Traveling should feel exciting, eye-opening, and full of possibilities — even for families managing food allergies. In fact, with a little preparation and confidence, children with severe allergies can enjoy vacations just as fully as anyone else. That’s the heart of the message in my new children’s book, MAX’S BIG ADVENTURE: Traveling with Food Allergies, written with Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino.
The story follows Max, a bright, enthusiastic boy who loves exploring the world, even though he has a severe allergy to peanuts and tree nuts. His summer trip to San Diego gives young readers a friendly, reassuring look at how to travel safely — and happily — with food allergies. And parents will find the lessons just as valuable.
Below, we’ll walk through practical steps for traveling with food allergies, all inspired by Max’s experiences along the way.

1. Preparation Starts at Home
In Max’s Big Adventure, Max begins packing for his family vacation with the same excitement every child feels — swimsuit, baseball cap, and favorite travel gear. But Max also knows something very important: he needs his emergency kit.
His emergency kit includes:

• Two epinephrine auto-injectors
• Antihistamines
• Additional prescribed medications
• A doctor’s note explaining his allergy and emergency protocol
• His MedicAlert® bracelet

For parents traveling with a child with food allergies, this step is essential. Before any trip, make sure:

• All emergency medications are current and not expired
• The auto-injector is in an easily reachable section of your carry-on
• You have back-up medication in case one set is misplaced
• Your child knows the kit is important and understands its purpose

Having everything organized builds calm, not fear. Max’s confidence comes from knowing he has what he needs.

2. Pack Safe Snacks (Your Best Travel Companion)Max loves snacks — especially his Vermont Nut Free Chocolates! His mother makes sure to bring plenty of safe, pre-selected foods along for the flight and the trip.
This is one of the smartest strategies for allergy-safe travel.
Safe snack ideas include:

• Fruit bars made in dedicated nut-free facilities
  
• Pretzels or crackers in sealed packaging
  
• Homemade muffins or cookies
  
• Dried fruits
  
• Nut-free chocolates
  
• Mini meals prepared at home
  

Why does this matter? Because traveling is unpredictable. Planes may run out of options. Airport kiosks vary widely in labeling. Restaurants may be closed. Snacks you know are safe prevent hunger, stress, and risk.

3. Advocate for Yourself — Even as a Child
One of the powerful moments in the story is when Max meets another boy on the airplane. The boy offers Max a homemade cookie, and Max politely says no, explaining:
“I am allergic to nuts of all kinds. So, I have to be very careful what I eat.”
Max’s health depends on speaking up — and he does it clearly and kindly.
Teaching kids to advocate for themselves may be the most important skill of all. Encourage your child to say things like:

• “I’m allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.”
• “Does this have any nuts or nut oils?”
• “Can you check with a chef, please?”
• “No thank you, I can’t have that.”

Children who feel empowered are safer everywhere — on planes, at birthday parties, in restaurants, and at camp.

4. Communicate with Airlines, Hotels, and Restaurants
In the story, Max’s parents alert the flight attendants before the plane takes off. Later, in the hotel restaurant, Max politely tells the waitress about his allergy. She checks with the chef to ensure his meal is safe.
Communication is a key component of allergy-safe travel.
Before your trip, contact:

• The airline — ask about cleaning procedures, food service, and pre-boarding
• The hotel — request allergy-friendly rooms or refrigerator space for safe foods
• Restaurants — ask about cross-contamination and whether nut products are used in the kitchen

Once you arrive:

• Re-communicate your child’s allergy
• Ask staff to double-check each meal
• Don’t hesitate to return any dish that seems questionable

Most hospitality staff want to help — they just need clear information.

5. Stay Calm but Aware: Safe Fun Every Day
Max’s vacation becomes a joyful adventure — walks along the beach, splashing in ocean waves, and an exciting trip to the zoo. Throughout the story, he always keeps his safe snacks nearby, and his mother carries his emergency kit.
Their message is simple: You can have enormous fun while still being smart about allergies.
Whether visiting a zoo, amusement park, museum, or beach, keep these tips in mind:

• Carry snacks in a small backpack or waist bag
• Keep epinephrine cool but accessible
• Read labels on any purchased treats
• If unsure about an item, choose something else
• Check that hands are clean before eating

Allergy-friendly travel is not about fear — it’s about awareness.

