Beyond the Garden Gate

  By Lucy Voehl I still can’t believe Thanksgiving is around the corner, which means we are in the Holiday season! This is the time we normally get together to spend with our family where laughter, joy, and chaos surround us. Let’s be honest, we have all been there, in a family gathering with that one- or more than one- relative that drive us crazy, or that one person who seems to love conflict and thrive in drama, or maybe we are the ones who drive others bunkers. Sometimes our first instinct is to blame others but very few times we stop and think that some of our attitudes and behaviors might be adding to the situation. I write this article for all you guys out there (and for me) with the best intentions to help avoid tension and enjoy the time with our families. First we need to understand we are all different, we were made with different temperaments and personalities, that’s what keeps life interesting right? But because of that some temperaments just don’t match

by Lucy Voehl The Holidays are a very special time of year, its when we can fully share and express our love with our loved ones. We tend to do this with little details, kind words, gifts, and cookies (lots of cookies). They are also a time for reunions and get-togethers with friends and family, share stories, laughter, joy, and sometimes chaos. But for most of us Holidays mean rushing, to-do lists, hustling, and stress. We should make it a priority during this Holiday season to focus on what is important, to be present, to be mindful, to be fully there not only fiscally but mentally and spiritually with those around us. We should slow down, let go of perfection- yes, forget making it the "Perfect Holidays"- and concentrate more in the people in our lives. Bring back traditions that used to make us happy this time of year and filled us with joy, forgive and let go of past hurts, extend a warm thought, prayer, or words with those who have been in our lives but for some rea

*I would like to highlight that this blog is not for politics but I can't help but be amazed at the aggressive behavior and words happening between friends, families, and the whole world, yes in this case a difference of opinion affects all our lives and all we can do is have faith and pray for the best!* by Lucy Voehl Unless you have been living under a rock (If so, I envy you) you are aware that the US has a new elected president. To be honest, in my opinion, both the candidates were terrible choices, but oh well. I had to get my opinion out there to prove that all of us have opinions and we have them about everything not just the elections. We are all different, think different, have different likes and dislikes, and have different temperaments as well, so its only normal that friction arises when we carry a conversation with one another, specially with people we are related to like friends and family members. The important thing to keep in mind that there is no way around