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NYTimes: 4 Silly Ways to Keep Marriage Fun

Austin Tang — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:57:59 +0000

Your relationship may be solid, but is it playful?

Credit…Illustration by Matt Chase; Photographs by Shutterstock

My husband, Tom, and I have a series of hand signals that we use when we’re out together. When I shoot him a meaningful look and stroke my chin, that means “I have a piece of good gossip for you.” A discreet tug to my left earlobe means “time to go.” (Although, now that I’ve given it away, this gesture will be retired.)

Secret signals might sound like something from middle school. But they’re also fun.

When you’re an adult, playfulness may not always feel natural. But play helps you cope with stress and increases your life satisfaction. It also helps people in relationships feel closer. Playful behaviors like humor, banter or flirting can also remind you of the early days of your relationship, said John Kim and Vanessa Bennett, a therapist couple who wrote “It’s Not Me, It’s You.”

But playful relationships don’t always happen organically, said Roslyn Ashford, a licensed professional counselor in Mississippi. You have to invent or search for these moments of fun, she added. Here’s how.

Cultivate inside jokes.

Research has confirmed what we intuitively know: Humor is a key element of adult play. So look for small opportunities to add a little levity throughout the day, said Gaya Kodiyalam, a therapist in New York City.

You can cultivate your own lighthearted language, Kodiyalam said. She and her husband have so many nicknames for each other, she said, they rarely call each other by their given names.

They’ve also developed a series of funny rituals. The couple have a special morning hug they call a “waggle.”

These words and habits, “really do build intimacy,” she said.

Gags are another way to build in a bit of fun. For years, Tom and I had a running joke involving Baby Doll, a plastic infant our daughter had covered with magic marker tattoos. Over the years, Baby Doll had grown a grimy and sinister look.

So I would position Baby Doll in various poses — in the fridge, in the shower — to give Tom a scare. Immature, I know. But fun.

Send a silly text.

Dr. Ashford and her partner would text memes and emojis to each other for a laugh, she said.

I told Dr. Ashford that I sometimes try to find the most obscure emojis to send to Tom, without comment, like a lobster or a CD.

Or instead of texting in sentences, Dr. Ashford said, “you could speak only in emoji language,” and have your partner unravel your cryptic message.

A friend of mine texts his husband, who is frequently out of town for work, goofy pictures of their dog to make him laugh. Sometimes it’s a close-up photo of the dog huffing her food; other times he would draw on a jaunty hat or kerchief.

Plan a surprise date.

Kim and Bennett like to take turns devising a mystery date. One person does all the planning, “and all the other has to do is show up,” Kim said. Their dates have included rock climbing and renting a convertible for a scenic drive.

A good source of date ideas, Bennett said, is Airbnb Experiences, inventive activities led by local experts — many of which are not expensive.

The person being surprised should have an open mind and a good attitude, Bennett added. And if the date doesn’t go as planned, you have another inside joke, she said.

Kodiyalam encourages couples in her practice to think of activities that made them feel most alive when they were younger — and figure out how to do “an updated version of it.”

One couple she treated reminisced about scavenger hunts and obstacle courses, so Kodiyalam suggested they try tackling an escape room together. If you both loved to paint as children, you can try a “paint and sip” art class.

Make a game out of a mundane situation.

Add a little lightness to your day by looking for ways you can turn household tasks into a game, Kodiyalam said. You can have a contest to see who can make the most creative dish using ingredients you already have in the fridge or pantry, or who can tidy up an area in your house the fastest.

On a recent slog to the supermarket with Tom, I divided our shopping list and told him that whoever finished first would get a $5 scratch-off card. Lottery tickets don’t inspire the same greed in him that they do in me, but Tom loves a challenge. He raced through the supermarket aisles like a grim-faced action hero, winning the game.

Tom ended up giving the scratcher to me. I won $10. Which I then gave to him.

The post NYTimes: 4 Silly Ways to Keep Marriage Fun appeared first on Good News!.

MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND THE HILARIOUS NEW COMEDY BY JOY BEHAR WELCOMES NEXT POWERHOUSE CASTS

Austin Tang — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 18:52:55 +0000

A New Show by Joy Behar

My First Ex-Husband

I Do. Now, I’m Done!

SAVE 20% ON TICKETS:

Click Here or Visit MyFirstExHusband.com & enter the code: MFEHMKT

“★★★★★” -Digital Journal

“Appeals to men, women & anyone who’s ever been in a relationship” -Times Square Chronicles

“A tonic for broken hearts and healing romantic wounds with laughter” -NY Theatre Guide

“Captivating. Excellent, Hilarious! Celebrating new beginnings!” -DC Theater Arts

A bold and heartfelt adaptation of true stories by the legendary Joy Behar, comedienne and co-host of The View. With razor-sharp wit and no filters, it explores the messy, hilarious truths of love, sex, and relationships.

Whether you’re happily coupled, cautiously committed, or considering changing the locks, relationships are complicated—and universally relatable. These stories are your stories, only funnier.

