Articles written by Jenna Pope

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About me - Jenna Pope

I am a mother of four and grandmother of four. I write almost full time. I'm also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

My husband and I live in California with our seven spoiled canines and two Persian Cats. . . I'm retired and life is good!

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Parenting & Pregnancy > Grandparenting The joys of being a grandparent: 1 of 30
When I was growing up, my grandparents lived across country. Even though I only saw them every few years, the time I spent with them is a still a treasured memory. I am luckier than they were because three of my four grandchildren live close by, and I am able to spend lots and lots of time with them. I remember the rush ... More..
Relationships & Family > Divorce Psychology Divorce: Communicating with your ex: 1 of 27
My ex-husband and I didn't communicate while we were married. How were we supposed to communicate when we divorced? During separation and divorce, there is an organic change in a marriage. Materially, it goes from something to nothing within a relatively short period of time. I remember sitting in the courtroom next to my... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Lifestyles & Subcultures (Other) Mid-life crisis and the changes of viewpoints that come with it: 1 of 12
When I was a teenager, my father went through one heck of a midlife crisis, complete with polyester suits, gold chains, and disco dancing. He summarily dumped my mother and began shacking up with a woman half his age. He let his business fall into receivership and, for all intents and purposes, appeared to have lost his min... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Theories of Spirituality The power of optimism: 1 of 8
Some people think that our emotions and lives are determined entirely by our circumstances. But this is not true. Our thoughts and attitudes are just as important as what happens to us. Optimists have a tendency to perceive things in a positive way. No matter what happens, they tend to see the bright side of life. Of course,... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Retirement as an opportunity to go back to school: 1 of 7
As a 56-year-old college student, I face certain challenges but none so great as my last two required classes. Let's talk about Psychology One, the first of the two that I am enrolled in. I signed up for this class to learn about the workings of the mind. But to my abject disappointment, it is all about psychological res... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting Tips Empty nest: Tips for avoiding the urge to parent your adult child: 5 of 31
"The keen parent has lots of energy for their role in life, and all this energy is directed at their child. Now, you don't need to be a Professor of Astrophysics to work out that that much energy, pointed in one direction, could have devastating effects." - Peter Corey, Coping With Parents Most of us raise our sons and ... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Hate: 1 of 6
Julia sat in the back seat watching the scenery go by, counting cows. "Is a bull a cow? Or are just cows cows?" she asked her mother, who was sitting in the front seat. "Why honey, I think that just cows are cows. What do you think, Herbert?" "Only a cow can be a cow," Herbert said, clarifying the matter. "Where does she ... More..
Health & Fitness > Healthy Living & Wellness Are you as old as you look or as young as you feel?: 2 of 11
When I was young and talked about long-term goals, I would say, "When I'm 30 I will. . ." To me, age 30 was as far off as 100 and became the "catch all" for everything that I planned to do "later." Until I turned 40 and realized that it wasn't a whole lot different than my 30's. My far-off goals were becoming reality and, aft... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Mourning: 1 of 5
I did not go to my father's second funeral because one funeral was more than enough for me. And, besides, I did not have an *E-Ticket. Everyone knows that in order to participate in anything directed by my stepmother, you've got to have an E-Ticket because the woman is guaranteed to take you on a wild, wild ride. They had th... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Self-Awareness & Realization How success depends on the individual and not on external circumstances and obstacles: 1 of 5
If we waited for the perfect set of circumstances before we began a new endeavor, it would never get off the ground. Rarely do we have the luxury of ideal conditions when we decide to make our dream a reality. What is your dream? Is it to train for a new career or have children or get married or start a business? Maybe you wa... More..