Taking Care of You in 2011!

It was great to end my Fall Wellness Series ("Faith, Hope, and Charity") at Cradles to Crayons in Quincy this past Sunday. A fabulous group of Ever After volunteers got to match outfits for children, making nearly 60 bags of clothes to be dispersed this week. We had a lot of laughs and left with hearts full of hope for the numerous kids the agency serves. A big thank you if you volunteered with us and/or donated items that we delivered that day. We hope to volunteer again next year and hope you might join us next time.

After the hectic holiday season passes, remember to take time for you and attend my Winter Wellness Series, "Live, Love, Laugh". It kicks off on Saturday, January 15th with a trip to the yumilicious Chocolate Bar in Boston. Cost is $65 per person for all-you-can-eat desserts, coffee or tea, tax, tip, and round-trip bus transportation from Middleton or Saugus. It is time to "Live" it up and enjoy yourself after taking care of so many others in your life! Please let me know soon if you would like to attend.

My husband, Larry, and I will host a talk on "Love" in February - more details to follow soon! Great for couples, too!

Then in March, we'll "Laugh" together at a presentation at the Reading Public Library on Tues., March 22nd from 7pm-8:30pm. Complete with comical video clips, this is something you won't want to miss!

Hope this holiday season brings dreams that come true and hopes fulfilled. May 2011 be the best year yet for you and yours!

Holiday Shopping Idea: Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice!

Holiday shopping is in the air! Mall parking lots runneth over already - and if you're anything like me, you're probably thinking of running the other way! I'm doing my best to avoid the malls this year and try smaller local businesses instead. Here's some ideas...

Spend an afternoon on Route 20 in Sudbury, Wayland, and Marlborough. Start with Russell's Garden Center for a unique selection of holiday decorations, jewelry, toys, and so much more. I thought Russell's was only for gardening but was I ever surprised! Although they can be a bit pricey on some items, it is difficult to leave here without a few unique gifts for those who seem to have everything.

My next favorite stop is the Wayside Country Store in Marlborough. Their candy counter alone is worth the trip! Kids of all ages will have a ball picking out all sorts of "penny" candy - from watermelon gummy bears to Finnish licorice to handmade nonpareils - this place has it all! Great stocking stuffers! Right next door is a country store with pickle barrels and ginger snaps, also offering numerous unique gift ideas, including Byers' Choice carolers and specialty foods.

Backtrack to the plaza with Learning Express for toy ideas and have dinner next door at Lavender, a stylish restaurant serving Asian favorites such as Beef with Sliced Ginger and String Beans, Tangerine Chicken, and Pineapple and Spinach Fried Rice. When a Chinese restaurant offers free wontons when you sit, and ends your meal with free sliced oranges and fortune cookies, you've got my attention! After all this shopping, you deserve a nice meal!

Have unique stores you like to visit? Please share them here or email me and I'll list them. We can all use a little help finding unique gifts this holiday season and helping keep smaller stores in business in this economy. Thanks in advance for sharing your tips!

We All Benefit from a little Practical Magic!

October is my favorite month. I love the crisp autumn air, the smell of cider donuts and apples, and the mystical way Halloween makes me feel. This is the time of year I pop "Practical Magic" into the DVD player and kick back with a few of those mini candy bars that I should be giving out to trick or treaters instead.

"Practical Magic" contains my favorite song, "This Kiss" by Faith Hill. Romance isn't the easiest for the Owens sisters. And may not be the easiest for some of us - but never stop hoping. There's something magical about making a True Love Spell and wishing for the person of your dreams to come your way, or to at least add some spark and spice to your current romance.

Women feel empowered by this movie. I love the scene when all the ladies get together to help free-spirited Gillian (Nicole Kidman) get rid of her abusive zombie boyfriend. We can always use a group of pals to help us "clean house" and sweep away life's pain. Sometimes they may be just aquaintances who will later blossom into good friends. Gal power reigns supreme in this flick, even when it depicts how catty us women can sometimes be to one another. Who wants to befriend a witch with a past? I've learned to take those sort of chances - it makes life much more interesting!

And let us not forget the value of midnight margaritas! We all should be dancing around our house in the middle of the night, margarita in hand, just like the Owens family. Although my husband might think I've lost my mind, this might be just the thing to jump start our energy and get us thinking creatively. Live alone? Have a sleepover with this goal in mind. These are the moments we laugh about and remember - where we share, bond, and forge friendships that weather nor' easters and more!

