Brenda Mahler
Bio
Stories about life that inspire emotions - mostly humor.
Lessons about writing based on my textbook, Strategies for Teaching Writing.
Poetry and essays about the of art of being human.
I write therefore, I am.
Stories (310/0)
10 Ways to Annoy Your Dog
If Randy or I use the word walk in a sentence, Dagney interprets it as an invitation. If we hold up her leash she shakes with excitement. That’s what happened when we planned a morning walk. We were prepared. Dagney filled with expectations. But then the phone rang. The conversation lasted long enough to turn our dog into a statue. She didn’t move an inch while waiting for Randy to finish the phone call. Yes, she did get rewarded with a long, leisurely walk.
By Brenda Mahler2 months ago in Petlife
Aphasia Shouldn’t Stop Communication
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” —George Bernard Shaw Several years ago, my youngest daughter, Kat, phoned me distraught about a conflict at work. Before she started talking, she clarified, “Mom, I don’t want you to solve my problem, just listen.” She stated her expectation for me in the conversation and set the parameters. By defining my role, she allowed me to focus my energy on listening, showing compassion and eliminated the pressure to outline an appropriate response.
By Brenda Mahler2 months ago in Lifehack
Not All Strokes Are the Same
“Our bodies are our gardens — our wills are our gardeners.” — William Shakespeare I do not know if I was less emotional because prior experiences taught me what to expect or because my body was numb. Either way I stood in the same setting, with many of the same characters, living an extremely different narrative. Time allowed only opportunities for raw emotions. Seven months after Kari’s stroke, my dad had a stroke.
By Brenda Mahler2 months ago in Longevity
My Husband Speaks Before Thinking
Married? Then you will understand what I am talking about and relate to this story. Sometimes, I hear the words that come out of my husband’s mouth and wonder if he listens to himself speak. When I see the look on his face, it is obvious he is thinking, “Did I just say that out loud?”
By Brenda Mahler2 months ago in Longevity
When I am Old I Shall . . . Do Anything
Years ago, I read a poem titled, “When I Am Old” by Jenny Joseph. I loved it! A framed copy hung in my office for years. It provided inspiration that the burdens, not the restrictions, of life would someday lift. It gave me hope the demands to being responsible, punctual, appropriate, and respectful would ease.
By Brenda Mahler2 months ago in Longevity
Dagney Guided Cisco on His First Ocean Visit
This is the third year in a row we have stopped at Pacific Shores RV Resort in Newport, Oregon. I will admit and caution other RVer’s that it is the most expensive place we have stayed but loved the experience so continue to include it in our itenerary.
By Brenda Mahler2 months ago in Petlife
I Regret Naming Our Pup Francisco
Dagney seemed like the perfect name for our first female Yorkie. She was the fifth Yorkshire Terrier over 40 years to join our family and we didn’t expect her to be much different from the others, wow, we were wrong! Maybe her different attitude evolved because she lived in a home void of competition. All the children had grown and moved out so we doted on her and spoiled her rotten.
By Brenda Mahler2 months ago in Petlife
Pacific Shores RV Resort Earns a A+
This is the third year in a row we have stopped at Pacific Shores RV Resort in Newport, Oregon. I will admit and caution other RVer’s that it is the most expensive place we have stayed but loved the experience so continue to include it in our itenerary. However, we did limit our stay to two nights.
By Brenda Mahler2 months ago in Wander
