antiseptic ointment in your child’s backpack so they can handle small injuries like cuts.
​
2. Talk about the differences between small things and serious ones, like what to do if they’re in a bad fall. Should they ask a transit employee for help or call 911?
​

​

​1. Legal Rights & Protections for Public Transit Passengers

2. Responsibilities of Transit Authorities to Ensure Safety

3. Common Legal Issues Involving Accidents or Negligence on Public Transit

Goodbye, Penny! On November 12, 2025, the US Mint stamped its last penny. They won’t make any more new ones, but there are lots of old ones still around. I wonder, how many can you find in your house?

My Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/11/12/penny-discontinued-shortages-us-mint/87214531007/
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​                                                                                                                                      Part 1: The End of the Story: 
​

It all started with the Department of Government Efficiency. Think Doge. In January of 2025, they said that 4.5 billion pennies were stamped in 2023, and they cost taxpayers over $179 million. That’s a lot of pennies!

I couldn’t do the math, and Google couldn’t either. So I checked the US Mint’s 2024 Annual Report. They said each penny made in 2024 cost 3.69 cents to make. Ridiculous! To pay four pennies to make one? That’s non-cents! LOL!
​
President Donald Trump looked over both reports and then signed an executive order in February 2025. It ordered the US Mint to quit making pennies. They stopped…ten months later. 


​

It’s only been a week, but the end of the penny is already affecting businesses like McDonalds. When you use cash, they’ll ask if you could round up to the nearest nickel. Then they don’t need pennies to make change. Why? Thousands of stores can’t get them!

Note—if you use credit cards, no problem. Banks can give you change electronically.
​
Some businesses even round down. Losing a few pennies won’t hurt the bottom line in the short term, but over a year it can. Think dollars. Hundreds, even thousands! 


​

So what can business do? Ask Congress for help. Businesses have legal issues that are much bigger than mere pennies. Did you know 10 states and some localities already have laws that won’t let business round to the nearest nickel? Ouch!

You’d think government would have addressed this, but you’d be wrong. So what can you do? Use your credit card…it’s an easy button. If you prefer cash, use it. Just round up and be generous to businesses during this time of change. It won’t last forever.

                                                                                                         Part 2: My Top Ten Quotes

​Have you heard some great lines about pennies? I picked ten famous people who had something to say about them.  
​
My Source Link: www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/pennies.html


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​
​1. "One penny may seem to you a very insignificant thing,
​but it is the small seed from which fortunes spring."

By Orison Swett Marden (1848-1924)
​
American inspiration author & founder of Success magazine



​​

2. "A penny saved is a penny earned."
And 
"Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves."

By Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

American writer, scientist, inventor, statesman,
diplomat, printer, and publisher

PS... J. Paul Getty, founder of the Getty Oil Company, said something similar…
"If you look after the pennies, the dollars will look after themselves." 


​

​3. "Human beings have the remarkable ability to turn
nothing into something. They can turn weeds into
gardens and pennies into fortunes."

 By Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
​
American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker

​

​
4. "Be careful who you call your friends. I’d rather have
four quarters than one hundred pennies."

By Al Capone (1899-1947)

American gangster and businessman



​

6. "Pennies do not come from heaven.
They have to be earned here on earth."

By Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013)

British stateswoman, leader of the Conservative Party,
​and Prime Minister

8. "If teardrops were pennies and heartaches were gold,
I'd have all the treasures my pockets could hold."

By Dolly Parton (1946)

American singer, songwriter, actress,
​philanthropist, and businesswoman

​10. "Whatever your dream is, every extra penny
you have needs to be going to that."

By Will Smith (1968)

American actor, rapper, and film producer




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                                                      Part 3: My Top Ten Songs
​​
​Can you think of any song titles with pennies? I picked the top ten from an online source.
​
​​My Source Link: https://www.ranker.com/list/the- best-songs-about-pennys/reference


​

​1. “Penny Lane,” was recorded by the Beatles, a 1960s English band from Liverpool. Think John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
 
It was released in February 1967. “Penny Lane” became a top five hit in Europe, and it reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100.


​

2. “Penny Arcade” was sung by Roy Orbison, a famous American singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
​
Orbison recorded “Penny Arcade” in 1969. He took it to #1 in Australia and New Zealand, to the Top 30 in the UK, and to #133 in the US. 


​

​3. “A Penny for Your Thoughts” was recorded by Willie Nelson, an American singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor, and activist.

He released it in February of 1976. 

4. “Penny Lover” was sung by Lionel Richie, an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and TV personality.

​It was the fifth and final release from Ritchie’s 1983 multi-platinum album, Can’t Slow Down. “Penny Lover” was also a top ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. It hung out at #8 for two weeks in December 1984.



​

​

​6. “Throw a Penny” was performed by the Bee Gees, a trio of brothers. Their first names, Barry, Robbin, and Maurice.
​
You’ll find “Throw a Penny” on their 1974 album, Mr. Natural. 

8. “Pretty Penny” was recorded by Stone Temple Pilots, an American rock band from San Diego, California.

It came from their 1994 album Purple, but it was released as a 1995 promo single. 

​9. “Penny Hardaway” was recorded by Ghostface Killah and the Cool Kids.
​
They released it on their album When Fish Ride Bicycles back on July 12, 2011. 


​

10. “The Penny Arcade in California” was recorded by the Neutral Milk Hotel.