One of my favorite friendship memories is heading to Foxwoods late at night with my cousin and two dear friends many years ago. We played the slots for a bit then headed home into so much fog that we couldn't see to drive. We had to pull off the road and wait in the car in the parking lot of what appeared to be an old mental hospital. Yes - a little too much like the movie "Halloween"! We chatted in the car for a few hours, laughing and sharing until the fog lifted. Although it was a bit scary, I really didn't want the night to end. Times like these make you feel alive - taking chances and doing something a bit crazy - not to mention the terrific company!

Here's hoping your fall will be full of unexpected surprises, midnight margaritas and other crazy times with good friends, and just a touch of magic!

Leaping into Faith!

My Fall Wellness Series, "Faith, Hope, and Charity" kicked off last Wednesday evening with a presentation about Faith at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers. With a crowd of just under 20 people, we tossed around the different meanings of faith - from one's religion to a belief in a supernatural power that controls human destiny to believing in ourself and others. Fitting for spiritful October, we thought about what happens when we die as suggested by various psychics including James van Praagh and John Holland. We laughed at how what psychics say and fortunes in fortune cookies often have more meaning than what our family or friends say to us. It must be that supernatural force behind them, right?!

Next, I shared a photo I took from a concentration camp in Poland depicting two sets of railroad tracks (one that led to being a prisoner and one that led to the gas chamber). I keep it on my desk as a reminder that although we should consider the road less travelled as Robert Frost suggests, sometimes we don't have a choice (deemed choiceless choices by Sonia Weitz, Holocaust survivor who lived in Peabody, MA). Choiceless choices and other difficult times often lead us to embrace religion and believe in the Divine or God. The value of community from your local church or some other type of group can never been overstated. Friends that will help you through life's toughest moments as well as its sweeter ones are extremely important.

While some of us believe that much in life is meant to be, we agreed that not everything is. People make mistakes -- it is what we do with what we are dealt that really matters. Although some good can come from bad (such as young Adam Walsh's death leading to his father helping catch numerous criminals on "America's Most Wanted" and the Adam Walsh Act about sex offenders put into law in 2006), it doesn't make us feel much better about the initial loss. Sometimes we may never know why things happen. Sometimes our woes can affect someone else's life and destine that person to a new calling.

A favorite quote shared by Teilhard de Chardin was "You are not a human being in search of a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a human experience." Being human is far from perfect. Thinking of ourselves as tiny spiritual beings floating on a cloud sprinkling happy thoughts to one another is much better than feeling human and powerless at times. When we think this way, chores like grocery shopping, cleaning up, making dinner, tasks at work, getting homework done - which often consume our daily life - become less of our focus. The meaning of life is what we decide to make of it and how we choose to live it. Laughter, cuddling your pet, looking into your lover's eyes - these small moments should make up your bigger picture.

Lastly, we reminded one another to let go of beliefs that don't help you and embrace new ones, including being part of a community where you feel empowered. Faith may make all things possible but LOVE makes it easier. Seek out those who help rekindle your flame and inspire others in return. Volunteer! Laugh at mistakes and missteps along your journey instead of getting caught up in them. Laugh a lot. Think about what faith means to you, and if you don't know, take some time to figure it out. You will probably feel happier as a result. And who can't use a little happiness?!

The evening ended with everyone picking a random fortune about their future from a special basket. (And I think those made more of an impression than our entire discussion! Guess I can't compete with the supernatural! Glad you all liked them!) Special thanks to Donna Maturi and the library staff for hosting me!

Hope you will join me for "Hope," the next segment in the series, on Monday, November 15th at 6:30pm at the Flint Public Library (Route 114) in Middleton. We'll talk about wishes, how to get through life's difficult moments, laugh as much as we can, and end by creating our own "wish list" to take home (generously provided by Jenna Amara from Mums Art Studio in Tewksbury). You don't want to miss this one!!

Advice from Romantic Movies and Fortune Cookies

I'm a sap for a good romantic movie. Maybe that's why I enjoyed "Letters to Juliet" recently. Women who had their hearts broken are encouraged to visit the courtyard of Juliet's house (yes "the" Juliet of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet") in Verona, Italy and leave a letter, asking for her advice on what to do. Every day Juliet's secretaries (lovely ladies from various backgrounds and all different relationships) write back to the heartbroken with words of encouragement.

