Karaoke, Butterflies & Art: A Late Bloomers Journey to Owning Peace & Love

  United: A Word, A Vision, A Responsibility The word united comes from the Latin unitus , the past participle of unire , meaning “to unite” or “to join together.” It signifies a state of being made one—a collection of individuals or groups bound by a shared purpose, despite differences. Why the United States of America? When the original 13 colonies declared independence from British rule in 1776, they came together under the name The United States of America , a reflection of their collective defiance and aspiration for unity. The Declaration of Independence and later the Constitution were built on this foundation—a belief that individual liberties and state powers could coexist under a single, united nation. Yet, even from the start, unity was more aspirational than absolute. Slavery, Indigenous displacement, and unequal rights sowed divisions that challenged the very meaning of “united.” What Would Our Forefathers Say Today? If Thomas Jefferson could witness America today...

Passing a law banning certain food additives in West Virginia is going to be a complex but potentially beneficial move, especially considering the state’s struggles with high rates of obesity, heart disease, and other diet-related health issues.  But first, I have a few thoughts that go back more than 10 years ago as a health & wellness advocate in West Virginia. When I began advocating for better nutrition as a school volunteer, I had a solid goal as PTO President, ensure that my daughter's elementary school was the healthiest school in the county. I did many things to accomplish this goal including starting a youth wellness council for the elementary school students to give them the opportunity to be ambassadors of health & wellness to their peers, families and their community. I got the attention of the West Virginia Department of Education and Child Nutrition Department for my efforts which led to a position as an external stakeholder to create a better school nutrition...

I posted on social media this morning regarding another delete session of information about a Black man, Jackie Robinson (Famous baseball player), whose military information was suddenly gone on a government website.  Is nobody interested in why this is happening? I am. But I guess, it starts with trying to understand why folks on both sides of the "aisle" are seeking change when it comes to history.  "Future" Dr. Jenny, and Art Therapist extraordinare will try to explain. Heck, I don't even play a doctor on TV or hold a PHD. However, I do have experience in researching and learning about humans and I possess the passion to understand.  What is the difference between the liberal folks removing names and statues of racist historical figures and Republicans taking down actual historical facts and materials down because they say it is DEI? And what would be a good way to differentiate culture items like syrup bottles and dr guess books being cancelled a...