It came from their 1998 album, The Aeroplane Over the Sea. Would you believe they actually renamed the song when they were touring?

I was surprised when I got an email from Bella at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers. She asked me to share their link about driving safely when you’re pregnant. I never connected the two in the 80s when I had my kids.

I checked their link and found some great common-sense tips I’d like to share with you. Here’s the link to their web site if you want to check it out for yourself.


​                                             Link: https://cooperhurley.com/driving-while-pregnant/

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​

                                Part 1: Seat Belts & Safety Tips
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Seat Belts: Whether you’re pregnant or not, driver or passenger, wearing a seat belt is the safe thing to do. Take a look at this photo and check out how this mom-to-be is buckled up. She’s following National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines.

1. Mama’s lap belt is under her baby belly. It fits against her hips and pelvic bone. Not across her stomach. That’s dangerous for both mom and baby-to-be.

2. See her shoulder belt? It’s on the shoulder, running across the middle of her chest. It’s not in a dangerous position, like around her neck, or under her arm, or behind her back. Keep as much space as you can between your baby bump and the steering wheel, and as little as possible between your shoulder and the seat belt. 


​

​ Safety Tips:
1. Buckle your lap and shoulder belt correctly. They’ll keep you safe.
2. Check with your doctor to see if your medications might affect your driving.
3. Adjust your seat, steering wheel, or seat belt as needed. Space and comfort are good things for both of you.
4. Move distractions. When you’re expecting, focus and memory can be tricky. Things like cell phones can take your focus away from the road.
5. If you’re not feeling well, it’s ok to be a passenger, especially if you’re tired, nauseas, or in pain.

   

​ Road Trips: When you’re pregnant, long commutes and road trips can be a challenge. Think pit stops alone! But don’t worry. I found six ways to stay safe and comfortable.

1. Share your plans. Make sure someone knows when you’ll arrive. Give them a contact number in case you’re running late.

2. Plan for emergencies. Have your insurance cards and contact information ready, just in case.
​

3. Pick rest stops carefully. Make sure they’re labeled and well-lit. If you run into a problem, stay in your car.

4. Take breaks, even if you don’t need them. Get out. Stretch your legs. Check out the bathroom. No one wants to feel tired or nauseous.

5. Bring snacks and drinks in case you need them. If you have gestational diabetes, pick healthy ones.

6. Travel in the right clothes. Think loose, casual, and well-worn. Don’t let cute clothes distract you. Think comfy when you’re pregnant and traveling!


​

When to Stop: Listen to these 4 signals. They’ll tell you when you need a break and for how long. Don’t be a hero. You’re driving for two.
​​

1. Discomfort—If you can’t reach the steering wheel, or wear your seat belt properly, or sit comfortably…Take a break. Discomfort affects your focus and your driving.

2. Nausea—most moms-to-be have it. If yours is intense or you get motion sickness, stop! Your body is working for two.

3. Fatigue—anyone who’s tired should take a break. Moms-to-be, you’re building a brand-new person. No wonder you’re tired!

4. High blood pressure—whether it’s chronic or because of pregnancy, STOP! It’s dangerous for you and your precious cargo.
​

​

Car Accidents: Would you believe car crashes happen more often during the second trimester? The rate was 42% higher than for nonpregnant women. There wasn’t data for the first trimester or the third. My guess, they’re both lower than the second trimester.

The most serious kinds of injuries: pre-term labor, hemorrhaging, placental abruption, internal bleeding, miscarriage, and birth complications. They sound like collision injuries, not the kind you get from fender-benders.
​​

So what do you do in an accident? First, take some slow, deep breaths to calm down. Next keep an eye out for symptoms. If you have a concern, see the doctor. If they’re serious, call 911 or get someone to drive you to the ER. If you see a doctor, follow orders. Ask questions about your condition or about changes you notice.
If you’re in an accident, exchange insurance and contact information. Call the police to make an accident report. Touch base with your insurance company. They’ll help you if you decide to make a claim or get legal advice.


​

Post Delivery: Take time after you get home to recoup from childbirth and sleepless nights. If you had a normal birth, give yourself a few weeks to recover from any abdominal pain, bleeding, or soreness. Let family take care of you while you learn to care for your new baby.

If you had a C-section, you’ll need more time to heal. Maybe as much as six weeks before you drive again. Until then, rest up; follow doctor’s orders. Don’t do any lifting or heavy movements. Instead take time to catch up on your sleep and enjoy your new baby. 


​​

Car Seats: You probably bought yours long before baby’s due date, and you made sure it met safety standards. That it didn’t have any recalls or visible defects.

Make sure you install it a few weeks before your due date. The seat must face backwards according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines.

No matter what kind of delivery you had, car seats are too heavy for you to lift once baby’s here. Enjoy letting someone else do the heavy lifting; your turn will come soon enough.

Many strollers are designed to hold car seats safely. They’ll help you move baby around, but you’ll still need help getting it out of the car and into the stroller. Your doctor can tell you how much to carry right away, and when you’re fully healed. ​

​
​Sometimes your mind just stalls out. Not from lack of effort, but from running in too many directions without pause. Creative energy isn’t infinite—it depletes, especially when life demands too much and gives too little space in return. The good news? You can restart it. Like a muscle, creativity responds to movement, rhythm, and shifts in perspective—especially when you step outside the loop you’re stuck in.