Don't you wish you had secretaries just dedicated to you - people you could ask for advice from and they'd know exactly what to do? Of course, we are fortunate to have wonderful friends. But there is something spiritual and fascinating about leaving a note in a courtyard and receiving a response from an experienced wise soul who doesn't know you. It makes the reply all the more mystical and powerful.

It is almost like cracking open a fortune cookie after a delicious Chinese meal and getting a terrific fortune. We believe these just HAVE to come true. I carry good fortunes in my purse, post them in my cubicle, etc.! And I know many of you have done that, too!

If you'd like to receive an encouraging message for the days ahead, please consider joining me for a discussion on "Faith" at the Peabody Institute, 15 Sylvan Street, Danvers on Wed., Oct. 13th from 7pm-8:30pm. We'll talk about how fate intervenes in life, finding your meaning, and the power of spirituality. Don't worry - we'll share some good laughs - as always! Please come and bring a friend! RSVPs appreciated to donnadavislmhc@verizon.net.

Got Faith? See What Fate Has in Store for You!

Ever play solitaire? Lately, I've developed this silly habit of playing it on my computer as my way to try to test fate. I always play the first game I'm dealt, likening it to the fact that in life, we don't always have a choice -- we have to try to tackle whatever comes our way. I try my hardest to win the first game, but it isn't always so easy. Sometimes fate has other plans. If I lose, I select "Deal Again" and keep clicking on "Deal Again" until I see a mix of cards that I think will give me a better chance of winning, trying to play a part in my fate with knowledge that I've gained from past attempts.

In the game of life, sometimes we are at the helm of our destiny and other times we feel lost over so many situations that we can't control. This is where fate lends a hand. The universe may have other plans for us. We may not like them and we may make a lot of fuss, but most times, in the end, we grow and learn, and find ourselves on a better path. We just have to have faith to see it through.

Others have shared stories about a break-up that ultimately was the best thing for them or a job loss that led them to a new opportunity. It was far from easy at the time, and they fought hard to change it, but after accepting it slowly, they recognized it may have been for a reason. Similarly, in tough situations, some realize what they have compared to others, and view their lives differently, accepting the flaws in their partner or their own limitations, for example. Ever have someone share their troubles with you and you actually feel better about your own life in return? This is faith reminding you to hold on.

Having faith gets us through the dark times. Accepting our fate can be very liberating and actually create new possibilities for us. This doesn't mean to sit back and give up. Rather, allow the universe to open doors and then take a chance and enter them. Ask for help from a higher power along the way. Sometimes you are in a holding pattern and that is ok. Rest but keep your eyes open for those new pathways. It also may mean to go back to an old pathway with a different attitude. We are never too old to grow and learn.

I love talking about faith, fate, destiny, and hope. It is so fascinating - and we can learn so much. This is why I have developed "Soul-Soothers," ideas to embrace, enlighten, and empower. This Fall, let's consider the lessons of Faith, Hope, and Charity. I hope you and yours will consider joining me for a discussion on "Faith" in Danvers on Wed., Oct. 13th at 7pm; "Hope" in Middleton on Mon., Nov. 15th at 6:30pm, where we will also make a Wish List thanks to Mums Art Studio of Tewksbury; and "Charity" at Cradles to Crayons in Quincy on Sun., Dec. 12th at 10am, where we will create care packages for kids in need. Check out "Upcoming Events" on my website for more details. All of these events are FREE and open to the public.

Hope to see you at one or all of the Soul-Soothers! Take some time out for you - you deserve it! And you never know who you might meet or where fate might lead...!

Inspiration from "Eat Pray Love"

I saw "Eat Pray Love" starring Julia Roberts yesterday. After devouring some pasta of my own and enjoying a glass of "therapist" (or wine) as it is so fondly called in the movie, I thought I'd share some of its more inspirational points.

Think of your life as a quest. Instead of seeing foodshopping and going to the bank as boring errands, imagine who you might meet or what you may learn along the way. People you encounter in your life are there for a reason, helping you to learn and discover your own path and meaning.

When life doesn't go your way and upsetting events happen to you, take some time to reflect. If you keep trying for a certain job and you are not having any luck, perhaps you are meant to be elsewhere. If your partner or friend broke your heart, learn from it, but don't deny yourself new relationships or never trust again because of it. When we are in the middle of problems, they seem so overwhelming. Yet, this, too, shall pass. You don't want to miss opportunities because you can't get out of your own way!

