Socrates and Bob Dylan are orbiting through my brain cells this Memorial Day. They both ponder the power of questions, and, like the beautiful stars and stripes dancing in the breeze at ceremonies this weekend, perhaps the answers really are “blowin’ in the wind.” Regardless of our differences, our flag remains a symbol of freedom, of spirit, of hope for all of us.

How many of us say we believe in peace, support peace efforts or even, like me, write a book in the hopes of promoting peace? Then, without thinking twice, we bad-mouth those we disagree with, mistrust those we don’t know, yell at our kids, curse out crazy drivers? I’m trying to follow Peace Pilgrim’s wisdom and foster inner peace. When I’m angry or judgmental I try to: Stop. Breathe. Know that we all have more in common than our differences. How about you? What can you do today to be kind to yourself and others?

What more can I want on Mother’s Day than to have children who have grown into people I truly like and respect? To know they are adults with care, kindness, and a deep desire to live in ways true to themselves? While I’ll always worry about them as their mom, I’m forever grateful to be in the stage where we also are friends.

Who needs texts, tweets or even telephones, when you have a vase of tulips? From early Chinese dynasties to the Victorian age, flowers spoke volumes and even delivered secret codes for clandestine communication. We may no longer rely on floriography, as it was called, but our botanical friends still hold lots of meaning. Check out your special flower!

Longer days, warmer temps and pandemic fatigue… what better motivation to go for a good hike with your kids? But rescues and trash in our natural areas are at an all-time high because of an influx of first-timers. See 10 tips to help you have fun and stay safe on family hikes!

It’s our 52nd Earth Day on April 22. Along with the trademark slogan, Earth Day, Every Day, let’s add Kindness. Even the tiniest acts of niceness help create inner peace, and that’s our REAL ticket to a better world. See more in my latest blog. I’d LOVE to hear your tips for how to be kinder toward each other and the earth!

We learned many things the hard way when planning the 7,000 mile adventure to 20 national parks in Eye Rolls & Awe: A National Park Road Trip with Teens. Don’t miss our top 10 tips!

I’m in love with fun guys. Okay, they’re really pronounced fun-jai, not fun-guy, but that doesn’t diminish my attraction. From their communication skills to their healing powers, learn 9 fun facts about the fabulous fungal kingdom.

As spring fever heats up, you can bet that the National Parks will be a magnet for millions wanting to shed the COVID-and-weather-intense winter. But you can enjoy magnificent natural treasures without feeling like you are at Times Square on a pre-pandemic New Year’s Eve. Here are 10 destinations to fill your wanderlust without crowds.

Water lifts our spirits, keeps our bodies healthy and supports every living being in our world. How do we love and protect our threatened waterways? In honor of World Water Day, here are six tips that won’t cost you anything but your attention.

Sitting in a “Zoom” field of wildflowers at Grand Teton National Park, I share the natural wonders, human marvels and wildlife from our 7,000-mile road trip with our teens, then explain the latest research in three crucial areas that all parents of teens should know. Watch for yourself, including lots of stories and questions from participants.

In honor of International Women’s Day, I'm honored to recognize the woman who's had so much impact on my life.

Sign up now to watch my virtual author presentation live on March 7, and support the local Belmar Library!

It’s funny having a name like “Merry” because sometimes I’m not – even when I always am. And it’s the not times that finally made me an author.