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     Tip #2: Use Movement to Clear Mental Clutter

There’s a strange relief that comes when your feet are moving and your mind trails behind them. A walk clears static you didn’t know you were carrying. It's not just exercise—it's a way of thinking without trying. The repetition of footsteps untangles thoughts quietly in the background. That rhythmic forward motion often acts like a reset switch on problem-solving. Not every idea is born at a desk. Some of your best breakthroughs might be waiting just outside your door, pacing alongside your shadow.



​​

You don’t need a giant breakthrough. Simple ways to stay creative include sticky notes, sketchpads, lists of bad ideas, or mind maps that go nowhere. These aren’t productivity hacks. They’re frictionless ways to loosen mental bottlenecks. Let your tools be dumb. Let your output be pointless. Eventually, something catches. You’ll be surprised by how often a diagram or scattered phrase gives shape to something previously invisible. Small tools work because they lower the stakes. They allow you to experiment without overthinking, and that freedom lets deeper thought patterns start to move again.


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​   Tip #4: Pursue New Professional Pathways

​
​Sometimes creativity doesn’t just slow—it stalls completely, stuck in work that no longer lights you up. That’s when a bigger change can spark something deeper. If you’ve always felt drawn to technology, pursuing an online computer science degree gives you a way to explore programming, IT, and real-world tech applications with fresh eyes. You don’t have to quit everything to start—online programs make it easier to study while keeping your current job. The shift might be the very thing that brings energy and creativity back into your work and your thinking.


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                                                                                                                     Tip #5: Engage with Hands-On Expression

​You don’t need to “be an artist.” You need space to move your thoughts with your hands. Using art to slow down works best when you stop expecting results. Try a pen, some markers, maybe clay. Let it be terrible. The process is the payoff. The reflection comes later. Making something visual or tactile gives your brain a different channel. You’re not analyzing or solving—you’re observing, releasing, shaping. That act alone can return you to center, especially during periods of mental fog. It doesn’t have to look good. It just has to move something that’s been sitting still for too long.

                                                             Tip #6: Create Distance to Gain Perspective

​Problem-solving isn’t always about staring harder. Taking a step back mentally allows insights to surface sideways. Let the pressure drop for a minute. Change the scenery. Pretend it’s someone else’s problem. These shifts open up angles that brute force can’t. Psychological distance reshuffles mental associations, turning stuck ideas into movable ones. When you detach, even briefly, your subconscious does work your conscious mind can’t. It’s not about giving up—it’s about letting the solution come through the side door while your ego takes a break.

                              Tip #7: Make Time for Drifting

​You’re not lazy—you’re building space. Letting your mind wander is how new connections form without effort. Don’t fill every pause with scrolling. Just stare out the window sometimes. Doodle. Breathe. Let yourself be bored long enough for something unusual to slip through. That quiet space where nothing is demanded often becomes the birthplace of something unexpectedly clear. It’s not distraction—it’s incubation. And it only works when you stop forcing it and let your attention soften.
​

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                                                                                                                                           Part 8: A Conclusion

​
​Creativity isn’t a single switch. It’s a circuit with multiple wires: movement, curiosity, quiet, reflection, structure, space. You can learn how to rebuild it, even after long periods of burnout or doubt. The key isn’t inspiration—it’s rhythm. You don’t need to wait for something big to spark again. Just start where you are. Small shifts, repeated often, lead to very real change. And if you treat creativity as something to be fed, rather than forced, you’ll find it begins to show up more often—and stay longer when it does.


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Discover the magic of storytelling with Rinda Beach, a passionate children's author, teacher, and speaker! Explore her books, blog, and author visit opportunities to inspire creativity and learning today!

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                                                                                                                                   Meet Guest Blogger, Kent Elliot                         

​​I am a retired architect with a passion for dogs, DIY, and universal design. After my stroke that left me with mobility issues, I thought I’d need to move out of my home and into an assisted living community. But, using my experience as an architect and with a little creativity, I was able to successfully remodel my family home instead. The relief I felt has inspired me to help others do the same. I created At Home Aging to share what I’ve learned and I’m currently working on a book, Aging in Place One Project at a Time: DIY Home Modifications That Don’t Require a Professional
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Can you imagine meeting King Charles wearing a second-hand dress? That’s exactly what Caroline Jones did earlier this year. Her dress cost £8.50 (£ is the symbol for pounds in British money). I used an internet link and converted it to dollars. That day it equaled $11.49.

Caroline’s invitation came as recognition for her charity work for Cancer Research UK. Every day she finds a thrift store outfit, takes a picture, and puts it on her Instagram feed. Then it goes on sale at her local Cancer Research UK shop.
​

Copy and paste in my Source link: https://www.msn.com/en-au/lifestyle/other/i- wore-an-8-50-dress-to-meet-the-king/ar-AA1IpLVy
​
​Her Instagram Feed: https://www.instagram.com/knickers_models_own

​

Part 1—The Story: Caroline’s story started when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mary volunteered regularly at her local Cancer Research UK shop. When she was going through chemo, she asked her daughter to cover her shift. That’s when Caroline started doing the shop’s window displays. 

When her mother died, Carolyn did her first social media campaign in January 2015. How? She shared a year of photos of herself wearing thrift shop bargains. She came up with a name for her charity and then set up a JustGiving page. Her target, £1,000.