Learn from our Italian friends about the "sweetness of doing nothing" and allow yourself a break. In the movie, I laughed when an Italian explains how Americans are so caught up in our busy schedules that is why we often want to spend our entire weekend in our pajamas starring blankly at the television. That is not living, that is exhaustion. Instead take several moments each day to savor for yourself. Sit, reflect, and smile. Try something new.

Having faith in yourself and a higher power can ease your burdens. Forgive yourself. Forgive others. Live in the present instead of the past. Your prayers are probably answered more than you think. We all move so fast that we often fail to notice. If you pray to win the lottery, don't forget to buy a ticket! Sending "love and light" to those we love and those we need to move past, can be extremely liberating and fulfilling.

Finally, take chances. So many of my friends give up on love when it doesn't work out the way they imagined. A broken heart means that you at least tried to make love work. Instead of listing all of the reasons why you shouldn't, follow your heart and try to love again. Try something new. Volunteer your time, putting yourself into new situations, and talk to people you don't know - imagine who you might meet!

Eat, pray, and love! Good advice for all of us!

ICE CREAM!!

It was only a matter of time until another blog loaded with calories. Summer (or really any other season for that matter) would not be complete without wonderful visits to different ice cream parlors. Living in Middleton, I could probably recite most of Richardson's numerous flavors without hesitation. And no matter how many times I visit there and encourage my family to try something new, we always retreat back to our favorites - Purple Cow for my husband, Oreo for my son, and German Chocolate Cake for me.

Of course, when you're in the mood for soft-serve, Dairy Queen gets our attention. Those Blizzards are really something - so many textures and flavors, you have no choice but to feel happy inside. And I hear they are coming out with a new mini-size Blizzard for those of us watching our figures!

Hodgie's in Amesbury and Salisbury is big on quantity. Visit here with friends, encourage them to order the large, then watch their faces - it is like a half-gallon in a cup! Although we can rarely all make it past their kiddie size, I admit I occasionally pretend to forget they are so big and go for the small. It is my way of living on the edge.

A fun day out includes a visit to Kimball Farm in Westford. Here you can play mini-golf, cool down in their water bumper boats, browse their Country Store, and top it all off with their homemade ice cream. Their sundaes are so large that it takes a really confident person to walk away from the counter with one. So, if you're trying to improve your self-esteem, why not give this a go?! I suppose you can add two spoons to at least look like you're planning to share.

During a trip to Florida a few years ago, our hotel had its own "Emack and Bolio's," a popular Boston chain that we rarely visited before. We decided our vacation would not be complete without a visit here every day to try to their various new flavors -usually a different one added each day. Hey - we were on vacation and a family has to have goals! On the day we had to fly home, the three of us sat at their counter, cones in hand and toasted our return one day. So what if it was 8am! This past week, we visited their Charlestown location and were happily transported back to a very happy time in our lives. Their Chocolate Moose is so smooth and thick, it can't be legal!

Two of our favorite ice cream parlors are located in Cambridge - Christina's and Toscanini's. We like visiting them on a Thursday evening after checking out the latest exhibits at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston for free. Christina's Homemade specializes in exotic spices creating unique flavors like Cinnamon, Mexican Chocolate, and Toasted Marshmallow. Toscanini's has some of the best hot fudge I've ever had - and topped upon Burnt Caramel or Malted Vanilla - one can feel as if everything is right in the world.

So indulge in ice cream and see the world from a different perspective. When an icy treat can build esteem, foster togetherness, and create happiness and harmony, you owe it to yourself to do it for the betterment of mankind - at least once in a while!

A Taste of My Own Medicine

On our recent family trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, it was my soon to be 9 year old son that challenged me to take my own advice.

Our son is adventurous by nature but good old anxiety can often deter him from the more exciting things in life. One way to help him through his anxious feelings is to tell him how some believe you should do one thing that scares you every day. Challenge yourself and soon you'll find that you'll have more courage than expected, making those anxiety-producing events less of a nuisance.

You can imagine my surprise when the tables were turned. As we walked around Water Country USA, our eyes were drawn to the extremely tall tower you must climb to board their "Aquazoid" raft ride, most of which is in complete darkness. I had no interest in this ride - both for the height of the tower and the unknown that awaited me in those dark tunnels. As I encouraged my husband and son to have fun and I'd meet them later (they must sell margaritas here somewhere I thought), my son paused and looked up at me. "But what about doing that one thing that scares you everyday, Mom?"

