Elaine Sycks

Tie between Zits and Calvin and Hobbes

Calvin and Hobbes has been one of my favorites for a long long time. I have every single one of the Calvin and Hobbes books and I always loved his “creative” snowmen! And having been a parent of two teenage boys, Zits is the best. I have saved several of the comic strips about theContinue reading “Tie between Zits and Calvin and Hobbes”

Finding Joy at Christmas – Even in Difficult Times

Finding Joy at Christmas—Even in Difficult Times. PART ONE Christmas has a way of stirring up both warmth and ache. While twinkling lights and holiday music fill the air, many people quietly carry heaviness—loss, stress, loneliness, financial strain, exhaustion, or simply the pressure of what the season “should” feel like. If this year feels harderContinue reading “Finding Joy at Christmas – Even in Difficult Times”

Worry less, stress less

I need to worry less and stress less about things that have not taken place yet Worrying about tomorrow or the next day steals today’s joy

A great prompt to help us reflect on life’s blessings

The past two years were some of the most difficult for my husband and me. His extended time of job loss, the death of my sister, the death of my father in law, the loss of two beloved pets. They definitely were learning experiences. 2025 has been a year of turnaround. My husband has aContinue reading “A great prompt to help us reflect on life’s blessings”

New Week Motivation

#Christmas #Christmas2025 #presents #presence #motivation

Chapter 8 “Deepening Entanglements” (from “The Skeleton in the Hayride” murder mystery)

Brody watched Finch closely. The hesitation, the almost desperate reliance on hiswife’s testimony – it was a common pattern in these early stages of an investigation,but in Finch’s case, it felt particularly fragile. Brody made a mental note to haveDeputy Miller confirm Clara Finch’s account, discreetly. The lack of genuine remorsein Finch’s demeanor was alsoContinue reading “Chapter 8 “Deepening Entanglements” (from “The Skeleton in the Hayride” murder mystery)”

Yes Every day when I drive on I-5 into Seattle

Do any other commuters agree? 🙂

Duluth, Minnesota

My husband was born and raised in Minnesota. We lived there for almost 20 years before we moved out of the state. Every summer we would load up as a family and head to Duluth for the Fourth of July weekend. Their zoo is one of the best. And their fireworks display down by theContinue reading “Duluth, Minnesota”

I am an expert in my own mind….

Loving God, my husband and kids (my three favorite things) Art (acrylic painting or drawing) Baking/Canning (my homemade mild salsa is the bomb!) Photography Cleaning ANYTHING.

I could be spontaneous as long as you give me two weeks notice :-)

I am not a spontaneous person. I am one who plans everything out in advance and likes to know what is ahead on my agenda and to do list. I admire people who can just up and buy tickets and head out for an adventure on a whim or do a spur of the momentContinue reading “I could be spontaneous as long as you give me two weeks notice :-)”