This year Caroline is repeating her campaign using her preloved outfits, and I have a feeling it’s already more successful. Afterall, it caught the attention of England’s King and Queen,

​
​

​Are you ready for some bargain basement deals? Try your local thrift store! Think of it as a treasure hunt. When I looked at the original article, Caroline Jones had 11 tips to get you started…



​

​​                   #1. Don’t be afraid to clash.

​OOH! I have trouble with this one, but I like Caroline’s suggestion. Pick a basic color and build from there using accessories and make-up. Use them to give your foundation a twist.
​
One of her favorite designs, to pull a triple floral using your dress, bag, and earrings. She said if the dress pattern is too ditzy, go for a bigger one in your accessories. The trick, to balance the outfit so that you’re happy with it. If you aren’t, keep adjusting until you are.


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 Now Caroline’s talking my language! I love to use jewelry in my outfits. Caroline said she spends 70% of her time thinking about it. Not me. I keep trying things on until I’m happy. When you’re not feeling your best, keep accessorizing until you are. When I dress happy, I feel happy. 



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No, Caroline didn’t pick this image. I did; it’s from a 1913 ad.  I doubt Caroline gets her underwear from the thrift shop, and I won’t get mine pre-loved either. Wherever you get yours, she said to make sure they’re comfortable and give you good coverage. To quote her, “definitely spend some time on your underwear. It’s something we should all be doing. It makes you feel really good,” and who doesn’t love feeling good?!
 
 
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                                                                                                                                                4. Don’t get hung up on sizing. ​

​​Caroline doesn’t even look at it. She focuses on the cut of the cloth and how it looks. She tries on whatever appeals to her, whether it’s a men’s shirt or a maternity dress. PS—when she posted that dress on Instagram, people wanted to know where to find it. It looked that good on her!


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​                           5. Go for bold color. ​

​Remember the rainbow! Caroline loves color and rarely wears black. Why? It makes her unhappy. Check her Instagram account, and you’ll see color everywhere. Caroline starts an outfit with navies, grays and earth tones. Then she layers in those bright colors.
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Me, I love black. I only buy pieces when they catch my eye and convince me I’ve got to have them. Then I mix in elements from the store or my closet, until I’m happy with who’s in the mirror.


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I wonder if Caroline buys hers at a thrift shop. I’m not sure I would. She recommended 2 brands…Falke tights…with extra fabric to help them stay up, and they’re on Amazon too. YAY! The other, Heist Studios, in the UK. Sorry. And her tip that I’d never heard before, put moisturizer on your hands and legs first. It prevents snags. I’m dying to try it out!
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Caroline also likes ankle socks that match the color of her eye shadow or jewelry. She’s been known to pick up souvenir socks and fishnet pop socks. Fishnet pop socks, who knew?! Caroline says at 56, she’s allowed to play with color and messaging. Me, I think fun is priceless at any age.


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​                                                            7. Be playful. ​

​And yes, Caroline’s worn a Snoopy T-shirt on her Instagram page, but you’ll also find her in bowties, tiaras, pillbox hats, and fancy dresses. Thrift shops are a great place to play with your clothes. Where else would you find a cape? But if you think you need one, keep the lines under it simple and neat.
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                                                                                                                        ​8. Embrace the skirt. ​ 

​Caroline loves them, but she also knows a lot of ladies don’t. They’re afraid if they tuck in the top, their hips will look bigger, and no one wants that! Caroline says it’s all about the drape of the fabric, getting the proportions right for you, and drawing the eye up. In this photo, I’m drawn to the hat first, then the shoes. I see the skirt last. Caroline uses jewelry and make-up to get the same effect.
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PS—I think I should try the same strategy with pants.

If you’re experiencing temperature changes from the weather or menopause, light layers are wonderful! I found these two shots of Caroline on Instagram. Jackets are great! When you’re hot, you pull them off, and when you’re cold, put them back on again.
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And don’t forget, they look great draped over pants and skirts.


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                                                                          ​10. It’s all about proportions. ​

If you have curves, you might look away from a bias-cut dress. They’re cut diagonally and run across your body. If you have broad shoulders, spaghetti straps and halter necks might not be a good choice.

So what works? Nice wide straps, cap sleeves and boat necks. You’ll look better in them and feel better too.

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​I haven’t looked for a long time…I love leggings.

Caroline’s suggestions, first measure the zipper length with your hand. Caroline likes a long one, like the length of her hand. She wears anything from stonewashed to dark shades. She loves the cut of wide-leg button-fly Levi 501 ‘54s. Would you believe they’re based on a pair of jeans made back in 1954? And now, they’re back!
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Whether you pick wide-leg or boot cut, take a look in the mirror to see if you like the way you look.
After reading and sharing these tips, take a chance and walk through your local thrift shop. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a treasure! Me too!

I remember bringing my first child home some 38 years ago. It was easy…my husband drove. It took a couple weeks before I finally made MY first drive. I remember the fear and anxiety like it was yesterday. I hope sharing this post will make it easy for you to take that first trip together.

​This link came in an email from Morgan Coleman and The Barnes Firm. Please feel free to share this link/post with anyone who’s expecting. It would make my day, Morgan’s too. We both love being helpful?!
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                         And that link: thebarnesfirm.com/driving-with-infants-tips-for-new-parents/


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This is one of the most important choices you’ll make for your baby. Here’s the original checklist:
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• Rear-facing seats with a secure 5-point harness
• Easy-to-read level indicators
• Lightweight carriers with ergonomic handles (That are easy to use. Yes, please!)
• Models that click into a stroller base for convenience (I wish I’d had this!)
• Convertible seats, if you want a longer-term option (And this too!)