A million excuses popped into my head. Mom might get sick, Mom might fall off, Mom won't fit, Mom needs to go check her voicemail. Where is that margarita when you need it? Yet those eyes kept starring at me, longing for the response he wanted to hear.

As I climbed the several-story high tower, my knuckles were sore from holding on so tightly. I couldn't believe people actually do this for fun. I tried my best not to look down. As we boarded our raft, my son smiled at me, reminding me that all will be ok. "You can do this, Mom," he encouraged.

Numerous screams and several laughs later, we were at the bottom of the Aquazoid. We did it! We actually did it and survived. I got a taste of my own medicine and, in turn, my son's renewed confidence in himself from encouraging me to face my fear was worth more than you can imagine. I actually enjoyed it so much that we went on it again. Who knew facing your fears could be this much fun?! Having someone believe in you and seeing you through really helps. You never know what you're capable of accomplishing until you try.

Summertime Fun!

Welcome summer! Now is the time to expand your horizons and go on some wonderful adventures.

Nothing is better to renew the spark in your relationship than a full day out away from home. Not only do new places open your mind, the ride there often helps work out any kinks (since you should be talking with each other on the way!). Put down those cell phones. Instead, chat with your mate. How about making a list of all the things you'd love to do in life (like find a sand dollar on a beach or stand outside a stage door and meet a star)? Or the places you would love to visit together (Europe, all 50 states, or a remote island in the South Pacific)? Remember why you fell in love in the first place and share some fun stories about your collective past. It might just help you gain the future of your dreams!

Exploring is great for families, too. When our son was little and in a "funk" (nice word for taking too many tantrums!), our pediatrician always recommended taking him somewhere different. Changing the backdrop really helps - no matter what the age. New places get kids thinking, stimulate their senses, and most importantly, help them connect with you. Just think - you've got each other all to yourselves - away from home with little interruptions! No computer, tv, video games, work, chores, etc. to compete with - just each other. I know it sounds a bit scary - but really, time spent with kids is what they remember the most - not all the nice trinkets we buy them. Doesn't have to be anywhere fancy - just time well spent.

Summer is also a great time to reconnect with your friends. Grab a pal or two and enjoy some laughs together at someplace new. Maybe a new restaurant or an afternoon exploring Newburyport shops or even Martha's Vineyard? Friends sooth the soul and remind us who we are - not that person we often try to pretend to be. Let your hair down and escape! You deserve it!

Don't forget to check out my website for a list of lots of things to do in New England and New York. Also check out this link for a calendar of FREE ADMISSION to popular Massachusetts tourist spots on various Fridays this summer. Thanks, Alison B., for sharing this!

Got any other ideas to share about great summer fun? Please do! We'd all love to hear them!

Saints be Praised!

If you're like me, you don't look forward to getting your boobs squished in a vice. Ah, the joys of getting older. But I recently discovered a women's health center that I didn't want to leave - really! Saints Women's Center for Health and Wellness in North Andover, MA is a dream come true to women everywhere! (Gentlemen - please don't stop reading - this is important to any of the women in your life, too!)

When I've gone for mammograms in the past, I'm given a worn hospital gown (often two sizes too small) then told to walk down the public hallway to another waiting room. People (including men!) walk by and stare as I sit there feeling like a non-entity, trying to look cool and hide my embarrassment. You can imagine my excitement then, when I received a flyer in the mail about a new medical facility for women that got my attention. Knowing I deserve more, I got the courage to make an appointment a short time later.

My experience began with the comforting smell of baby powder when I first walked into the building. As I entered the second floor, I could tell I was not in Kansas anymore. It was beautiful - something like you'd see in a posh office building in downtown Boston. I was greeted by receptionists and assistants that actually smiled and joked with me. After check-in, I was guided to a spa-like environment behind a single closed door (just like the one Dorothy opened into Munchkinland!). I was given a cushiony terrycloth robe reminiscent of the one Julia Roberts wore when she jumped on the bed in "Pretty Woman" and invited to change in a dressing room with an actual door, not a shabby curtain.

"Please help yourself to the hot/cold beverage bar while you wait," I was told. She must be kidding, I thought, but she most certainly wasn't! Coffee, tea, & more - all for the taking. Amidst the sound of trickling water from the beautiful wall waterfall, it was the first time that I actually wanted to wait in a waiting room. "Please don't call me yet!" I kept thinking. I'm not making any of this up!