Every four weeks, a rotating cast of stars from theatre, television and film join the show, bringing their unique personalities to tell these tales that may be eerily familiar.

Cast thru Mar 23: Judy Gold, Susan Lucci, Tonya Pinkins, Cathy Moriarty.
Mar 26 thru Apr 20: Talia Balsam, Veanne Cox, Jackie Hoffman, Andrea Navedo.

Outrageous yet deeply relatable, this show will resonate with anyone who has navigated the turbulent and often titillating seas of love. A celebration of resilience, reinvention, and new beginnings.

“A 90-minute icebreaker to a lifetime of self-examination.” -Theatermania

“A boldface lure of comic relationship stories.” -The NY Times

“A profound celebration of womanhood!” -Stage Biz

“Amazing, funny, poignant.” -Sherri Shepherd

MMAC Theater – 248 W 60th St, NYC (60th & West End Ave)

Please view our Website Partner Page for parking, dining and hotel discounts!

MyFirstExHusband.com

*Subject to availability. All prices include $3 facility fee. Blackout dates may apply. Not applicable to previously purchased tickets. Offer may be discontinued at any time. All sales final – no refunds or exchanges.

JUDY GOLD, SUSAN LUCCI, CATHY MORIARTY, TONYA PINKINS

BEGIN PERFORMANCES FEBRUARY 26

TALIA BALSAM,VEANNE COX, JACKIE HOFFMAN, ANDREA NAVEDO

MARCH 26-APRIL 20

(February 26, 2025 – New York, NY)— Tony winning Producer Rose Caiola together with veteran Talent Manager and Producer Cyrena Esposito welcome the next powerhouse casts for the world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND, the new hit show by comedy maven Joy Behar at Off-Broadway’s newest venue, MMAC Theater at 248 West 60th Street.

Directed by Randal Myler, the 90-minute show called “as relatable as it is outrageous” by People Magazine has award-winning comedienne Judy Gold (HBO/Comedy Central), Emmy Award winner Susan Lucci (All My Children), Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull, Soapdish) and Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (Jelly’s Last Jam, Caroline or Change, Sistas) from February 26 to March 23.

From March 26 to April 20, the cast will feature OBIE winner Talia Balsam (HBO’s Divorce, Homeland), Veanne Cox (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Emmy nominee Jackie Hoffman (Only Murders in the Building, Feud: Betty and Joan), and Andrea Navedo (Jane The Virgin). Balsam replaces the previously announced Gina Gershon who had a scheduling conflict.

MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND is a hilarious, no-holds-barred series of stories created by the legendary Joy Behar. With razor-sharp wit and zero filters, Joy dives into the messy truths of love, marriage, and divorce, revealing

the chaotic, funny, and often eye-opening realities of relationships. These stories are as relatable as they are outrageous, offering something for anyone who’s ever tied the knot—or thought about untying it.

The show is produced by Rose Caiola (Caiola Productions) and Cyrena Esposito (Red Letter Entertainment) with Associate Producers Mark Rubinsky and Tony Castrigno.

BIOS CURRENT CAST (February 26-March 23):

JUDY GOLD has had stand-up specials on HBO and Comedy Central, and is featured in the new Netflix documentary Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution. She is the author of Yes I Can Say That: When They Come For The Comedians, We Are All In Trouble, which was featured in the New York Times Book Review. The solo show, Yes I Can Say That! received rave reviews. Judy hosts the weekly podcast, It’s Judy’s Show with Judy Gold. From 1999- 2010, Judy was the host of HBO’s At the Multiplex with Judy Gold. Judy won two Emmy awards for writing and producing “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” She was also the story editor on the final season of FX’s “Better Things.” Judy has written and starred in three critically acclaimed Off-Broadway hit shows; Yes I Can Say That!, The Judy Show – My Life as a Sitcom (Outer Critics Circle Nomination), and 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother (GLAAD Media Award – Outstanding NY Theater, Drama Desk Nomination – Actor). Judy received exemplary reviews as Gremio in The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park all-female production of The Taming of The Shrew. Judy’s three albums, Conduct Unbecoming, Kill Me Now, and Judith’s Roommate Had a Baby are available wherever you get your music.

SUSAN LUCCI, the most famous face in daytime television history, has held audiences spellbound for over 40 years as the sexy and sassy “woman you love to hate,” Erica Kane, on ABC’s award-winning daytime drama “All My Children.” In May of 1999, on her 19th nomination, she won the EMMY for “Best Actress,” a historic moment for Lucci and all of television, receiving the longest-standing ovation in television history. From 2013 to 2016, Lucci played the wealthy and effervescent socialite Genevieve Delatour on the hit Lifetime series “Devious Maids” and played the role of Danica in the 2015 Academy Award-nominated film Joy. Susan was also the host and narrator of Investigation Discovery’s highly-rated series Deadly Affairs. On January 28, 2005, Susan Lucci received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her tremendous impact on the entertainment industry. She has appeared in countless television series and competitions, including “Hot in Cleveland,” “Army Wives,” “Dancing With The Stars,” and “Saturday Night Live.” Her theater and cabaret credits include solo concerts across the country and nightclub performances opening for Regis Philbin. In her 1999 Broadway debut, Lucci starred as Annie Oakley in the revival of Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun, to glowing reviews. In March 2011, Lucci released her New York Times bestselling autobiography, All My Life with Harper Collins. In December 2023, Lucci was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th annual Daytime EMMY Awards, celebrating her 40-year run as Erica Kane on the hit daytime drama All My Children. Lucci stars opposite Keanu Reeves in the upcoming Apple Original Film, Outcome, a dark comedy written and directed by Jonah Hill.

