Column: This Mother’s Day, celebrate strong mothers in film
As an avid fan of classic films for many years, I have become an admirer of unflappable women who triumph over hardships with courage and grace.
Column: Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home
A lot of us do not like the thought of doing such thorough cleaning, whether it is in the spring or any other time, but it has advantages that go far beyond having a clean house.
Column: ‘Why can’t I sound as calm as Alexa?’
While our home does not have any devices that use Alexa, we have another version of her in our car that is every bit as unflappable as she is. We have not named our tech assistant, but even in her anonymity she has become an important family member by offering us directions when we are…
The confessions of a freelance writer
In February, we celebrate Groundhog Day, Presidents’ Day, Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. Did you know we also observe Freelance Writers Appreciation Week in February?
New Year’s resolutions I can’t seem to keep
What kind of New Year’s resolutions do you make? Do you promise to walk five miles every day or to work out at the gym several times a week? How successful are you at sticking to these resolutions? I have made my share of resolutions over the years, and my track record for keeping them…
The best Christmas gifts are not always wrapped
When you think about all the Christmas gifts you have received in your lifetime, which ones mean the most to you? Do you have a piece of jewelry, a set of golf clubs, a family portrait, or a book that you cherish? Or do you cherish a different kind of gift? I was 6 years…
A child’s Thanksgiving survival guide
My mother’s family always gathered at my grandparents’ house for Thanksgiving dinner. As much as I enjoyed spending time with my relatives, I discovered that I would enjoy them more if I appreciated each moment.
More Mary Zahran Coverage
The lost art of letter writing
When you offer your condolences, your congratulations, or your wishes for a happy birthday in your own words, you are reminded of the true value of letter writing. You will be glad you took the time to write a personal note, and your friend will be glad to be remembered in this way.
The hurricane chronicles
Something we hurricane veterans know for certain is that these storms always offer us a chance to discover new things about ourselves.
What I really learned in my first year of college
When I was a student, my mixed feelings extended far beyond the weather to include the academic world: The coming of August meant that summer vacation was almost over, but also that a new school year would soon begin, bringing with it new books to read and new subjects to explore.
Important lessons from summer vacation
Now that July has arrived, bringing with it the dog days of summer, do you ever reminisce about bygone vacations? Something about the tropical weather and the long days makes many of us want to pause and remember summers past.
You can always go downtown
Have you ever heard “Downtown,” Petula Clark’s ode to downtowns everywhere? It was a huge hit when it was released in 1964, and I spent hours listening to the radio hoping to hear it so I could sing along. I think one reason for this song’s popularity, aside from Petula’s beautiful voice, was the promise…
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