 
Three additional things to consider…Make sure your seat is free from product recalls and that you don’t see any defects (if it’s been in an accident, walk away). Finally think about your routine, car size, and the number of times you’ll pull that seat in and out. Back in my day, we eyeballed ours and picked the one that looked best.

 
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#2. Installing that car seat
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Installing the seat correctly is as important as selecting it. Here’s the original list:
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• Follow both the car seat and vehicle manuals closely
• The seat should not move more than an inch in any direction when installed
• Do not use the LATCH system and seatbelt together (I’d check the manuals for this one.)
• Keep the harness snug and the chest clip at armpit level (This is the only tip I’ve used so far. I buckle my grandson in whenever I’m his chauffer. I have to make sure they’re in the right position every single time I drive him around😊)
• Check for expiration dates and never use a seat that has been in a crash (If you’re in one…get a new car seat too.)

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When a baby cries or needs a bottle, all you want to do is pick them up. Don’t. It’s super dangerous. You can’t protect them from harm in a car, even if you’re in a low-speed crash. I’m not going to imagine it at a higher speed.

It’s also illegal. Babies and small children must ride in the back seat, facing backwards, properly secured and buckled into that car seat. It’s the only way to keep them safe. But, there’s an option…I use it all the time…I buckle in beside baby!
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​Get ready for take-off! Here’s the original list from the website:
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• Confirm the car seat is still secure and anchored.
• Check that the harness is correctly positioned.
• Make sure the temperature inside the car is comfortable.
• Stock the diaper bag and emergency kit. (I’d stock the bag the night before. Then double check before I load baby into the car seat.)
• Adjust mirrors so you can check on your baby without turning around. (There’s a new camera/mirror that lets you see baby’s face while you drive. Amazing!)

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                                                                                                           #5. Never leave baby alone in the car
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Cars heat up quickly, and babies can’t hold their body temperature steady. If they’re left alone, baby could suffocate, have a heat stroke, or even be kidnapped. It’s also illegal in many states. You might think you’ll only be gone a few minutes, but it’s just not worth the consequences if something goes wrong.

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    #6. Minimize distractions so you can focus on driving
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When baby’s crying, it’s excruciating for anyone, especially a new parent.  Here’s the original list of tips:

• Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb.”
• Avoid eating, texting, or multitasking.
• Use a baby-safe mirror so you can glance back without turning. (I’ve watched my daughter use hers. It’s amazing!)
• Keep toys or pacifiers in reach, but only hand them to your baby while parked. (You can even attach both to the car seat. It’s great for older babies.)

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                                                                                                                        7. If your baby is crying, it’s OK to pull over
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​Having a baby screaming from the backseat can push any parent’s buttons. The simplest solution—look for a safe place to pull over and fix what’s bothering baby. There’s no shame in it; it’s what smart parents do for baby, for themselves, and for everyone’s safety.


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Tips for Reducing Stress While Driving as a New Parent​

Keeping the flame of curiosity burning in your child isn’t just about getting good grades or meeting school benchmarks—it’s about cultivating an environment where learning feels exciting, relevant, and personal. The real magic happens when learning doesn’t feel like a chore but instead feels like play, like discovery, like becoming more of who we are. That magic starts at home, where parents set the tone, lay the groundwork, and model the joy of discovery. If you’ve ever felt awe while reading about black holes, felt compelled to sketch a new idea, or stayed up late figuring out how something works, you’ve already tapped into that wellspring of learning—and you’re better equipped than you think to pass it on!


                                                                 #1. Infuse Your Home with Curiosity Triggers

Your home doesn’t have to resemble a science museum or a library to be a place of learning—it just has to invite wonder. Keep books in every room, not just the kids’ bedrooms. Rotate educational toys and puzzles so they stay fresh. Keep bins of LEGOs, building materials, old electronics to tinker with, paints, clay, or anything that lets your child make something with their hands. A magnifying glass near the windowsill or a world map over the dining room table can spark unexpected questions. The point isn’t to overwhelm, but to subtly infuse your home with quiet invitations to explore and investigate.


                                                             #2. Start Early, and Never Stop Reading
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​If there’s a single golden rule in nurturing a love of learning, it’s to read aloud to your child—often, and from the very beginning. Don’t wait for them to start school, and don’t stop once they can read on their own. Read picture books, poetry, myths, fairy tales, even nonfiction. Let them see you reading your own books, too. Make library visits a part of your weekly rhythm, not just a chore or a once-a-year field trip. As your child grows, help them find stories that challenge, comfort, and expand their world. Show them that books aren’t assignments—they’re keys to new realms.
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                                                                                           #3. Live What You Teach​
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​ Your child is always watching, and one of the most powerful ways to show that learning matters is by continuing your own education. Whether it’s picking up a new language, taking a creative writing workshop, or going back to school for a degree, your commitment sends a message louder than any pep talk. And thanks to flexible options like online degree programs, it’s easier than ever to juggle school alongside work and family life. By pursuing a psychology degree online, for instance, you can study how cognitive and emotional processes shape human behavior—and use that knowledge to help others, including your own children.
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                                                                       #4. Expose Them to the Unexpected

​ Children can’t love what they haven’t been introduced to, so be intentional about broadening their exposure. Visit your local museums, watch documentaries on nature or space, try beginner videos on sign language or coding. Go to concerts, cultural festivals, hiking trails, farmer’s markets, and historical landmarks. You don’t have to be an expert to introduce a subject—you just need to show up with enthusiasm and openness. Let your child see that there are more ways to be smart than just solving math problems or diagramming sentences. The broader the buffet of ideas and experiences, the more likely they are to find something that resonates deeply.