CATHY MORIARTY. Her laudable career spans over 40 years of transformative work, with unforgettable dramatic and comedic performances. Her portrayal of Vikki LaMotta, in Scorsese’s 1980 film, Raging Bull, earned Cathy a nomination for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. Other notable films include But I’m A Cheerleader, Soapdish, Cop Land, and Analyze That. Cathy also starred on the CBS sitcom “Bless This House” and she has guest recurred on numerous television series.

TONYA PINKINS. Renowned theater actress, Pinkins is a three-time Tony nominee, winning the award in 1992 for her performance as Sweet Anita in Jelly’s Last Jam. Over the course of her career in theater, she has also been recognized with Opie, Lortel, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, AUDLECO, Garland, LA Drama Critics Circle, Clarence Derwent and NAACP Theater awards. On television, Pinkins can currently be seen in Tyler Perry’s popular dramedy series Sistas, and she recently starred in the critically acclaimed ABC limited series Women of the Movement. Pinkins also appeared in the series God Friended Me, Fear the Walking Dead, Gotham, 24 and J.J. Abrams’ 11.22.63. Notable silver screen credits include Above the Rim, The Book of

Henry and Enchanted. Pinkins made her feature directorial debut with the 2021 horror-comedy Red Pill, which received numerous accolades, including Best Narrative Feature at the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival. Her second feature, Game Nite premiered at the Pan African Film Festival in early 2024. A 2019-2022 Fulbright Specialist and published author, she also was the 2020 recipient of the Franky Award and the Rachel Crothers Leadership Award. Her podcast You Can’t Say That is available for streaming on the Broadway Podcast Network.

PRODUCTION BIOS:

JOY BEHAR (Playwright) is among today’s leading comic talents. Whether performing stand-up comedy or interviewing politicians and artists, she is an original voice and leading woman on both stage and screen. She was a member of the original cast of ABC’s “The View” for 16 years, returning as co-host in September 2015 for the show’s three most recent seasons. Along with winning the 2009 Daytime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host, Behar is also the recipient of three MAC Awards, a CableACE Award and a 2000 GLAAD Award for her enduring friendship with the LGBTQ+ community. On television, she starred in two HBO specials and was a regular on the series “Baby Boom.” She also appeared in Woody Allen’s Amazon series “Crisis in Six Scenes.” In June 2016, Behar was inducted into the Brooklyn Walk of Fame at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, joining an impressive list of Brooklynites honored for their distinguished work in entertainment, sports, media and the arts. Behar has hosted her own shows, including a call-in radio show on WABC, “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN, and “Say Anything” on Current TV. Her film appearances include “This Is My Life,” directed by Nora Ephron, and Woody Allen’s “Manhattan Murder Mystery.” In theater, Behar starred in Nicky Silver’s play “The Food Chain,” for which she earned rave reviews, and also in the critically acclaimed play The Vagina Monologues. She also wrote and performed in her own solo show, Me, My Mouth and I, at the Cherry Lane Theatre. As a playwright, Behar has written Crisis In Queens, along with her short play Bonkers In The Boroughs, which was featured in the New York Comedy Festival in November 2023. Her new play, My First Ex-Husband, will be produced in New York City beginning in January 2025. Behar has written five books, including two children’s books. Her most recent book, “The Great Gasbag: An A-to-Z Study Guide to Surviving Trump World,” was released in October 2017.

RANDAL MYLER (Director) is a Tony Award® nominee for co-conceiving and directing It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues at Lincoln Center. He recently directed Rock & Roll Man at New World Stages (with producer Rose Caiola) which won a 2023 BEST MUSICAL AUDELCO Award for Excellence in Black Theatre. He is also known (both as writer and director) for his critically acclaimed Hank Williams: Lost Highway (Drama Desk, Lortel nom, Outstanding Musical; 2 years at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville) and his Janis Joplin bio-musical Love, Janis, which surpassed 700 performances at the former Village Gate. Myler’s other numerous credits include co- conceiving Nat King Cole and Me with Gregory Porter; directing former Ronette Ronnie Spector’s triumphant UK tour of Beyond the Beehive; directing Dream A Little Dream: The Mamas and Papas Musical with “Papa” Denny Doherty; Fire On The Mountain: Music Of The Coal Mines (Best Musical—Bay Area Critics); and, most recently, I’ll Take You There: The Music Of Muscle Shoals. His extensive regional credits include The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Mark Taper Forum, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Alley Theatre, Seattle Rep, Denver Center, Dallas Theatre Center, San Diego’s Old Globe, and many others.

