AMTIFY™

  Thanksgiving: Gratitude, Chaos, and That One Project I Swore I’d Finish So here we are, Thanksgiving—my favorite holiday of the year. It has always struck me as uniquely pure. A holiday designed, quite literally, to distract us from our problems so we can focus on gratitude and give people a reason to come together. That’s it. No ulterior motive. No cards to buy, no gifts to exchange. Just a day meant for gathering. It’s beautifully simple. Maybe that’s why it works. A 250-page book of handwritten grateful messages collected from strangers around the country Thanksgiving really does go back to a Pilgrim - Native American feast in the 1600s. And yes, I could give you the whole history, but I’m limited on words here and I assume you know how to search. What’s more interesting is that Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday during the Civil War. Why? Because even he realized this country needed a timeout. One day for everyone to sit down, breathe, and say, “Okay, things are awful...

  ∞ 5 REASONS YOU SHOULD HAVE INDOOR PLANTS ∞   (Yes, YouTube Made Me Say That)   ∞   For openers, I have to confess: this headline is exactly what they told me to do on YouTube. Evidently, you’re more likely to read this blog if I shout “ 5 REASONS YOU SHOULD …” instead of simply suggesting you think about indoor plants. I apologize. I also feel better having gotten that off my chest. Now that the weather is cooling, outdoor cleanup is wrapping up, and those of us in the cooler and colder regions are retreating indoors, it’s the perfect time to shift to the simplified version of gardening— bringing the green inside . There’s still something deeply satisfying about getting your hands in the soil, tending to living things, and enjoying the reward of what grows. Cold weather doesn’t mean you have to lose that feel-good connection. Indoor gardening gives you color, texture, flowers, and even edible plants—herbs, microgreens, and real food grown right from your own d...

  Got Time? Want to Feel Good? Volunteer for a Non-Profit.  Someone Needs You. ∞   It’s a win-win kind of thing—actually, a trifecta. Keep reading, you’ll see why. In an earlier blog, we talked about Autumn’s beauty,  changing leaves, crisp air, and beautiful walks in the woods. But as one reader pointed out, this season can also bring shorter days, cooler weather, and a dip in mood or energy. The transition can affect both our physical and mental well-being. We did some research (not hard to do today…) about the why and what of that and we came up with three basic things. First, it’s real, second it affects a fair number of people, third there are things that can be done to help yourself, and others, manage it. There are some great, free support organizations across the Country, both national and local. Just do a search and you’ll find the right one for you. Don’t be shy about reaching out, you’re not alone. As part of the new AMTIFY™ direction is “doin...

Fishing – A Great Hobby For Mind and Body. (Contributed by Jake Fratt). If you’re like me, you love being outdoors and connecting with nature. There’s something special about breathing in fresh air, hearing birds calling from the trees, and watching wildlife go about their day. Fishing gives me all of that and so much more. In a world filled with technology, deadlines, and constant noise, putting my phone down, getting outside and spending time near the water offers me a mind break I can’t get anywhere else. When I pick up a fishing rod, I’m not just catching fish, I’m catching a moment to breathe. Sometimes I don’t even put a hook on my line, just a float and a sinker… One of the things I love most about fishing is that anyone can enjoy it. Beginners, pros, kids, grandparents can do it alone or all together. Then there’s the discovery. Always a new place to go and experience, always a new technique to learn, or a new kind of fish to chase. Whether you’re out on a boat or castin...

 Autumn, the Changeover Season. When I think of Autumn, I think of shorter days, cooler weather (by a lot), the beautiful landscape of color that nature presents, and, of course, gardening. My guess is that most people go straight to imagining the intense display of colors, the cooler weather and shorter days, and that’s fair. But since there are a couple of “Gardening by Hacks” blogs here, I have to include the end stage of that three-season hobby.  First, the color. Autumn’s transformation from summer’s endless greens into a kaleidoscope of yellows, oranges, and reds feels almost otherworldly . It’s nature’s grand finale before winter sets in, a living work of art that rivals the Northern Lights in beauty and wonder. People travel long distances to witness this seasonal spectacle, and for good reason. It’s a sight of bright, layered colors, sunlight filtering through the trees, and a gaudy carpet of fallen leaves covering the ground.   Looking out of my window, the ho...

Spooky Season Is Here: Have Some Fun. October has a sneaky way of showing up. One day you’re grilling in shorts, the next you’re layering sweaters, washing twice as much laundry, and wondering when daylight disappeared. Two big October milestones: Columbus Day (you might get the day off) and Halloween (you definitely get candy). I’ve reached way into adulthood so I’m far from trick or treating age, but it’s great hearing the doorbell ring, seeing the kids with their bags open, driving around and seeing the imagination some put into decorating their homes. Webs in trees, Skeletons coming up from under the ground, people really having fun with it. That’s a key thing, “having fun” .    In this world of screens, (yes, parents, you too, your kids learn from the best), Halloween makes people get together and actually talk! Discussions on how the kids will or want to dress up , yourself, or all of you, it’s about creativity and fun. Planning a party, deciding on costumes, decorati...