My mammogram was over so quickly that I found myself trying to make up an excuse to stay. I really just wanted to hang out there and escape life for a while. When was the last time you felt that way when you went to the doctors?

As I said my goodbyes, I was given a beautiful Saints tote bag filled with pedicure supplies and a pink tissue flower that now rests on my desk to remind me of my experience. My jar dropped and remained that way as I walked in the clouds back to my car. I felt cared for and special. I was a person, not just a number. I was woman, hear me roar!

Ladies, we all deserve this kind of treatment! Check out Saints Women's Center soon!

Move that Bus and Play Ball!

My son recently asked me to tape "Extreme Makeovers - Home Edition" for him every week. Although we both can get quite teary-eyed while watching, he has become fascinated with how little some people have and ways he may be able to help others. (I also think he is hoping the team will create a dream bedroom for him one day!) There is certainly something to be said for helping one another. Not only is it useful for the recipients, it can give you a sense of pride, a feeling of connectivity with our world, and remind us we exist for numerous reasons.

This weekend my family will be participating in "Kites for a Cure" at Plum Island. My son gets to decorate and fly a kite along with others in support of lung cancer for $25. On Sunday, we will help out at Cradles to Crayons in Quincy in memory of a friend who left this world much too soon. Our friend's family organized this unique volunteering event and we are excited to work together to keep his memory alive while helping kids in need.


More and more people are choosing to remember loved ones in very different ways to stay connected. Another friend is having a memorial for her partner and has asked people to bring items to donate to a local animal shelter due to his love of pets. Similarly, the day after my grandfather passed away, the grandchildren and great grandkids went out together and bought numerous pet toys for the Animal Shelter in Salem. Our tears turned to smiles for a bit when we delivered them in his memory. It felt as if he would be able to hang out with the animals in spirit, which would be very appropriate as he loved caring for family pets so much.

This summer, my husband hopes to raise money for the Jimmy Fund by participating in Fantasy Day at Fenway Park in late August. His father, who passed away in 2008, started Little League many years ago in Everett and always talked about his love of baseball with his two sons. What better way to reconnect with his Dad than playing ball at Fenway while helping kids with cancer?


We all can make a difference in the life of someone else - even an animal! It isn't the big house or fancy car, but rather the experiences we share and the joy we can get when we connect with one another for unselfish reasons. Whether it is flying a kite together, donating a toy, or playing ball, this is the stuff life is made of - so savor and enjoy!

While driving home from a friend's house the other night, I felt inspired to pop the "Wicked" cd into the car's player and sing away at the top of my lungs. Yes, I'm one of those people who seizes alone time in the car to pretend I'm a star on Broadway. We all have our little hobbies, right?

"Wicked" is a fantastic musical about friendship, revealing that things are not always as they appear. One of my favorite songs, " For Good," begins..."I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most grow, if we let them, and they help us in return."

Can this be true? There are certainly people who have empowered me, making me feel that nothing is impossible. Those I'm so glad and fortunate to have met - those who have made me into the person I am and will become.

Likewise, there are a few people I could certainly do without - similar to the wicked witch who tosses a fireball in the way while on the yellow brick road. You know the kind I mean - they frustrate us, engender a feeling of unimportance, and make us questions ourselves and our existence.

Just like the book, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People" by Harold Kushner, I am reminded that we wouldn't understand what good was if we didn't experience the bad. And as the song notes, they are the ones that help us grow, too, even if not in the way we may have hoped or intended. At the very least, they give us something to rant about with friends!

So embrace those who come into your life - even the strangers you meet who you feel you've known forever. They are there for a reason. You never know what you may learn and the next person you encounter may just be the one who helps you feel like you can defy gravity. Don't get it? Go see "Wicked" (at Boston's Opera House from Sept. 1st -Oct. 17th) and you'll know exactly what I mean!

Chocolate Chip Cookies - Guilt-free!

I think there is nothing better for dessert than a warm chocolate chip cookie. My husband, Larry, can bake up a mean batch for us a few times a year - he makes them big and hand-places walnuts in just for me. Now that's what I call love. I'm more of a break and bake Nestle girl - always keeping a package in the freezer for cookies emergencies.

