Author: Jillesa Shotts

July 6, 2022

The Community that Walks

I’m walking on sunshine, woooah I’m walking on sunshine, woooah And don’t it feel good! Yeah, I don’t sound like Katrina and the Waves but I do love walking out on a gorgeous summer day, how about you? Walking is one of my favorite things to do. It gets me off the couch and moving, which gives me a change...

Categories Community/General

February 16, 2022

That’s the Power of Love!

Ok before you skip off to youtube or rewatch 1985’s Back to the Future that featured Huey Lewis’s fantastic single “The Power of Love”, I want to share some thoughts with you this Valentine’s week. Romantic love gets a major spotlight on Valentine’s Day but let’s not forget nor underestimate the power of friendship. Think about what having a friend...

Categories Community/General

February 2, 2022

Open Up Pittsburgh

A friend of mine recently clued me into Open Up Pittsburgh. Don’t you like the sound of that name? To me it sounds like a call to step up and be inclusive. That’s right this has nothing to do with business closures, this has to do with opening up to wellness, community, equity, and accessibility. Their mission is briefly expressed...

Categories Community/General/Resources

December 29, 2021

Ahead

A new year is dawning just ahead. No one knows what a day may hold when those first rays streak across the horizon, so also we don’t know what the year will bring. With all the fears, burdens, joys, and potential you carry, hold onto hope. Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, And sings the...

Categories Everyday Life/General

December 22, 2021

The Present

Many different traditions and celebrations are being remembered this time of year. As you remember the past, far distant or the recent months, I hope you also cherish the value of being present. Sometimes that means being a listening ear as someone meanders down memory lane. They just need a tender heart willing to glimpse at what they are sharing....

Categories Everyday Life/General

November 24, 2021

Gratitude is Everything

A year holds so very much in it. For some it is endless change. That change can be grand, wonderful things or it can be devastating loss. For others the year stretched long in sameness and not the changes they might have wished. But throughout the rollercoasters and monotony, there is one thing everyone can do in their ride through...

Categories Everyday Life/General

November 3, 2021

Love – You Feel It, You Sign It

There are many ways to express our love and appreciation for other people. Love Letters by Emily (lovelettersbyemily.com) helps you express it in unique pieces featuring American Sign Language (ASL). This Rhode Island, family-based company has a big online presence. Love Letters by Emily was actually inspired by Emily’s Teacher of the Deaf who photographed her hand fingerspelling LOVE in...

Categories General/Resources

September 1, 2021

The Secret Sensory Garden

How does your garden grow? Honestly, I don’t have much of a green thumb, but I revel in the natural world around me. My grandma sure had the green thumb, maybe a whole hand for growing things. There’s always been some starting sprout, or vining plant hanging over the kitchen or bedroom windows. Do you ever spend time out in...

Categories Community/General

July 28, 2021

We All Scream for Ice Cream

Job opportunities, the longing to be included in productive, meaningful contributions to our communities is the desire of every young adult and also one of the biggest hurdles in our system today. It’s basic common sense, the human experience, to know we all have something to offer, talents, strengths, passions, and come on employers – we are all trainable! That...

Categories Community/General

April 28, 2021

Got to Love That Libby

Ok fellow readers, I don’t know how I’ve missed Libby all this time! If you’re like me and you’ve just heard of the hype, get ready to jump on the fan bandwagon. Libby is basically your local library made virtual. Yes! The library has now come to our living rooms, nay closer, the palm of our hands! Libby is an...

Categories General/Resources