ROSE CAIOLA (Producer). Caiola Productions has won Eight Tony Awards® and numerous Drama Desk Awards. It has produced over 50 Broadway shows. Their award-winning productions include: Company, The Inheritance, Once on this Island, Dear Evan Hansen, The Color Purple, All The Way, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Parade. Current productions include Cabaret, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Glengarry Glen Ross and Left On Tenth. Rose Caiola is a musical book writer and was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for Freckleface Strawberry The Musical. She received an AUDELCO Award as book writer of Best New Musical Rock and Roll Man, which is currently on route for a UK run. Rose is the owner of Manhattan Movement and Arts Center as well as the exciting new MMAC Theatre opening this January with its pilot production, My First Ex-Husband.

CYRENA ESPOSITO (Producer) is a long-time talent manager, former talent agent, and founder of Red Letter Entertainment, representing some of the industry’s finest and award-winning talent. Cyrena is a producer on Broadway’s Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, which was nominated for nine Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival. She also co-produced the Tony Award-winning musical, Memphis as well as Spiderman on Broadway. She got her BFA in Theatre and began her career as an actress. She worked in television development before becoming an agent where she repped Ms. Behar and her childhood idol, a dream come true, Liza Minnelli. She and Rose Caiola will also produce Bonkers in the Boroughs with Joy Behar next year. Follow @redletterent on Instagram.

MMAC THEATER is New York City’s newest Off-Broadway theater. It is the next step in the evolution of the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center’s celebrated studio spaces that have long been used for dance performances, workshops and industry presentations. Many of these projects have gone on to commercial production including Rock & Roll Man, Hamilton , Cinderella, Pretty Woman, Billy Elliot, MJ, and over 100 others. MMAC will be available as a premiere Off-Broadway theater with raked seating for 191 seats, a new entrance, marquee, box office and production spaces.

TICKETS:

MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND is a new 90 minute comedy (no intermission) and runs at Off-Broadway’s newest theater, MMAC Theater at 248 West 60th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.MyFirstExHusband.com.

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GoodNewsLetter: HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR…. Extra! Extra! Ivy Ma & Paul Sladkus are getting married tomorrow 1/14/25 at 10:30 am, CELEBRATE WITH US – TUNE IN ON Paul Sladkus’ FACEBOOK LIVE

Austin Tang — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 21:35:04 +0000

www.Facebook.com/PaulSladkus

Rabbil Jill Hausman of The Actors Temple at 339 West 47^th Street, NY, NY will conduct our ceremony, which will blend Judaism and Spirituality, and Western and Eastern Culture. The small family ceremony will be held at the Rabbi’s Home.

We wish everyone a HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR, LUNAR NEW YEAR AND ENJOY EVERY MOMENT FOREVER IN PEACE & LOVE.

Lastly, please put a hold on your calendar for our 23^rd Annual LIVE CLEAN ENERGY Earth & Water Day Times Square Concert on April 22, 2025, and the International Day of Peace Concert on September 21, 2025. Go to www.pausetheworldforpeace.org for details and please join us by volunteering for production, fundraising, marketing, partnerships, and overall collaboration.

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

Later this week we will share an exciting update from my trip to CES last week, in Las Vegas. Once again, it was a very exciting electronics, technology, sustainability, CTA Foundation helping Seniors and Disabled and so much more.

THE WORLD IS FULL OF GOOD NEWS, PEACE, AND LOVE…LET’S CONTINUE TO SHARE IT WITH ALL…. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE, MINIMIZE THE NEGATIVE…

Also here is our 2025 Earth & Water Day and our International Day of Peace Presentation for Donors and Corporations, please support our nonprofit events that are FOR ALL PEOPLE. WE ARE ONE. MOTHER EARTH & WORLD PEACE ARE SERIOUS.

https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/2024/11/04/2025-earth-water-peace-day-donor-presentation/

STAY WELL

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LET’S GROW TOGETHER. GOOD NEWS MOTTO: “All we are is what we are with each other.” Zeal

With Respect. Love and May Peace Prevail on Earth, For Information Contact:

Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual,

Founder, Good News Corporation 501 C 3 212 647 1212 paul.sladkus1@gmail.com and our Good News and Peace Worldwide Team who make our Peace Day 9/21 happen.

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For more information contact:

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New York, NY, Montauk, NY

PS: Special Waterfront Real Estate Canada, Laurentians, your dreams though your own waterfront real estate. www.monlac.com

Domaine Le Sanctuaire des Lacs offers you a piece of paradise situated in a large gated territory in the Laurentians

Call Paul Sladkus: 917 687 1790

The post GoodNewsLetter: HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR…. Extra! Extra! Ivy Ma & Paul Sladkus are getting married tomorrow 1/14/25 at 10:30 am, CELEBRATE WITH US – TUNE IN ON Paul Sladkus’ FACEBOOK LIVE appeared first on Good News!.

