Ever since I was a teenager, I have kept a journal. I was an only child and my parents worked a lot, so instead of talking to others I simply began writing down my experiences. Of course, when you’re the daughter of overprotective parents and home by yourself for hours on end as a teenager in the 1980’s…you don’t have much to write about. “Why do my parents work so much?” “I wish I was more popular.” “Rick Springfield is so hot, I wanna be his girlfriend.”

Watching the Bucs game last night, I was happy for my 2nd Home Team. My 1st Home Team being The Cleveland Browns. I grew up in Berea, OH, which is where The Browns are headquartered.

A few weeks ago, I was selected to present at Hypnothoughts 2021 in July/August. It's one of the largest Hypnosis conferences in the country. They receive hundreds of submissions to speak, and I am honored to have been selected. Every now and then, the conferences hosts put out a "challenge" for all of the hypnotists to participate in.

“I’m starting my fifth and final chapter, and I need to make it a good one.”

I’m writing this in Millington, TN. Doug’s stepfather passed away and we left Wednesday night to attend his funeral and support his mother. We’ve had a great time spending time with Doug’s family and his stepfather’s family, considering the circumstances.

Someone close to me lost a loved one yesterday. This poem was read at my mother's funeral, and everyone there was very moved by it. With many people grieving the loss of loved ones early in the new year, this seemed like the perfect reminder to spend your "dash" wisely.

Photo was taken by myself at sunset on May 15th, 2019 on Treasure Island, FL when I last saw this person and her loved one who passed. ~Traci

Like every other kid hitting middle school, I had a rough time because I did not fit in. Anywhere. I know - it’s hard to believe that this amazing package of coolness had issues being accepted by others, but I totally did.

In 2019, I walked into Hip Expressions Dance Studio on the first Sunday of the year and did my first “vision board.” Orange is my power color, so I chose a neon orange paper as by backdrop. I spent the 2 hours scouring through 50 magazines looking for words, phrases and pictures that spoke to me.

Doug and I were shopping at Big Lots, and came across this $5 Box of Ninja Bread. We both started laughing. Immediately - I was transported back to our first Christmas together in 2018.

There are two kinds of people: people who love the holidays, and people who hate the holidays.

My Aunt Rose, at least in my mind, is the perfect example of someone who LOVES the holidays. On Oct 31st when the last "trick-or-treater" is off her porch, Aunt Rose gleefully begins unpacking her Christmas decorations. The sheer volume of decorations she has in storage ensures she starts on November 1st to get done in time for Thanksgiving. Aunt Rose takes super-excellent care of her Christmas decorations.

Please enjoy this collection of quotes from modern day philosophers (comedians) about the true meaning of the holidays. ~Traci

Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? The birth of Santa? -Bart Simpson

It would be a Hanukkah miracle if we could decide on a way to spell "Hanukkah." —anonymous

I got the dishtowel pictured from a dear friend for a present last year and it struck a chord with me. I can't say I've done one thing every day that scares my family, but I must admit I have a pretty good track record of making a few major life decisions that scared the total sh*t out them. For example, I was the first one in my family to go "away" to college.

With the holidays upon us, I find myself reflecting back on past holidays and not always in the best way. I remembered that Thanksgiving of 2016 was the last Thanksgiving I spent with my mother. I broke her out of the nursing home for a home cooked meal at my house. It was a day of joy for both of us and she ate like it was her last Thanksgiving...because it was. I'm so glad I made it a good one. Christmas Day of 2016, I was going to treat my mother to another home cooked meal. Unfortunately, she became very ill that Christmas Eve and never rebounded. She passed the following year and I never got to have that Christmas with her.