6. The Big Lesson: You Can Go Anywhere
At the end of Max’s Big Adventure, Max realizes something empowering:
“By being prepared and careful, he could go anywhere and do most anything.”
That is exactly the message we want young readers — and their parents — to take with them.
Traveling with food allergies does not need to limit your world. It simply requires planning, communication, and confidence. Families can visit new cities, try new experiences, and make beautiful memories, all while staying safe.
This book gives children reassurance that their allergy doesn’t have to hold them back. Max isn’t fearful — he’s prepared. He’s capable. And he’s excited to explore.

Want to Share Max’s Story with Your Family?Max’s Big Adventure: Traveling with Food Allergies is a wonderful addition to any family bookshelf, classroom, or doctor’s office. Children will feel comforted and empowered as they watch Max navigate his journey with awareness and courage.

The Morning Struggle Every Parent Knows
The cereal bowl sits untouched. A backpack lies open on the floor. One shoe is on. The other is… where? Your cheerful reminder—“Sweetie, brush your teeth!”—is met with a groan that could rival a foghorn.
Most parents know this scene by heart.
And many quietly ask themselves…

“How do I help my child build good habits without becoming a broken record?”
Healthy habits matter—brushing teeth, playing outside, eating something green once in a while, appreciating what we have. But getting kids to want these habits can feel like pushing a giant, wobbly boulder uphill.
The good news?

Healthy habits don’t have to be battles.
They can actually be fun—and even lovingly embraced—when approached with a little creativity, a bit of play, and the right stories to back them up.

Why Kids Resist Healthy Habits (It’s Not What You Think)
It’s easy to assume that kids refuse brushing teeth or eating vegetables because they’re being difficult. But the real reasons are more innocent:

• Healthy habits feel repetitive
• Kids can’t yet see long-term benefits (“Cavities? Not my problem!”)
• They crave autonomy (“I do it MY way!”)
• Many habits feel boring compared to screens, toys, or pets
  
• They don’t yet connect habits with feeling good

What looks like disobedience is often developmental.
So your secret superpower becomes this:
Turn habits into stories, games, and rituals—not chores.When you frame habits as adventures, meaningful routines, or chances to shine, children lean in instead of pulling away.

Healthy Habit #1: Brushing Teeth—Turning Battles into Belly Laughs
Tooth-brushing is one of the biggest parental pain points. Two minutes can feel like twenty.
But when you turn it into a moment of delight, kids surprise you.
Here are parent-approved strategies:

• Have your child pretend to brush a lion’s giant teeth first
• Use a song that lasts exactly two minutes
• Create a “sugar bug safari”
• Name the toothbrush something silly (“Sir Bristlesworth”)

Most importantly, tell a story.
That’s where this charming book Who Needs Teeth? comes in.
With humor and lighthearted illustrations, it reminds children why teeth matter—and once they understand WHY, the brushing becomes much easier.
Kids laugh, parents breathe, and suddenly brushing time is a friendlier place.

Healthy Habit #2: Moving Their Bodies—The Joyful “Let’s Go!” Approach
Kids are naturally wired to move, jump, dance, wiggle, run, and tumble.
But screens… oh, those glowing screens… can freeze even the wiggliest child.
Parents often say:
“How do I motivate my child to exercise without nagging them to go outside?”
The secret is simple:
Movement must feel like play, not exercise.Some parent-tested tricks:

• Hide-and-seek (classic and unbeatable)
• A giant animal walk: stomp like elephants, hop like bunnies
• Family dance breaks every afternoon
• Obstacle courses made with pillows and chairs
• “Beat the Clock” races to finish chores

Even 10 minutes of joyful movement adds up.
This lively book Let’s Play! perfectly reinforces this message.
It shows kids that exercise is not a chore—it’s a celebration. A game. A grand adventure. When they see characters having fun while moving their bodies, something clicks inside them:
“I want to do that too!”
Teachers love this book. Parents adore it. And kids start saying, “Let’s play!” before the adults do.