Ann-Margaret Carrozza, Asset Protection Lawyer, WOR 710 AM CALL IN Radio LIVE Every Sunday at 1030am

Austin Tang — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:23:12 +0000

Join Ann Carrozza and Guest-Host Reverend Paul Sladkus each week to learn about ASSET PROTECTION. The show is called ” The Laws of Your Money”. Listening to Ann, or CALL 800 321 0710 with questions, might help save you from a major financial disaster in your life.

With us all living in a litigious society you are likely to be in a suit with someone you know than with a stranger. So Protect YOURSELF.

With Divorce rates of 40% for first marriages, 60% for second marriages it is important to protect your assets.

Ann know her stuff, her book: LOVE & MONEY – PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM ANGRY EXES, WACKY RELATIVES, CON ARTISTS, AND INNER DEMONS is a Best Seller.

Ann is the Legal Advisor on Asset Protection Elder Law, and Estate Planning and frequently appears on Dr. Phil, Entertainment Tonight, ABC Good Morning America, CNN, ET, Access Hollywood, and more.

https://www.myelderlawattorney.com/

To Listen to Ann Carrozza’s past “The Laws of Your Money” podcasts on WOR 710, go to:

https://710wor.iheart.com/the-laws-of-your-money-with-ann-margaret-carrozza/

PS – Personally, each week I learn more about Asset Protection and realize everyone should become familiar with it to live a more secure and sound life. Paul

The post Ann-Margaret Carrozza, Asset Protection Lawyer, WOR 710 AM CALL IN Radio LIVE Every Sunday at 1030am appeared first on Good News!.

GAY PRIDE PARADE 2024

Austin Tang — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:57:31 +0000

Listen to “New York Presbyterian Hospital joins the Gay Pride Parade, Dr. Cohall tells about their medical testing programs.” on Spreaker.

Listen to “Gay Pride Parade 2024, what an important event for those living” on Spreaker.

A pride parade (also known as pride event, pride festival, pride march, or pride protest) is an event celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) social and self-acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride. The events sometimes also serve as demonstrations for legal rights such as same-sex marriage. Most occur annually throughout the Western world, while some take place every June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, which was a pivotal moment in modern LGBT social movements.^[1]^[2]^[3] The parades seek to create community and honor the history of the movement.^[1]^[4] In 1970, pride and protest marches were held in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco around the first anniversary of Stonewall.^[5] The events became annual and grew internationally.^[6]^[7]^[8] In 2019, New York and the world celebrated the largest international Pride celebration in history: Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019, produced by Heritage of Pride commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, with five million attending in Manhattan alone.^[9

The post GAY PRIDE PARADE 2024 appeared first on Good News!.

Historical Fiction Author Pens Stunning Novel {Augusta} Based On Her Grandmother’s Challenging Life Of Abject Poverty, Marriage At 13, And Having To Make A Haunting Choice

Austin Tang — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 22:15:07 +0000

Listen to “Author Celia Ryker new book Augusta” on Spreaker.

Celia Ryker website https://celiaryker.com/

Historical Fiction Author Pens Stunning Novel Based On Her Grandmother’s Challenging Life Of Abject Poverty, Marriage At 13, And Having To Make A Haunting Choice

Celia, a silver and gold winner for Human Relations Indie Book Award, writes a human interest novel based on the real-life struggles of her grandmother. Celia Ryker brings to life Augusta, highlighting the struggles of a young girl forced to grow up too fast. Celia writes based on the lessons her grandmother taught her about life and the beauty of it.

Let me know if you would like to have Celia on your show.

Mayte W.

“In this novel inspired by the challenging life of the author’s grandmother, a woman is left to raise her four children alone during the 1920s… Smooth-flowing prose carries the tale forward at a steady pace.. farm and city vignettes create vivid images of time, place, and economic class, and Augusta emerges as a formidable woman in the face of daunting odds. A historically evocative period drama that’s poignant and disquieting.”
–Kirkus Reviews

“Augusta is an insight to another era and a testimony to a woman who became more resilient as she was challenged. Engaging writing propels the story through the decades of Augusta’s life, and what a life it was.”
–Jennifer Belton, Former White House Library Director

The early 20th century was unforgiving on many women. Writer Celia Ryker’s grandmother was one such woman who had more than her fair share of a hard life. Ryker has written a powerful, insightful novel (Augusta) based on the exploits and overwhelming challenges her grandmother faced during the Depression.
Raised on a hard-knock farm in Arkansas and married off to the father of one of her classmates at the age of 13, lead-character Augusta was not set up for a life of bliss. Then, abandoned by her second husband in 1920s Detroit, with four children to provide for and only an eighth-grade education, she is forced into a decision that will haunt her forever.
From the author of Walking Home: Trail Stories, Ryker’s Augusta is gripping historical fiction based on the true, against-the-odds story of her grandmother, a woman who fled the hardships of the Ozarks at the turn of the 20th century for a new city, and a chance at a better life. She had to confront the kind of poverty that you can almost smell, the kind that is in the background of the Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante and The Grapes of Wrath. All three novels tell us that poverty has to do with a lot more than money. Self-worth is measured differently by the poor, so are luxury, duty, comfort, and success. The poor are snared by forces outside their control.