The Boston Chipyard at Faneuil Hall is a must-do when meandering one of Boston's favorite tourist spots. We also love The Local restaurant in Newton - if you can get past ordering their fried pickles, warm homemade chips and dip, or baskets of fries (which we can hardly ever avoid), their dessert includes warm cookies served alongside vanilla ice cream to dip them in. Ahh - pure heaven!

Remember those delish cookies we had at the Flint Library in early March? Michele of Cookie Central in North Andover bakes out of this world cookies! With Mother's Day and Father's Day coming up, you might consider ordering some for gifts for yourself or others. (Yes - YOU deserve a little gift now and then!) She delivers them right to your door in the local area.

Of particular note, with every Cookie Central order until early July, you can buy a giftbox of 6 chocolate chip cookies for only $4 and ALL proceeds go right to help hungry kids. Michele supports Share Our Strength, the leading national organization committed to ending child hunger in America. Now that's what I call guilt-free chocolate chip cookies!!

Where do you find your favorite cookies?

Gifts of the Spirit

I just returned from an unusual workshop in Freeport, Maine, entitled, "Gifts of the Spirit." The two speakers were Cheryl Richardson, a popular life coach who has appeared on "Oprah", and John Holland, a famous psychic medium featured on "Unsolved Mysteries".

Cheryl started the day by reminding everyone that dreams are within your reach - all you need to do is ask for help. She claims she reaches most of her goals by asking the universe for help - thinking of a question within your mind and asking for an answer within 24 hours. Keep your eyes and mind open and you'll receive the signs you need. If it's that easy - why not try it? She is very successful - quite a powerhouse, indeed!

I especially like clicking on "A Touch of Grace" on her website - if you haven't done this before, you HAVE to try it! You click on a star for an answer to a concern you are currently facing. Some of you know I use her Grace Cards in my practice and we find them very useful and intuitive.

John Holland also believes in asking the universe or the Divine for help. He delivered messages to audience members from loved ones who have died. In a crowd of 300 people, where only 4 or 5 got messages, can you believe I was one of them? (Cheryl also chose me to go up and pick one of her cards - what a day! Was it fate?)

John speaks what he sees or hears in his mind then asks who might recognize it in the audience. He mentioned several connections that made me think of my father-in-law - talking about his two boys (my husband and his brother) and how proud he was of them, mentioning his military funeral, sharing Halloween with my son, and more. He also mentioned my grandparents who apparently also stopped by to say hello. It got very strange and tears of joy began to fall. Kind of nice to know that they are still out there keeping an eye on us!

I went to the workshop with an open mind and heart - seeking ways I can help clients in the future. While I truly believe other audience members needed a message from a loved one more than I did, I'm thinking it might be my sign to help others grieving remember that love never dies and connections last much longer than we might imagine.

Pizza Perfection

Don't you just love pizza? My family and I were discussing our local favorites this weekend as we waited for a delicious, crispy, cheesy rectangular pie to come out of the oven from Nick's Pizza in Newburyport.

Nick's has to one of our top three for sure! Not much atmosphere inside but it doesn't matter once you take a bite. We often stop here after visiting downtown Newburyport and browsing the shops or after some fun in the nearby Moseley Woods playground (probably open in mid-April). If you haven't been to Nick's, it is a must!

Another favorite is Bianchi's on Revere Beach. We love the big slices and really dig this one when it is at room temperature. Sounds weird, I know but there is something special that happens to the cheese when it is left to "age" for an extra ten minutes - just like a good wine, no doubt!

And how about Santarpio's in East Boston? Again, not much for atmosphere but who cares once you are stuffing your face with some of the best pie this side of Italy. When we wait here for take-out, we almost feel like we're doing an illegal backdoor deal - since you go to a side door off the kitchen under a bridge. But I think that little adventure makes it taste even better. And I hear they might open in Danvers where the old Bennigan's restaurant is on Route 1 North. I get the shakes just thinking about that!

Lastly, we give it up for Angela's Coal Fired Pizza on Route 1 in Saugus. We especially like ordering our own individual pizzas with toppings just as we please. Make mine a carmelized onion - mmm, I can almost smell it!

Pizza can make a long week a little better. As Kevin James said, "There is no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap."

What's your favorite pizza place?

Mother Nature and the Language of Love

So spring has arrived, at least temporarily, making us feel that all can be possible with a little warmth and sun. With all of the devestating storms last week, wasn't it interesting that such beautiful weather followed? It was almost as if Mother Nature took a huge tantrum, wanted to say she was sorry, then sent sunshine our way.


