Can you micromanage your body, your circumstances and other people enough to avoid problems in life? Find happiness? Well, recently I had an ah-ha moment with my son, and some crickets, that reminded me of where true "control" really lies.

While Zack, my godson, is on vacation, our family...

at the end of the month. But I've no choice. An hour ago, Bill found out that he will be away on business all week. My license has to be renewed, and I do not want to drag the...

As my neighbors grumble about the leaves covering their lawn, my boys wait wide-eyed, mighty rakes in their hands. The time is here; our delicate Japanese maple has finally shed enough of her red robe for a ginormous leaf pile.

Our maple stands on duty, everyday, a quiet nanny...

Three gentle giants wait for me in the backyard. Eighty feet tall or so, my magical maples watch over our home and guard our dreams. They stand in a curved row, committed back-up singers, ready to harmonize with those who'll listen.

Daily, I feel them calling me away from...

Can I write about inner joy when mine (and possibly yours) has left the building? My husband, Bill, and I are in the same boat as many -- unemployed and staring down several major health issues not covered by insurance. Then, on the second day of our much needed family...

Born with two strikes against me, dwarfism plus degenerative arthritis, I was hardly expected to reach the heights of happiness, right? "You've been shortchanged," the world silently chanted. "I'm not good enough!" I screamed at the gods. Doctors wrote across the clipboards of my childhood: abnormal, deformed, defective. Everyday stares...