Some readers might find this a heroic story, but there were millions of farm folk like Augusta at the beginning of the 20th century. They did what they needed to do to survive. Men were sheared of their dignity when they lost the farm or lost a job, and couldn’t support their families. Like Augusta’s two husbands, they often turned to alcohol in their shame. The women made do, taking responsibility for the children.

Her particular struggle was common in the early 1900s: Marriage at 13, children born as they came, a move from the farm to the grinding, dirty, dangerous city, and meeting new immigrants who had fled similar hardships.

Details carry the story and are constantly surprising. The reader learns how the first washing machines worked, how unwelcome a hospital birth was after knowing the intimacy and convenience of having your baby at home, and what tenements were like.

Ryker shares with us in an interview the following:

Why Ryker’s grandmother inspired the writing of Augusta.

Who her grandmother was and why she is Ryker’s heroine.

The struggles women faced during the early part of 20th century America.

How Augusta survives two bad marriages: one at age 13, and one who abandons her.

The challenges of raising four children on her own during the Great Depression

Why Augusta is haunted by a decision she has to make due to poverty.

Historical novels require strong characters with heart — and Augusta’s heart shines through a life filled with adversity. Augusta puts her head down and does what must be done to provide for her children. Her unshrinking strength is an inspiration.

Ryker’s previous book, Walking Home: Trail Stories, is about more than mud, sweat, and blisters while distance hiking the Long Trail. Reminiscent of Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, Ryker’s mind wanders as her legs carry her forward, beyond a woodland path, to places and people she thought she had forgotten. Her grandmother’s spirit appears on Mount Baker. A lost cousin waits for her at the bottom of every ladder. Her late father’s words reverberate among the calls of barred owls. There were days when she didn’t see another hiker, but she was never alone. Ryker began writing about a difficult hike and ended up writing about the people who inspired her throughout her life. These are her “trail stories.”

“Augusta shows women everywhere that no matter how hard one’s journey is, the key is to keep moving, and to not let one’s past or rough start dictate their life’s outcome,” concludes Ryker.

#historicalfiction #author #novel #augusta #grandmotherschallenginglife #abject #poverty #marriage #hauntingchoice #celiaryker #dictatingoutcome

The post Historical Fiction Author Pens Stunning Novel {Augusta} Based On Her Grandmother’s Challenging Life Of Abject Poverty, Marriage At 13, And Having To Make A Haunting Choice appeared first on Good News!.

GoodNewsLetter: MARRIAGE even during a WAR, NO MORE WAR, Good News for Good News

Austin Tang — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 21:25:31 +0000

It’s easy

[Verse 2] (Love) Nothing you can make that can’t be made
(Love) No one you can save that can’t be saved
(Love) Nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you in time, It’s easy
[Chorus] All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

[Verse 3] (Love) There’s nothing you can know that isn’t known
(Love) Nothing you can see that isn’t shown
(Love) There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be
It’s easy

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Our company, Milestone Broadcast Corporation, MBC, is now reaching out to TV, Cable, Websites and APP Networks to share our Good News Content. Wish us luck, as:

OUR CONTENT IS YOUR CONTENT

MBC is celebrating our 39th year as a Tech-Enabled Disruptive Multicultural Content, Products and Service Company. We are proud of our past multicultural marketing efforts working with Citibank, American and Delta Airlines, Citibank, Sprint, US Postal Service, Western Union and major Ad Agencies. Then our www.youtube.com/goodnewsbroadcast starting in 1998, also our www.goodnewsplanet.TV and our nonprofit 501 C 3 Corporation, Good News Corporation, est. 2002, with our www.pausetheworldforpeace.org outreach.

I, Paul, am celebrating my 54 years in the TV business. 14 years with CBS and PBS/Channel 13 TV, working on over 150 Network Shows including: All in the Family, Carol Burnett, Sonny and Cher, Price is Right, Captain Kangaroo, Love of Life Soap, Sinatra on CBS and the Nature and Brain Series on PBS/Channel 13. Lucky me!

Please put a hold on our Times Square Events: 4/22/24 Earth Day TBD with Focus on Water and Climate Conditions and 9/21 International Day of Peace.

Lastly, HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR … WE ARE BLESSED, STAY WELL, HEALTH IS WEALTH.

