Donna Marie | Updates

Book Trailer ~ The Cottage at the Lake

Donna Marie — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This is a snapshot of The Cottage at the Lake which I created. My son, David, produced the music. Nick and Julia meet accidentally after both suffering immeasurable loss in the past. Julia's ex-husband is a threat to their new relationship due to circumstances which cause him to rely on Julia, causing uncertainty for Nick.Embedded Youtube video removed, see original post to watch.

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Simple Moments ~ Faith * Home * Family *A Brighter You

Donna Marie — Mon, 9 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Simple Moments, a special edition of Donna's Reading Nook.

As the holiday season approaches, life can become busy with preparations and expectations. Yet this is also a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the blessings that surround us.

In this edition, we’ll explore finding peace amid the busyness, embracing gratitude, cherishing family and friendships, and remembering what truly matters.

My hope is that these pages will encourage you to slow down, enjoy life’s simple moments, and make room for peace and joy in your everyday life. If you would like to receive my newsletter, please subscribe.

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Sundays ~ Is it a day of rest?

Donna Marie — Mon, 9 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Have you heard of the French Sunday? Apparently, it is a tradition in France to use Sundays as a day of prayer, rest, and family time, aiming to truly rest on the one day of the week meant for these purposes. Some French shops are closed for the day or at least have hours that do not go past noon. Automobile traffic is blocked from designated streets for leisure bike rides and walks. This tradition isn't limited to France, however. Slow paced Sundays also hold true for areas in Italy, Spain, and Germany, to name a few. Personally, I think the concept of everyone designating a day for prayer, family, and rest is a tradition that should be followed by all. Unfortunately, in modern culture, it is not economically realistic to completely shut down all businesses on Sundays. However, some places make an effort to honor it as a day of rest and make business as low-key as possible.

Growing up Italian in Chicago, I remember Sundays dedicated to church, family meals, and relaxation. Oftentimes, my aunt, uncle, and cousins would join us in the afternoon. To begin the day, Sunday gravy and meatballs would be simmering while the chicken and potatoes slow-roasted in the oven. Depending on who was cooking, my mom or my grandmother (who lived in the flat below us) would leave the oven on low for the meat or chicken course to slow-roast while we attended mass. After church, we'd walk into a home of wonderful, delectable smells of the meal awaiting our indulgence. Typically, we'd have salad, pasta, a meat or poultry with potatoes and vegetables, plenty of bread, and dessert of cakes, cookies, and fruits. The adult beverage of choice was typically Italian red wine, most likely homemade. Even us children might get a splash of wine added to a glass of 7-Up. After the feast, the cousins would often catch a city bus to the movies while the adults had their visit. Or, oftentimes, one of us would play whatever song we knew best on the piano. Sunday evenings were for watching the Ed Sullivan and Lawrence Welk shows. Oh my, life was so simple then.

When I think about it, Sundays in France and other countries today are similar to my own when I was a child. To me, that was a time in my life that left me with priceless memories of family and tradition.

What can we do in this modern day to find some sense of relaxation and time for family and prayer on the one day a week that was meant for this purpose?

A few ideas:

· Plan your Sunday ahead of time and have the whole family on board.

· Whatever you typically do on Sundays that isn't exactly restful, make an effort to do that another day of the week, like Saturday, perhaps.

· Limit electronic use so you're not tempted to get sidetracked.

· Either attend church or find time for prayer and reflection.

· Develop new family traditions, whether it be a bike ride, watching a movie, or playing a game.

· Never underestimate the power of a nap, something you may not get to have other days of the week.

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Acts of Kindness

Donna Marie — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Good deeds go a long way, much further than most may realize. University researchers have determined that simple acts of kindness will bring you better health and longevity. Mental and physical health are strengthened as anxieties are calmed and blood pressures are lowered by the mere act of going out of your way to do something nice for someone else in need. Stress jeopardizes healthy immunity, heart rates, and blood pressures, causes weight gain, and more. As a result, the risk of heart disease, stroke, and anxiety is highly elevated.

A kind act such as holding a door open for someone, running an errand for a neighbor who is ill, or pleasantly greeting the cashier at the fast-food drive-thru with a smile are all examples of thoughtfulness which will, in turn, boost your own mood and reduce anxiety.

The following are a few simple acts of kindness which can mean the world to someone you may or may not know while benefiting you at the same time:

When stopping for your morning coffee on the way to work, pick up one for a co-worker.
Let someone who has fewer groceries than you go ahead in line to pay.
When making dinner, add a little extra to share with an ill or elderly neighbor.
If you’re making a trip to the grocery store, ask a neighbor or friend if you can pick something up for them.
Visit family members you don’t often see.
Be considerate to other drivers on the road by letting them merge or turn in front of you.
Give a good tip to the waitress who looks like she’s been on her feet for way too many hours.
Offer to babysit for the new mom who needs a nap.

The ideas are endless, and a good deed shouldn’t take too much thought. When the opportunity presents itself, you will know the right thing to do. Make someone happy and put a smile on their face.

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Therapy Dogs ~ Angels from Heaven

Donna Marie — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Therapy dogs provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to people in many different settings, including hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and counseling centers. One of the most important benefits of therapy dogs is their ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Simply petting a calm, friendly dog can lower blood pressure, slow heart rate, and promote relaxation. For individuals facing illness, trauma, or difficult life situations, the presence of a therapy dog can bring a sense of peace and reassurance.

Therapy dogs also help improve emotional well-being. Many people feel more comfortable opening up about their feelings when a gentle dog is nearby. This can be especially helpful during counseling sessions, as the dog’s nonjudgmental presence makes people feel safe and accepted. For children, therapy dogs can help build confidence and reduce fear in unfamiliar environments such as hospitals or classrooms.

In addition, therapy dogs encourage social interaction. People who might normally feel isolated often begin conversations or share experiences when a therapy dog is present. This can be particularly beneficial for elderly individuals in care facilities who may experience loneliness.

Overall, therapy dogs play a valuable role in supporting mental and emotional well-being, as well as physical health. Their calm temperament and unconditional affection make them powerful partners in healing and human connection. 🐾

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