                                                                             #5. Turn Learning into Play

​Games and interactive experiences take the pressure off and reintroduce fun into the learning process. Turn spelling drills into scavenger hunts or trivia nights. Let your child help measure ingredients while cooking to sneak in math practice. Try hands-on science experiments with simple household materials, or explore ecosystems with augmented reality apps. For older kids, explore digital tools and websites that match their interests, from architecture simulation games to language learning apps. The goal is to integrate learning into the kinds of play they already enjoy, bridging the gap between structured education and self-directed fun.


                                                                      #6. Support Their Natural Interests

Children naturally gravitate toward certain subjects, and these preferences can shift over time. Pay attention to what excites them and try to build on it. If they’re into animals, visit a local wildlife reserve or volunteer at an animal shelter. If they love to draw, set up an art corner with different mediums. If your child starts asking a lot of “why” questions about space, bugs, or machines, find books and videos that dive deeper into those topics. Leaning into their interests doesn’t mean letting them dictate everything—it means helping them feel seen, validated, and encouraged to keep going.


​                                                  ​ #7. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection

Positive reinforcement is one of your most powerful tools as a parent. Recognize and celebrate effort, curiosity, and persistence more than just correct answers. When your child solves a tricky puzzle, learns a new word, or finishes a challenging project, take a moment to reflect and share that pride with them. Even setbacks are worthy of recognition if your child shows resilience. When learning becomes something worth celebrating, it creates positive emotional associations that stick with them. They begin to see themselves as capable, as learners, and that identity makes all the difference.


                                           #8. Conclusion
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​At the heart of it all, keeping the love of learning alive means creating a culture in your home where curiosity is valued and explored. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about being open, interested, and willing to learn alongside your child. You don’t need a formal curriculum to raise a lifelong learner. What you need is a home where questions are welcomed, creativity is encouraged, and the journey of learning is never over. If you can model that for your child, they’ll carry that spark with them—wherever life takes them.

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Thank you to Guest Blogger, Kylie Eckerd, for her two great tips. Kylie is the creator of Live Passive. She makes the most of her gig economy income by investing in developing passive income streams and loves helping others find ways to improve their lives. She created Live Passive because she believes that financial independence is key to true happiness. Kylie also enjoys dancing, spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and reading.
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Embark on a journey to live your dreams with Rinda Beach — explore inspiring books, schedule an author visit, and subscribe to her newsletter for endless adventures!

Catholics from the founding of our country on have faced discrimination. Think of the FBI targeting a Catholic Church that used a Latin service. Think Catholic presidents. I thought there was only one, JFK, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, but it turns out there was  a second…Joe Biden.

When I was growing up, it was common knowledge… don’t date Catholics. Why? If you married a Catholic, you’d be forced to raise your children that way too. BTW, I dated two.

But there’s a new first for US Catholics…a Catholic Pope from the US. The discrimination came from the Church itself. For decades, they feared too much American control of society, religion, and even politics, if an American was Pope. Read on, here’s a little background on the newest Pope, Leo XIV. 
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My sources:
Biography of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost - Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV - Wikipedia
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​Part 1 – The First US Pope – A Brief Biography: See the man in the middle? That’s our new pope, the Bishop of Rome, Robert Francis Provost. He was born in September 1955, near Chicago Illinois. He’s not a coastal elite. He’s a man from the heartland who’s only four years older than me. His parents had French, Italian, and Spanish roots. Mine had German, French, and English ones. He had 2 older brothers. I had a younger brother and sister. All of those things make him relatable to people like me. 

See the house? It’s tiny, but that’s where young Robert grew up. I wonder if his neighbors ever dreamed that they lived beside a future pope. I imagine not.

‘Bob’ grew up in Dolton, Illinois. It’s on Chicago’s South Side. As a kid he was part of the parish of St. Mary of the Assumption. That’s where he went to school, sang in the choir, and served as an altar boy. Would you believe he dreamed of becoming a priest? He even played Mass at home with his older brothers. Wow!

His first step, moving to Michigan for high school. It's where he studied at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers. For college he moved to Pennsylvania to study at Villanova, an Augustinian University. His first degree was in math, but he also studied philosophy.

Later in 1977, he moved to Missouri to become a novice/novitiate in the Order of Saint Augustine. Four years later he made his solemn vows. Think of it like graduation, but Bob wasn’t a priest. Not yet. The next school meant another move, back to Chicago for his theological education at the Catholic Theological Union. By 1982, his superiors sent him to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. By mid-June, he was officially ordained as a priest. Congratulations, Father Prevost!
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This is South America. That’s where Father Prevost moved next. He was a missionary in Chulucanas, Peru from 1985-1986.  Peru is on the western central coast of South America. It’s in olive green.  Prevost returned to Illinois in 1987 to finish his doctorate.