How many times do we feel like this when we freak out on someone we love? We have these crazy emotions build up inside us then we blurt them out in even crazier ways, only to feel badly about what happened afterwards. There's the parent who yells at the child then follows it up with cookies and milk later, sometimes not being able to say the words, "I'm sorry". Or the couple who go without talking for a few days only to follow-up with a warm, understanding embrace. Or the person who can actually voice that heavy phrase and mean it. Actions can speak stronger than words sometimes. And love appears in many different ways. What kind of "love language" do those you love speak? Understanding that can solve many a mystery in a relationship.


So, if you're an "I'm sorry" type or "cookies and milk/hugger", I hope spring brings you renewed love, fulfilled promises, and fresh hopes.


For more information on the language of love that you speak, check out Gary Chapman's books on "The Five Love Languages" (of couples, children, teenagers, and more). A special thanks to my dear friend, Mairim, for letting me know about these books!

The Luck of the Irish

As we near St. Pat's Day this week, I'm reminded that we could all learn alot from the Irish. Their sense of humor, carefree lifestyle, and twinkle in their eye encourages me to slow down and enjoy life a bit more.

How's this for a sign on a store door in Ireland..."Out for lunch. If not back by five, out for dinner, also."

Or how about this thought from George Bernard Shaw: "If you cannot get rid of a family skeleton, you may as well make it dance."

Slow down, learn to accept what we cannot change, and laugh more.

To further salute our Irish teachers, here's a favorite Irish bread recipe from my fun friend, Caroline. It is quite moist - unlike some Irish soda breads.

Caroline's Famous Irish Bread
4 cups flour
2 cups buttermilk
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins

Soak raisins in warm water for about 10 mins. and drain.

Mix all ingredients and add raisins. Pour mixture into a greased loaf or cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Top should be golden brown and toothpick clean after inserted.

(I usually double the recipe because buttermilk is sold in quart size.)

Comfort for the soul and for the belly. Thank you my dear Irish friends! Hope the week ahead is a lucky one for you!

March 8th Presentation Update

What a great turn-out at the Flint Library on Monday night. Over 70 people attended and a fun time was had by all! It was wonderful to see so many friends and make some new ones!

We talked about how movies can help us through life and showed clips from "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Up," and "Sex and the City - the Movie". We discussed seeing life as a book with chapters yet to be written and making sure you're getting the most out of your life, remembering you're the author and can control what happens next. And we were reminded how music, aromatherapy, travel, and friends are especially helpful ways to feel good. Many people who attended were very interested in the "Fun Local Adventures" section of my webpage to find ideas on how to spend a free afternoon or weekend. I'll be writing about some of these in future blogs and welcome your ideas, too!

My Cookie Central in North Andover provided yummy cookies and cupcakes including such outrageous flavors as espresso mudslide, blackforest, apple/walnut/brie, and s'mores. You have to try these cookies! Tell Michele that Ever After sent you and I'm sure she'll take great care of you! She delivers them right to your door!

A special thank you to Elizabeth at the Library for making all of this possible, and my family and friends for all of their help in making sure the night was a success!

Ideas & Inspiration to Improve Your Life Using Books, Movies, & More!

Join me on Monday, March 8th from 6:30pm-8pm at the Flint Public Library, 1 South Main Street (Route 114) in Middleton, MA for this interesting presentation. View your life as a book with chapters yet to be written, learn about useful book and movie therapies, and how music, aromatherapy, and travel can help change your perspective. Chocolate will be served, of course!

The event is free, open to the public, and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Flint. RSVPs appreciated to donnadavislmhc@verizon.net or 978-846-3623.

Welcome to Ever After!

After many years of talking about starting my own practice, I've finally taken the plunge! With the support of great family and friends, it has been a pleasure making this dream a reality. After ten years as a counselor at North Shore Community College, I'm very excited to be able to offer my counseling services to a broader audience.

My style incorporates humor and getting you to where you want to be in life. If you don't know where that is (and many of us don't!), that is ok - we'll get there together. For some, it is managing a loss with the hope of a brighter tomorrow. For others, they might have a number of things on their Life To Do List but just be stuck. Believing in yourself can be difficult but you are ready for the challenge.

Here we will try to make life a little more fun, share stories and tips, and gain connections. We'll discuss lots of travel ideas - local travel to help you change the backdrop and refresh your spirit. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll stay a while and make yourself at home.