Family holidays and traditions play a pivotal role in shaping our memories, strengthening bonds, and passing down values from generation to generation. Whether it's a special veggie dish prepared every Thanksgiving or an annual summer vacation at the beach in Michigan, these rituals create a sense of belonging, continuity, and shared history. Let's explore the significance of family holidays and traditions and offer ideas on creating and maintaining them.

Embarking on a journey to a foreign land is always an adventure, but for me, a 16-year-old from Chicago, my trip to Poland was not just about exploration—it was a voyage of discovery, connecting with my heritage, family, and the rich culture of my ancestors. Despite not speaking the language, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in the world my relatives called home.

Have you ever caught yourself knocking on wood or staying away from crossing paths with black cats? Don't worry, I do the same!

Across the world, in every culture and society, age-old traditions, customs, and beliefs have been passed down through generations. These practices are deeply rooted in our collective history and serve as a shield against misfortune and ill fate. One common thread among these rituals is the consumption of specific foods, believed to act as a safeguard against bad luck.

Being part of the one percent who have completed a marathon is an incredible feat that demands unwavering determination, steadfast dedication, and thorough preparation. By committing to a consistent training schedule, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and having the right equipment, I could conquer the physical and mental obstacles that come with the marathon distance. Despite encountering the infamous "wall," I emerged victorious; I finished.

You probably have a story or two like mine growing up. Picture this. It is a Saturday. A day that any kid would believe should be spent sleeping in, homework free, and yours to fill as you saw fit. In my childhood, that was not the case. Rather, we were told to grab your sister, head to the apartment building, and scrub the stairs. No, there wasn't a machine, a mop, or even a Swifter. What we had was a bucket filled with warm water and liquid soap. Our tool? Our elbow grease and a rag.

Do you go to church? This is not a judgment question, just a simple question. Any church, synagogue, mosque, or temple in the past seven days? If you have, you are one of the 34% of the US adult population that regularly attend a religious service.

I was part of that statistic as a kid. I was raised Roman Catholic, more specifically, Polish Roman Catholic.

It’s the time of year when everything is blooming to life again. The seeds planted in the Fall are yielding beautiful buds and flowers that one day will produce a harvest.

And in the Spring, we celebrate Easter. Easter, for the faithful, is the resurrection of Christ from death to life. And, just like new buds, It is through death that new life is born. This seems so opposite and upside down from what is intuitive to nature.

Family symbols such as crests, flags, and barn quilts are not just artifacts, but they are also timeless and living emblems of our lineage and heritage. They stand as guardians of our shared history and echo with the whispers of our ancestors' dreams and values. These symbols bind generations like a sturdy thread, weaving through the tapestry of time and igniting a flame of familial pride and unity. They light the way for our collective aspirations to shine through the ages.

Ah, Spring…

Growing up in the Midwest, we had the privilege of experiencing the significant changes that the four seasons bring. There is something magical with each change, and yes, some challenges. Spring brings the flowers blooming and warmer weather. Almost in an instant, summer heats up, and we knew what the "dog days of summer" really meant. Then, the beautiful and colorful foliage and harvests set the stage for the winter chills where the snow could be found in "feet" and not "inches."

For a passionate book lover like myself, there's nothing quite like the magical world a book opens up. Each volume is a portal to a different time, place, or perspective, offering a chance to escape the mundane and embark on thrilling adventures, explore profound emotions, or delve deep into the realms of knowledge. In the realm of books, every page is an invitation to explore the infinite possibilities of the human imagination, making it a sanctuary for those who crave the magic of storytelling.

During the Renaissance period from the 14th to the 17th centuries, individuals with a wide range of intellectual, artistic, and practical skills were known as "polymaths" or Renaissance men. These people were admired for their diverse talents, broad knowledge, and ability to excel in multiple areas of expertise. A Renaissance man was expected to understand several subjects, such as literature, philosophy, mathematics, science, art, music, and more.

Step with me into the shadows of history and architecture as we embark on a haunting journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding the legendary Ghost of Notre Dame. No, not the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris where the infamous hunchback and monstrous gargoyles, silent witnesses to the supernatural, could be found, but rather the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

The hushed discussions about this prestigious school with high academic standards and rigorous programs were a grown-up conversation often heard after we were sent to bed.

Being a grandparent is a rewarding and cherished role. It's a chance to build strong connections with your grandchildren, watch them grow, and offer unconditional love and support. At least that's what "they" say.

However, "they" don't tell you how to accomplish that when distance separates you. Being a long-distance grandma, building a solid connection, watching them grow, and just "being there" can be challenging. How can you be a part of their daily lives, be there for the special moments, and develop a connection when you are miles away?

Once upon a time, in the quaint hamlet of North Chicago, nestled between the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the state line of Wisconsin, there lived five young girls. They were known for their strong work ethic, kind hearts, and insatiable curiosities. Their days were spent working in the family business based in the heart of the hamlet. The family business began in the early 1900s, and their great-grandmother purchased the land alone long before women's lib became a thing.

Where does your story begin?

As a child, I learned the importance of sticking to my beliefs. Despite my dad's attempts to convince me that it was okay for different foods on my plate to touch each other, I stood my ground and stuck to my personal preferences. This experience taught me to trust my instincts and not be swayed by others' opinions.

No, it's not a game where players embark on a magical journey to help mice reach new heights by navigating a whimsical world filled with Jacob's Ladders and enchanted eyeballs. Nor is it a new Artificial Intelligent robot.

They are science fair experiments.

Science Fairs…this yearly event caused excitement, enthusiasm, dread, and everything. Once announced, the questions started swirling.

In our family, the intertwining of religious beliefs and cherished traditions plays a significant role in shaping our experiences and outlook on life. Rooted in Catholicism, our faith guides us in both the every day and the extraordinary moments of our lives.

Move over Picasso, Rembrandt, and Jackson Pollack. The next "master" of the arts is me…not.

As an adult, I learned to appreciate art, the lines, the strokes, the shading, and the visual stories that an artist tells, but let me take you back in time to how it was determined that my calling was not the world of paintbrushes and canvas.

I had an epiphany last night and had to share! I think handwritten letters are like warm hugs on paper, carrying the personal touch that emails can never quite capture. What do you think?

Hear me out. I am guessing that you and I live in the same fast-paced digital world. I have always been a communicator, but my communication, which used to be slower-paced, has morphed into mostly texting and social media posts. In this modern era of smartphones, laptops, and iPads, letter writing may seem obsolete.

Growing up in the 1970s, I dreamed large with Big Harry Audacious Goals (BHAG). During this computer age, Steve Jobs was changing the world in the personal computing industry.  I wanted to be part of that. Intel, Xerox, and IBM were already making groundbreaking strides in the industry, but it was Steve Jobs who had a vision. A vision for everyone to have a personal computer in their home, which seemed absurd at the time. Who knew personal computers were only a piece of the puzzle of him changing the world? He was an inspiration.