In 1988 Prevost flew back to Peru. This time he went to Trujillo to serve the Augustinians as a missionary. He also took on ten different roles over eleven years. In 1999 he returned to Chicago where he served in five different jobs. He stayed put until 2013.

In 2014 Pope Francis sent Prevost to Peru again. This time to Chiclayo. Within a month Prevost was ordained as a Titular Bishop of Sufar.  He picked an episcopal motto, ‘in the one Christ we are one.’ Less than a year later Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of   Chiclayo. As bishop, Provost served in six other positions from 2015-2023 too, until the Pope found him a new job. Did you know Prevost also has dual citizenship? From Peru and the US.
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Becoming a Cardinal! In 2023 the Pope called Provost to Rome. His job, to recommend new bishops to Pope Francis, who’d have to approve them of course. His last job was Cardinal. From 2023-2025, he served in fifteen other roles as well.

Pope Francis died on April 21, and Provost was elected on May 8. From what I’ve seen and heard, I believe our new pope will talk the talk and walk the walk as a servant of Christ. Robert will grow and change as he adjusts to his new job, as Pope Leo XIV, just like everyone else who gets a promotion.



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​Charley was born in September1737, in Annapolis, Maryland. He was the only son and heir to a wealthy family who suffered discrimination because they were Catholics. At age ten he and his cousin John were sent to study secretly at Bohemia Manor in Cecil County. At age twelve the cousins were sent to study publicly at St. Omers, a Jesuit school in France. He wouldn’t return home for sixteen years, until he was 26. In between Charley studied the classics in Paris; then law at the Inner Temple in London. This portrait was painted before he came home in 1765.
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When Charley returned, he found himself the owner of 10,000 acres. The property’s name, Carrollton, became part of his name too. Why? To make himself different from all the other Charles Carrolls in the family. Within three years Charley married. He had seven children, but he only watched three grow up.

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Politically Motivated! As a Catholic, Charley couldn’t run for office or serve as a lawyer, but he knew how to write. He entered politics in 1773 when he wrote some letters as ‘First Citizen’ for the Maryland Gazette. He became known as a citizen patriot. A year later his fellow citizens elected him to the 2nd Maryland Convention, and that ended the ban on Catholics in politics.

Charley’s next assignment, traveling to Canada with Samuel Chase, Ben Franklin, and his cousin John. Their job, to get Canadians to join us in fighting the British. They said no thanks. Charley and Chase returned home. They convinced hesitant Maryland delegates to vote for independence, and Charley became a delegate to the 2nd Continental Congress. He was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration.
Here’s his signature…
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Charley didn’t stop there. He helped write Maryland’s first state Constitution and Declaration of Rights. It was adopted in 1776. He went on to serve in the state Senate from 1776-1800. (Wikipedia said he started in 1781.)

Charley continued to serve in the Continental Congress until 1778. He left when his term ended so he could spend more time with family and join in state government. In 1789 Charley became one of Maryland’s first two US Senators. He left at the end of 1792 because he had to choose where to serve. Maryland made a law that its representatives could only serve one government—state or national. Charley chose Maryland, of course. 
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I’m not sure when this painting was done. The internet tour guide for Charley’s Annapolis house said it was painted for his granddaughters. They married English aristocrats and wanted a painting to remember him.
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Charley left the Maryland Senate in 1800. That’s the year Thomas Jefferson was elected President, and his party too. They swept to victory in Maryland and across the country. 

But don’t worry! Charley didn’t wither away. He invested in banks, canals, turnpikes, bridges and water companies. AND, he helped build the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Think B&O! Charley never wasted money—he used it to grow more.

Charley spent his final years on Lombard Street in Baltimore. It’s now the Carroll Mansion and museum. He also built St. Mary’s Catholic Church on his land in Annapolis. It became the city’s first official Catholic Church.

On July 4, 1826, Charley became the last living signer when both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same day. Charley lived another six years, dying in November 1832. The country gave him a National Day of Mourning. He’s buried at his country home, Doughoregan Manor.

My Sources:
Charles Carroll of Carrollton – The Signer | Charles Carroll House
Charles Carroll of Carrollton - Wikipedia
 

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​Part 3 – The First Catholic Bishop – A Brief Biography: See the older man? At 71, he’s watched America grow from a colony into a country. John Carroll is a minor character in my middle grade novel… he’s Charley Carroll’s cousin. His claim to fame, he became the first Catholic Bishop in the US. Here’s his story…
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John was born in January 1735, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He was the third son of a wealthy Catholic family. His oldest brother died as a baby. Daniel was born second and became the family heir. He played a part in writing the Constitution. John was the youngest, but two years older than Charley Carroll. The cousins studied at Bohemia Manor; a grammar school run by Jesuit priests.
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A year later John and Charley traveled to St. Omer’s College in France. John stayed for six years. When he turned 18, he joined the Jesuits, the Society of Jesus. Within two years John began studying philosophy and theology at Liege, another Jesuit school. He joined the priesthood at 34. His first job, teaching his two favorite subjects at Liege and St. Omer’s. John’s path reminds me of Pope Leo’s.

