I wrote an article for the October Active Aging publication about Seniors and Social Networking.  The statistics are surprising, the largest growth group for Facebook use is age 55-65.  And currently the oldest blogger is 104 and living in Great Britain. Her predecessors were 109 and 108 but passed away in January and last summer respectively.   I had the pleasure of interviewing several seniors who are active on Facebook, Twitter and avid bloggers.  There’s a lot to be learned on the web, not the least of which is meeting new and interesting people.

In the October edition of Womens Focus I had the privelege of interviewing Besty Redler a 3-year cancer survivor who had a posse of friends that supported her during her battle.  She and her posse are an inspiration.  It’s the little things that matter, a card, a note, a flower, a meal – just letting someone who is ill know they are being thought of make all the difference.  And when a mother finds herself scolding her child for leaving a mess, well, you know she’s getting better and that’s a good thing.

Look for both publications October 1st.

BD


 
 

In April my article on Saint by Sarah Jane, a local jewelry designer was published in Womens Focus magazine.  It's a family business and I was able to interview Sarah Jane (Designer) and her sister Ashley Biel (Marketing) for the article.  They were great to work with and I thoroughly enjoyed the interviews.  If you're not familiar with Saint by Sarah Jane I highly recommend you check out the web site (http:\\saintbysarahjane.com) where her unique designs can be viewed.  They are inspired by nature and I love that!

To further add to the pleasure of this experience I received my first piece of Saint jewelry, the Butterfly charm with a nice thank you note.  I've never received a gift like this before, and never for writing an article.  It was so sweet of them.  I love writing about interesting people and these ladies are amazing. I've worn my designer necklace every day since I received it and am proud to say that it is Saint by Sarah Jane.

 
Lexi's Lambs 10/17/2007
 

Hello out there,

I interviewed an incredible young woman tonight.  She's in her mid twenties, married, has a 5 year old son, and lost her baby girl less than a year ago.  I can't even imagine the pain of losing a child.  I think that has to be every mother's greatest fear. 

Her baby girl, Alexis was born premature and was diagnosed with what they think is an extremely rare disease.  She was in and out of hospitals, had multiple surgeries, and still Lexi discovered how to be an inquisitive and funny baby.  She figured out how to set off the hospital bed alarm if the nurse was gone too long, or fake sleep when they came in to take her to physical therapy.  Just think what a hand full she would've been had she been healthy and strong. 

She very quickly bonded with her older brother, something that the medical staff said seldom happens to siblings of children with disabilities.  He could comfort her like no other.  What a blessing and gone so soon.

This mother took the pain and devastation of her loss and she and her husband decided to "give," to help other parents and families with children who are sick and dying.  Such strong and loving people make you realize there is beauty in this world and it is all around.  They created a foundation in their baby's name, Lexi's LAMBs (Little Angels Memorial Benefit).  I am in awe of their faith, their strength, and their desire to give after losing so much.  I feel blessed that they shared their story with me.

B