“All we are is what we are with each other.” Zeal

With Respect. Love and May Peace Prevail on Earth, For Information Contact:

Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual,

Founder, Good News Corporation 501 C 3 212 647 1212 paul.sladkus@goodnewsbroadcast.com and our Good News and Peace Worldwide Team who make our Peace Day 9/21 happen.

www.pausetheworldforpeace.org, www.goodnewsplanet.com, www.we.net (We the World, Rick Ulfic) www.unify.org

Social Networks: www.Facebook.com/PaulSladkus, LinkedIn Paul Sladkus, Twitter Good News to Go, Instagram PausetheWorld

LET’S GROW TOGETHER. GOOD NEWS MOTTO: ALL WE ARE IS WHAT WE ARE WITH EACH OTHER. ZEAL

For more information contact:

Paul Sladkus 212 647 1212

New York, NY, Montauk, NY

PS – SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR FRIENDS AND MEMBERS: Looking for a vacation rental, SHORT TERM, in Montauk, here is our listing https://goodnewsplanet.com/montauk-manor-rental-suite-403-paul-sladkus/ call me. Paul 917 687 1790

The post GoodNewsLetter: MARRIAGE even during a WAR, NO MORE WAR, Good News for Good News appeared first on Good News!.

Thought of the Day…02/02/24

Austin Tang — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:44:11 +0000

Listen to “Love is still in the air, even during war…more marriages, and NO MORE WAR EVER BROTHERS” on Spreaker.

Love is still in the air, even during war…more marriages, and NO MORE WAR EVER BROTHERS & SISTERS

#marriage #armymarriage #husbandwife #goodnews

The post Thought of the Day…02/02/24 appeared first on Good News!.

The Knot: Experts Say These Are the Only 8 Marriage Tips Couples Need

Austin Tang — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 21:25:13 +0000

Consider these the golden rules.

by Wendy Rose Gould

It goes without saying: Deciding to get married is a huge deal, and there’s no doubt you’d only enter into that commitment with deep love and dedication. Just like any relationship, though—and perhaps more so—you’ll experience ups and downs. So what’s the secret to a happy marriage? And FYI, it’s not about never arguing or taking wow-worthy vacations every year.

Happiness in marriage is a journey that brings many of its own challenges, in addition to the joyous and profound love shared between two people. We asked relationship experts to share their “golden rules” for how to maintain a happy marriage that’ll withstand the test of time.

Meet the Experts:

Dr. Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT is the best-selling author of In Each Other’s Care
Naomi Angoff Chedd, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor with Counslr
Leanna Stockard, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist at LifeStance Health
Jaki Silver, LMSW is a licensed master social worker based in New York City.

In this article:

What Is a “Happy Marriage?”

A happy marriage is one where both parties feel fulfilled, appreciated and united as a team taking on life and the world together. There’s an unwavering sense of commitment to each other (even through life’s inevitable trials and difficult conversations), as well as a mutual respect, admiration and desire for the other to feel happy and seen.

112 Happy Anniversary Quotes That Celebrate Love

Being happily married requires both people to exercise deep trust and remain patient with one another. It requires not only listening, but truly hearing what the other person says and feels. It also means taking time to acknowledge our own faults, and to continue striving toward being a better version of ourselves so we can keep showing up for our partner in meaningful ways.

The Best Tips for a Happy Marriage, Hands-Down

We spoke with several relationship experts, including a psychiatrist and licensed counselors and therapists, who have worked with many couples over their careers. Through their work, they’ve been able to pinpoint some of the key steps to a happy marriage.

1. Make Your Relationship Your #1 Priority

Above anything else—work, friendships, hobbies—your relationship must always claim the number one spot in your priority list. “This simple but all-inclusive idea protects the two of you from the outside world and becomes a social contract between the two of you to serve each other above and beyond all else,” says Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT.

“That does not mean that your work, children or others are given short shrift. This principle of putting the relationship first protects the two of you from each other and ensures a union that can last a lifetime.”

2. Get Reallyyy Great at Communicating

You’ve likely heard this advice a million times—but have you processed what it truly means? It doesn’t simply imply talking; but involves hearing, processing and conveying our thoughts in a way that’s healthy, helpful and conducive. Yes, this can be difficult, particularly in challenging conversations or scenarios where one person is feeling hurt or unseen.

“Learn how to express your dissatisfaction, frustration or downright anger in a way that can lead to a solution,” urges Naomi Angoff Chedd, LMHC. “The point is not to make your spouse feel bad. The point is to fix what’s broken, to better understand and respond to each other’s needs and to enhance and enrich both your lives.”

3. Get to Know Yourself

Record scratch—wait, what? Yup, getting to know who you are can make a huge difference in the quality of your relationships, including the one with your life partner.

“Getting to know yourself is an important element of helping your partner get to know you,” explains Jaki Silver, LMSW. “I often hear patients expressing things like, ‘They just don’t get me,’ or ‘They don’t understand what I need.’ This can lead to distress and uncertainty of the durability of the relationship.”

When Silver hears this, she asks her patients to get specific: What’s a need of theirs that they want their partner to understand? And if they’re unable to communicate this clearly, it’s an indication they may not understand themselves or be able to share their feelings with their partner.

“It’s only through understanding ourselves, our values, our goals and our needs that we can begin to find ways to express them effectively,” Silver says. “This allows our partner to work with us in creating their role in meeting our needs and the development of solutions together.”