Father John’s life changed when Pope Clement XIV disbanded the Jesuits in 1773. With his job gone, John left Europe for Maryland. There was no church, but Catholics could still worship at home. So John traveled through Maryland and Virginia serving as a Jesuit missionary.
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In the spring of 1776 Charley invited Father John on a trip to Canada. Why? The Continental Congress hoped the Jesuit priest could convince French Canadian Catholics to join the fight for independence. He didn’t change their minds. Charley stayed for the Battle of Quebec, and John traveled home with Ben Franklin. John said it was a fortunate experience. It was… Years later Ben recommended John as the first American Bishop.


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After the war Father Carroll met with five other Jesuits. They wanted to keep working as missionaries and hold onto their homes too. They asked the pope for someone, like a bishop, but without the title and all the power. The pope agreed. In 1784 he picked Father John as the Superior of the Missions in the United States.

John moved to Baltimore. He championed schools, Catholic or not. He also championed freedom of religion and played a role in shaping the first amendment, the one about religious freedom. He was lucky. His brother Daniel could pass John’s ideas onto the delegates writing the Constitution.

Problems within the church led Maryland priests to ask for a bishop. They even had a say on who it would be. Would you believe John got 24 out of 25 votes? In November 1789, Pope Pius VI made John the first American Bishop.
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​See John become a bishop at Lulworth Castle, England in August 1790. John arrived home in December and made St. Peter’s in Baltimore his home church. A year later he held a synod, a meeting of 22 priests from five countries. His biggest concern—training new priests. That was the reason St. Mary’s College and Seminary was established in 1791.

Not everything came easily. In 1798, Bishop John won an important lawsuit, the Fromm Case. Evidently a few Catholics were questioning his authority. The decision said, “The Bishop of Baltimore has the sole episcopal authority of the Catholic Church in the US.” It’s good to get moral support when others are questioning your judgement.

When John suggested a Catholic priest as a minister to the Indians, Washington not only agreed. He got Congress to hire and pay a small yearly salary for one. After his death, February 22 was set aside as a day to celebrate Washington’s life. Bishop John sent word to his clergymen that Catholics could participate too.

​See Bishop John build a cathedral. John laid the cornerstone in July 1806 after he paid $20,000 for the land. John wanted his church just right—B.H. Latrobe drew seven designs before John finally approved one. 
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Remember the painting of John? It’s from 1808. That’s when he became the Archbishop of Baltimore. John’s bishops lived in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Bardstown. Archbishop John was a beloved figure. Would you believe he was asked to lay the cornerstone for Washington’s Monument in Baltimore in the fall of 1815? He said no; he knew his end was near.

On November 22, he received the last sacraments. His funeral Mass was held at St. Peter’s, his home church. Archbishop John was laid to rest at St. Mary’s Seminary. Nine years later in 1824 his cathedral crypt was ready to receive him. My guess, Charley Carroll came to say goodbye to his cousin. They’d come a long way from grammar school at Bohemia Manor.
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My Sources:
John Carroll | Catholic Answers Encyclopedia
Baltimore-cornerstone - John Carroll (archbishop of Baltimore) - Wikipedia

​As I grow older, my faith grounds me in a way it didn’t when I was younger. It helps me take adversity in stride. It helps me navigate the highs and lows of life, but most of all, I have a sense of peace I didn’t have when I was younger.

​Part1 – The Faith of a Few Buckeyes: I was surprised to find this link a few days after  the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State players kneel in prayer on field before Cotton Bowl victory

Faith is a private thing for me. I usually don’t talk about mine, but I’m happy when people share theirs on TV. This article had links for three videos of OSU football players demonstrating their faith. I picked two of them to share.

1 – This image came from the first link in the article (second paragraph). I stopped the video and did a screen shot. It’s the moment when nearly every Ohio State player was on the field. They knelt and prayed before the Cotton Bowl pregame started.
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I love my Buckeyes, and I think this is one of their finest moments. Win or lose, to focus your head and heart in prayer before the first play of a big game, that’s a very good thing.
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#2 – This is the second link (paragraph six). I didn’t see this video until I read the article. This is another screen shot, but it was taken after THE game, the one with that team up north. Yes, Michigan won, and some Wolverines tried to plant their flag in the middle of the stadium, the Shoe.

This shot took place during the middle of that post-game chaos. Would you believe two Buckeyes and one Wolverine knelt in prayer? It’s one of the loveliest examples of faith I’ve ever seen.

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​ Part 2 – A Prayer Change : It all started for me when Olivia Newton John died. That was back in August of 2022. I read that she started saying the Lord’s Prayer each night during her final bout with cancer. She hoped it’d bring her closer to her daughter, and I read it worked.

​I thought if Olivia could pray the Lord’s Prayer, I could too. Now I pray it every night before I go to sleep. Three years later, it’s changed the way I pray. 

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#1 – I began to start with gratitude; then I’d end with the Lord’s Prayer. I never planned it. Gratitude just bubbled up in me each night, and I started thanking God for the blessings He sent my way. Big things, little ones. It didn’t matter. What did – expressing my attitude of gratitude to Him.

#2 – Over the years I stopped asking God for the things I need or want. They haven’t changed in years so I trusted God knew about them. That He’d grant them if/when it was time. Then a year ago, I read that we need to keep asking for those things. It gives me peace to know they’ll be granted in His time.

So now as I lay in bed, I begin my nightly prayers with gratitude, then my wish list. I end them with the Lord’s Prayer. Most nights I’m asleep in 10-15 minutes, and that’s a wonderful thing for someone who’s struggled with sleep issues.

  
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