The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Photo by Mary Vee I heard a report worth our conversation on the morning news today.  The reporter stated social interaction, face to face, is just as important to your health as a good diet and exercise. The problem is, according to Shankar Vedantam, the older we get, the smaller our social circles tend to be, leaving us with a lot of alone time. I disagree with that. I know many social older individuals. They gather together, travel, laugh, share. It's what each individual tends to do with their life. So, let's consider those who have found themselves in this alone world. Vedanta pointed out that social media interaction is not a viable substitute. I agree with that. Although I enjoy staying in contact with friends and family who live far away, there is nothing like the initial "Hi!" followed by a hug, handshake, or simply a smile. None of which can be done in social media. Today is a unique day for me. Hubby and I are going ...

Photo by Mary Vee, all rights reserved. Generally speaking many adults rarely hear, see, or think the words teens and rising together. Teens love to sleep in because they enjoy staying up late at night. But today we're not talking about merely rising in the morning. Today, we're talking about teens who are choosing to break a preconceived mold. One that says teens are too young to become involved in changing our country. To go before a governing power and speak to a concern in hope of influencing laws in our country. As Teddy Roosevelt said, Bully. Bully to the Florida teens who chose to rise very early, climb on a school bus and ride it to their state capital to address their deep concerns before those in government. They organized their thoughts. And rather than riot in the streets they went through the process, addressing those who had influence and power to make change. News splashed the event across the nation. Their school responded by giving the day ...

My book, Anders' Redemption is eligible for the Grace Award in the mystery category this year. Any book that you have read which was published in 2017, in any Inspiration category can also be nominated. (women's fiction, contemporary, mystery, speculative, action/adventure/western, young adult)  The more nominations, the better the chance of a book winning.  This is how you can nominate my book, Anders' Redemption: Send an email to the Grace Awards site with the following information: Anders' Redemption by Mary Vee Mystery category Say in 45 words why you liked the book. Email this nomination to:  graceawards@yahoo.com Here is a blurb to help you remember what the book was about:  A horrible accident steals Brice Anders' career and much of his memory. Only hope and motivation wake with him every morning. A letter arrives. A chance to forge the dream Chef career...then an intruder breaks into his new home, sabotaging hi...

Amid all the terrible news, the sorrow, and grief, I thought we could just take a break and hear about something good. Something kind. Something that should be expected but often isn't. I woke at the 00 early Tuesday hour to make breakfast for hubby, then prep for coffee duty at our MOPs program. Every other Tuesday MOPs (moms of preschoolers) is held at our church. This is a relaxing, laughing, chatting with adults, networking, have an awesome time for moms of birth to preschool age children. And the moms love it. Usually mom's bring in a breakfast food to share. I've often thought how difficult it is for them to get up, get all their munchkins ready, load them in their car seats, drive to the church, then cart the kids, diaper bags, and the breakfast food inside. Wowsers. But they all do it.  At this very moment I'm listening to their friendly chatter in the other room. This meeting, though had a wonderful surprise.  The p...

Photo by Mary Vee, Gates Pass, Tucson The last two nights, hubby and I drove to Gates Pass in Tucson, AZ to see the sunset. We aren't from the area and had no clue this mountain pass drew hundreds of people and their cameras at this hour. Photo by Mary Vee Hut where we stood on left, Boulder we used to climb to the hut. Gates Pass, Tucson  Young and old climbed the massive rock structures searching for the best seat for the night's event. It reminded me of the ancient amphitheaters filling with crowds waiting to view an evening entertainment. To get to Gates Pass, drive west of the city and make sure your front window is spotless. The reason isn't so much the spectacular view, which will be seen once the car is parked. When driving with a coating of desert sand on the window heading into the west, the sun's powerful rays bounce off the coating like a spotlight in your eyes. Photo by Mary Vee The peak at Gates Pass, Tucson Follow...

Preplanned trips offer an enormous amount of security. Hotels are firm. Routes chosen. Time schedules organized.  This week we are hitting the road. Those of you who have been with Let's Talk know how much I love to travel. We had airline tickets and chose to cancel them, (in time to get our money back).  Chuck the routine. Toss out the plans. Let our hair down and go.  We'll collapse the back seats of the minivan for a flat surface. Set up the army cot. Stuff baggage under the cots. Pack the camping stove and hot pot along with groceries. Then take off. There is something about the thrill of flexibility. We have our destination, AZ. But how we get there, and how long it'll take will be the variable. Yeeee Haw!! I found out there is a Dorothy house in the western Kansas. I doubt the town is called, Oz. I'd like to stop there. Moon crater is another spot we'd like to check out. We're heading southwest. If you have any ideas where we can...

Sometimes old news is new news. Today I want to share with you news that only this week came to my attention. My research led me to the original article published in The Atlantic on October 22, 2013.  This is a tale of two cities.  That do not exist in pages written by Charles Dickens. Viganella, Italy  and Rjukan, Norway  are small cities located in valleys surrounded by mountains. Although located far from each other, they suffered the same problem. Up to six months of the year, both receive very little sunlight.  While many global cities rest in valleys, Viganella and Rijukan are swaddled by the Alps and Galdhøpiggen mountains respectively. These giant mountains shield the valley below from precious sunlight. If I were to visit either quaint city, I would only do so during the six months of sunlight. I really dislike the dark. And so did the residents. The word did is very important. Like a Hans Chris...