4. Keep Dating

Just because the ink is dried on your marriage certificate doesn’t mean the courting phase has to be over. Remaining curious about your partner and continuing to date them can make for a very happy marriage, according to experts.

“Ultimately, the decision to continue to date your partner shows your investment in them and helps keep the relationship alive,” explains Leanna Stockard, LMFT. “It makes them feel valued as a human being, and shows that you want to continue to grow and evolve with them through all of life’s changes [and] to continue to have fun adventures.”

5. Use a Filter

No, not that kind of filter! The kind of filter you use before saying whatever’s on your mind. As the saying goes, you can’t put squeezed toothpaste back in a tube, and you can’t take back words that have been spoken. Be intentional about the way you communicate versus being reactive or impulsive.

“It is inevitable that anger and resentment may surface at times—and many problems are worth arguing about,” says Chedd. “But you don’t have to say everything that is on your mind, especially when your emotions are at a fever pitch.”

“Wait 10 minutes or wait an hour. Even sleep on it,” Chedd suggests. “And if it still bothers you and seems worth a conversation, bring it up in a calm, kind-spirited [manner] rather than in an accusing way.”

6. Always Have Your Partner’s Back

“What’s mine is yours” is a common saying we associate with finances and belongings, but it also extends to our partner’s well-being and heart: You two are a partnership, so protect each other and always stand up for the other.

“You are first and foremost a survival team where you both protect each other from the slings and arrows of life. You are both staunch defenders of each other at all times,” says Dr. Tatkin. “Having each other’s backs—even when in disagreement with the other—is one of the strongest attachment values we can express.”

7. Try to Surprise Each Other

It’s so easy to fall into the monotony of daily routines—but where’s the fun in doing that for 50 years? Predictability is important to help us feel secure and comfortable, but also try to spice things up every once in a while to keep that spark ablaze.

“Bring home a big bouquet of flowers or a gigantic balloon for no reason. Take your spouse on a ‘mystery’ ride to a little restaurant or to look at a breathtaking view. Declare a mental health day and take the day off together,” Chedd suggests.

“Do whatever helps you connect and remember why you are right here, right now, with the right person.”

8. Learn Your Partner’s Love Language

The phrase “treat others the way you want to be treated,” is a golden standard, but what if that looked a bit different? Treating others the way they want to be treated is a big key to a happy marriage. You can do that by understanding what your partner’s love language is.

“You may realize that the way you are showing your partner that you love and care about them is not resonating with your partner the way you are intending,” Stockard says.

“Learning how to speak each other’s love languages helps you realize signs for compassion and caring that we may have otherwise missed, or that we did not realize had a much deeper meaning than what we believed at the time.”

Be it through emotional intimacy, quality time or check-ins throughout the day, learn what specific acts of love and intimacy your partner needs to feel secure and—you guessed it—happy in your marriage.

The post The Knot: Experts Say These Are the Only 8 Marriage Tips Couples Need appeared first on Good News!.

The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Celebrates 247 Years in July*** BUILDING INNER RESILIENCE: CHAPLAINS NURTURE THE SOUL OF THE ARMY RESERVE

Austin Tang — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:57:16 +0000

Listen to “The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Celebrates 247 Years in July*** BUILDING INNER RESILIENCE: CHAPLAINS NURTURE THE SOUL OF THE ARMY RESERVE” on Spreaker.

The Army’s most important mission is taking care of its people. To meet that mission, the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) System aims to improve Soldier performance and readiness by connecting physical, mental, and spiritual training with an emphasis on total wellness. Spiritual readiness is key to holistic health because when your spiritual life is in check, you are motivated to make better choices in other areas of your life.

Since 1775, the Army Chaplain Corps has nurtured the soul of the Army Reserve by providing support, motivation, and emotional guidance to Soldiers and their families. Chaplains help families build resilience as they deal with unique challenges while also supporting Army Reserve leaders as they manage difficult decisions that ensure the safety and future of our country.

Army Reserve Chaplains help Soldiers develop a personal spiritual practice – whatever that may look like for them – and provide them with tools for support in times of stress and hardship. A holistically healthy Soldier is better able to use their unique skills and talents to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Some of the ways Chaplains make a difference include:

Providing marriage and family counseling
Serving as a staff chaplain at a medical facility
Becoming an instructor at one of several Officer service schools
Tending to the spiritual needs of every Soldier both at home and while on deployment

Chaplain (CPT) Paul Schlador, Officer in Charge of the 116th Chaplain Detachment in Ft. Lewis, WA to discuss the role of Chaplains in the Army Reserve, the impact they have on Soldiers and their families, and how the Corps has grown over the last 247 years.

Interview is courtesy: U.S. Army Reserve

#armyahaplaincorps #celebrates247years #paulschlador #armyreserve #soldiers #serviceschools #spiritual #nurturesoul #medicalfacility #marriage #family #counseling

The post The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Celebrates 247 Years in July*** BUILDING INNER RESILIENCE: CHAPLAINS NURTURE THE SOUL OF THE ARMY RESERVE appeared first on Good News!.