A lovely Northern Californian beach

Free Online University Courses

Tracey Good News

Did you know that there are over 450 university level courses available on line for absolutely no charge? I didn’t either until I came across www.openculture.com, a site that lists each and every available class. I scanned the list of offerings and couldn’t believe my good fortune. There are classes on everything form biology to math, political science to literature. Curious about …

Take Flight!

Tracey Columns

I don’t know about you but I absolutely love this time of year. The sun is shining and endless shades of green burst out in every direction. But for me, here at the end of a one lane country road, one of the things I love most about spring is the return of the birds. For about six weeks, we …

Friendly Greetings

Tracey Who's doing what?

I’ve started a simple practice – when I am out and about I tell strangers “good morning” or “good afternoon.”  Granted, some people look at me with real skepticism but it’s fun to see the smiles that such a simple gesture can generate. (Want to know who else has been doing some good?  Click here!)

A Fresh Appearance

Tracey Ask Tracey

Q: My 28 year old daughter says I need a make-over, that my hair and clothes make me look older than my 56 years. She may have a point but I don’t want to look like someone who is trying to look too young for her age. I like the idea of a fresh look but I want someone closer …

Dutch Flora

Tracey Bucket List

I have wandered through the tulip fields of Holland and it was far, far better than I had ever imagined! (Click here to see what others have checked off their ‘bucket lists’)

A lovely Northern Californian beach

Laughter Yoga

Tracey Good News

Maybe I have a new calling, “Laughter Yoga.” It’s so simple and it sounds like so much fun.  Originated by Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician from Mumbai, India, laughter yoga combines laughter with yogic breathing. And get this, the goal of www.laughteryoga.orgis to “bring good health, joy and world peace through Laughter. Laughter is universal with no language and cultural …

Bella von Doodle

Tracey Tracey's Blog

In my last post, you met our family feline, Rita. This week, it’s time to introduce our mutt, Bella von Doodle, a charming Goldendoodle who has brought an energy into this household that is unbelievable. Has there ever been a more energetic, endearing canine? (Okay, some of you are nodding “yes” as you think of your own beasts. We dog …

Family Reunion

Tracey Columns

Recently, nearly all of my extended family came together for a long overdue family party. It was a grand celebration and an opportunity to catch up with everyone. (Understandably, one set of parents opted to leave their 10 month old twins in the Bay area with their maternal grandparents.) It was a weekend  full of laughter and memories, good food …

The Benefits of Nature

Tracey Ask Tracey

I think being in nature makes me feel better but I can’t seem to explain this to my friend, who just wants to hang out indoors. What do I tell her? You could quote many of the respected research studies on this, but in a nutshell? Spending time in nature is relaxing and restorative. It lowers stress and can actually …

Simple Coffee and Groceries

Tracey Who's doing what?

Every week I take my 91 year old neighbor out for a cup of coffee and to the grocery store. I know what I am doing is pretty simple,  but I want people to understand that giving to others doesn’t have to be complicated. (Want to know who else has been doing some good?  Click here!)