No, this is not about a séance to reach Houdini. This is about you…and me. Have you thought about what you want to be known for when you leave this earth?

My mom did, I started, and maybe by the end of this blog, you will be ready for it too.

Ben Franklin said, "If you do not want to be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing."

Did you help your parents with a vegetable garden when you were young?

My dad loved to garden and would plant tomatoes every year. When I was little, he asked me if I would help him.

We started at the local hardware store and bought a packet of tomato seeds, which cost 15 cents. Dad showed me how to take some potting soil (he always kept some in his garden shed) and fill the egg holders of a used egg carton mother gave us instead of throwing it out.

Ageism is defined as prejudice or discrimination based on a person's age. This bias can vary from blatantly aggressive behavior, either physically or emotionally, to benevolent patronizing. In a world of social media’s fake but glamorous model-like looks, grey-haired wrinkled people seem to be pushed into the shadows. Their wisdom through the ages is often ignored or not given the respect it deserves.

Did you know that circus monkeys are capuchin monkeys? Their name comes from their coloration, which resembles the cowls worn by the Capuchin order of Roman Catholic friars. When it comes to things that are not our concern, we often say, “not my circus, not my monkeys” This Polish proverb describes something we have no control over and do not want to be bothered with. Since it’s rude and inconsiderate to say, “not my problem,” especially if someone is making an un-reasonable request for your help, “it’s funnier to say not my circus, not my monkeys.” In Polish it is Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy.

You have to use the stairs!

We all love our grandkids. They are a source of joy, pride, and love. So why am I writing about elevators? Because we have to rally to help motivate our grandkids. We know what it was like, early in their childhood; trying something new was easy. Since we live in a microwave society, it can be challenging for us to know how to help them stay motivated and engaged for the long ride.

What is Charm school, and what does it teach? Sometimes called Finishing schools, these programs focused on teaching social graces. In the 1800s, these schools were established to train young women to become polished, accomplished wives and socialites. In other words, preparing them for marriage.

Our family is blessed to have all four grandparents living close by and active in our life. When our first daughter was born and I went back to work part-time, both sets of grandparents took turns watching her. When our second child was born 20 months later, the grandparents were instrumental in helping out with watching our toddler as I fed and got the baby to sleep. And in reverse, when our toddler needed some alone time with mom, the grandparents read, sang to, and played with our baby. As a result, both our kids, now 3.5 and almost 2, have a special relationship with each of their grandparents.

Who doesn't like slime for Valentine's Day?

No, this isn't about Slimer, the ghost made up of pure ectoplasm and the first ghost captured by the Ghostbusters. Rather that ooey-gooey, slippery blob of runny fun. Count me in!

I know, I know, a traditional Valentine's Day usually involves flowers and romantic dinners, and typically NOT slime.