Van Gogh Exhibit Gives Me Fever

Van Gogh Exhibit Gives Me Fever

Not long ago, I was rolling my eyes at another selfie taken in front of the giant reproduction of Starry Night covering the entrance of every venue for the Van Gogh Immersive Experience. Two days ago, I found myself at a show in Raleigh. When I got home, I researched the things I'd learned and found that we're not as sure of Van Gogh's history as we think.

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Simple, Proven Self-Care Strategies for Kids

Simple, Proven Self-Care Strategies for Kids

As with other essential disciplines, teaching your child the importance of self care begins with you. You must model healthy habits in your own life and show your child real-life examples of prioritizing them. This is not only good for your child, it’s good for you. With the help of Melissa B. Rooney, we share some simple tips…

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How to Stay Fit as a Traveling Professional
Medicine and Health, Inspiration Jesse Clark Medicine and Health, Inspiration Jesse Clark

How to Stay Fit as a Traveling Professional

Working on just one of these practices is a worthwhile endeavor, whether your work life involves traveling or not. But traveling for work exposes you to unhealthy things at every turn, and you can find yourself working more than caring for your own physical and mental health. It’s time to break the cycle. Setting these good habits now will not only improve your health, it will improve your job (and life) satisfaction.

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At least 5 Mass Shootings over the Weekend !!??

At least 5 Mass Shootings over the Weekend !!??

If it’s mental health and not guns (as the incessant debate goes), then why isn’t our country providing universal coverage of mental health services for all – including therapy (not just drugs)? Texas governor Greg Abbott said that “the Uvalde school shooter had a “mental health challenge” and the state needed to “do a better job with mental health” — yet in April he slashed $211 million from the department that oversees mental health programs.” …

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To Those Who Message(d) Me Privately This Week

To Those Who Message(d) Me Privately This Week

After questioning the secretive and non-inclusive proceedings of a racially-based political action committee via Facebook, members of that organization attacked and ultimately removed me from the group. This article is in response to that experience.

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All or None (Parents, Cut Yourselves Some Slack)

All or None (Parents, Cut Yourselves Some Slack)

This article was first published by the News and Observer in February, 2012. When people say, “It goes by so fast,” I usually respond, “If only it weren’t all or none.” If only we could stretch these early years to double their duration and half their intensity. It’s wonderful, but it isn’t easy. And we parents shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves.

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Ukraine, Green Tea, Saving Young, and the Return to Live Theater

Ukraine, Green Tea, Saving Young, and the Return to Live Theater

This is what I would have posted on Facebook today if I were not weening myself off Facebook. From facilitating your teenagers’ contributions to their Roth IRA’s (incredibly important if they are ever to have retirement savings) to naturally controlling high blood pressure (or not), this post has several informative nuggets you’ll be happy you consumed.

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Regarding Durham's Capital Improvement Plans (2021)

Regarding Durham's Capital Improvement Plans (2021)

We must make more existing outdoor spaces and playgrounds -particularly those at public schools - environmentally sustainable in terms of stormwater management. Too many of them, particularly in underserved schools/communities are being flooded or washed away in ever increasing rain events, polluting our streams, rivers, and lakes, which effects low-income citizens far more than those who can afford to drink bottled water.

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Protect Durham's Crown from Development

Protect Durham's Crown from Development

The Eno River needs protection from impervious development *again* 🥺. If you live in Durham or North Carolina, please write your elected representatives in support of saving the land surrounding the Eno River and the few remaining pristine places we have left.

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Berkeley Springs and the Paw Paw Tunnel:  A Worthwhile and Affordable Weekend Getaway
Medicine and Health, Travel, Education, Inspiration Melissa Rooney Medicine and Health, Travel, Education, Inspiration Melissa Rooney

Berkeley Springs and the Paw Paw Tunnel: A Worthwhile and Affordable Weekend Getaway

June 20 was my husband’s and my 23rd wedding anniversary; so last Friday my mother came to stay with the kids, and we went to The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, for the weekend. It was the first time we’d been alone for more than just a walk around the block since before the Covid quarantine started over a year ago, and the first time we’d gone away alone together for more than a night in years; so it would have to be horrible to be a disappointment. But our trip was filled with unexpected history and culture.

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