One of my nieces posted something on Facebook earlier this week. It was an image of a couple in 1960s style clothing with the note that in 1960, a family could live on one job and one income, and that family could afford a car, a home and even going on regular vacations. The mother could afford to stay home, and the father was able to work but didn’t have to work excessively to provide for his family.

I’ve been known as a book author for nearly 20 years, but before that, I crafted stories in a more theatrical style through plays. The writing bug hit me in my teen years, and after acting in some school plays, I decided to write my own stories through theatrical performance, and in 1993, my junior year of high school, one of those plays came to life.

Many folks like the idea of looking to the future and embracing new ways of doing things. New concepts, new technologies—call it what you will, but moving forward is the sign of a good civilization. However, there’s also something to be said about not forgetting the old way of doing things. I’m not talking about the old folks talking about having to walk five miles to school, uphill both ways through the snow—although I’d be tickled to see today’s kids try that.

Christmas is finished, and a new year is upon us. There are two certainties with a new year. The first is that people are going to go out on New Year’s Eve, ready to ring in 2026 with confetti, champagne and wonderful anticipation. The second is that some people are going to make new year’s resolutions, deluding themselves by the notion that change takes place on Jan.

There’s something about Christmas Eve—the anticipation of something wonderful coming. After almost two months of a sense of goodwill intermingled with chaos and the hunt for the perfect present, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it’s everybody unwrapping presents next to the tree or a train coming at you is what makes it interesting.

During my high school years, I got involved with a number of clubs. After a rather awkward childhood, being part of the drama club and other organizations made me feel like I was a part of somethin…

Which of your books is your favorite? This question was asked of me at a recent vendor event for Fox Valley Pride. It wasn’t the first time I was asked the question, but like the other times, I didn’t have a satisfactory answer. It’s akin to asking a parent who their favorite child is. However, after I got home, I started thinking that each of my books represent something new and different.

It’s a rough world out there, and people are turning away from traditional media, and in some ways, the internet. War, famine, corruption and more. You’ll occasionally find some good news along the way, but you have to ask yourself if it’s real or something crafted up by artificial intelligence. The bleakness of the world often has you wondering if there’s an escape hatch, a way to escape reality.

Thanksgiving has passed. You know, that one holiday whose public relation officials spend most of November asleep at the wheel while the cheerleaders of Christmas take full advantage. I woke up the morning after the holiday and read a news piece about select restaurants opting to open for the holiday as many folks spend the holiday enjoying the food without having to suck up several hours or several days preparing a meal for family.

It’s not always easy for me to find time to sit down and read a book. I write full-time for a newspaper, and then I take quite a bit of time putting together my novels. However, I recently discovered a friend I went to school with in Chino Valley is in the same boat I am, having published a pair of novels.

It’s that time of the year when the big debate arises about whether we should be breaking out the Christmas lights and decorations, as well as whether we should be cranking up the Christmas songs. …

There’s a lot of concern out there about the influence of the media, especially when it comes to the national media. Depending on where you get your information, you could be swayed to worship cert…

The other day, I was listening to the radio, and the announcer started talking about Halloween, and he posed this question: Is trunk-or-treat going to replace trick-or-treat? It’s an interesting qu…

We’re a disposable culture, especially when it comes to clothes. It used to be that our clothing collections expanded due to incredible offerings in department stores. The selection was a little mo…

August 1, 2025 It gives us great pleasure to present Season 10, Episode 29: Lee Pulaski! Lee Pulaski shares his latest novel We Ride at Brunch. We discuss found family and whether friends can becom…