Healthy Habit #3: Trying New Foods & Appreciating What We Have
Healthy eating is about more than nutrients.
It’s about curiosity, courage, and gratitude.
Many children naturally fear new foods. (Green foods especially!)
Parents KNOW the battle:
“Just take one bite.”
“Try it before you decide you don’t like it.”
“It’s not going to bite you!”
But children respond beautifully when the goal is not forcing—but exploring.
Try these tricks:

• Create a “try one new color this week” chart
• Let the child pick one vegetable at the store
• Arrange foods into faces or shapes
• Cook together (even stirring builds ownership)
• Introduce new foods through stories

Which leads to my delightful book One Green Omelet, Please!
This book is a celebration—of trying, tasting, discovering, and appreciating the good things that life (and breakfast!) has to offer. It’s a gentle nudge toward gratitude and open-mindedness, told with your classic warmth and whimsy.

Kids see a character giving something new a chance--
—and suddenly they’re willing to give that green thing on their plate a chance, too.

The Secret Thread: Connection Over Correction
Healthy habits stick when:

• Kids feel connected
• Children understand the “why” behind the habit
• The routine is supported by stories
• The approach is light, playful, and warm
• The parent models the habit joyfully

Nagging rarely works.
Connection always does.
Kids don’t want perfection—they want participation.
Brush together.
Play together.
Cook together.
Laugh together.
Read together.
These are the moments that build habits and childhood memories.

How Stories Make Healthy Habits Stick
These books work because they do something essential:
They teach the lesson without the lecture. Children learn best through:

• Play
• Emotion
• Repetition
• Humor
• Visuals
• Characters they love

My stories take a potentially stressful topic—brushing, exercising, trying new foods—and turn it into something warm, funny, and inviting.
Parents don’t have to push.
Teachers don’t have to preach.
The story does the heavy lifting for them.

www.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.htmlwww.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.htmlBringing It All Together
The morning struggle gets easier.
The reminders soften.
The nagging fades.
Why?
Because healthy habits become something your child enjoys—not something they endure.
And thankfully, here are books that support parents on this journey:

• Who Needs Teeth? – for helping kids take charge of their own dental health with joy and a smile
• Let’s Play! – for getting kids moving, laughing, and celebrating an active life
• One Green Omelet, Please! – for encouraging curiosity, gratitude, and the courage to try new foods

Each one offers a gentle, happy reminder of what healthy living looks like from a child’s point of view.
Together, they support families in building routines that shape strong bodies, bright minds, and grateful hearts—without nagging, bribing, or battles.

A Final Word to Parents and Teachers
Healthy habits don’t happen overnight.
But when we make them light, fun, and full of meaning, children flourish.
They grow into kids who can brush their teeth proudly…
run into the sunshine joyfully…
try something new bravely…
and say “thank you” sincerely.

And that is the true secret to a happy, healthy childhood.

Many of my children's books are available in a multicultural version and some in a Spanish. You can find them on my Children's Books page at SallyHuss.com.

The Power of a Single Choice
Every day brings a thousand choices. Some are small — what to wear, what to eat. Others are big — how to live, how to treat others, how to care for yourself.
For children, those choices begin early. That’s why stories that teach decision-making, health, and self-respect are so important. One of my favorites on this subject is my book NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS — a simple story with a powerful message: good choices lead to good results; bad choices lead to bad results.

A Winter Day and a Temptation
The story begins with Billy, a boy walking home from school on an ordinary winter day. Everything is normal — until he turns a corner and sees a group of older kids laughing and smoking.
“Here, kid,” one says. “Take a puff.”
Another shoves a drink in his direction.
Billy hesitates. Then, from behind a bush, a tiny mouse jumps out, waves a finger, and says, “No! No! Tell them no!”
That little mouse, of course, is Mr. Consequences — and he’s about to change the way Billy sees the world.

Meet Mr. Consequences
Mr. Consequences is that wise little voice we all wish we had whispering in our ear. He explains that every choice — big or small — carries a consequence.
Smoking, drinking, and taking drugs may look exciting to some, but each leads down a path of harm.
“Smoking is for chimneys, not for people!” he says.
Chimneys are made of bricks and stone. Our lungs and throats are made of living cells — and smoke damages them over time.
Mr. Consequences goes on to explain that alcohol can hurt the body’s vital organs — the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain. “You need these to live a happy, healthy life,” he tells Billy.
Then, with a piece of cheese in his paw, he shows Billy something shocking — inside the cheese are unhappy, unhealthy people who once made poor choices. “When you lose your health,” he says, “you lose your happiness, too.”

The Lesson About Drugs
Billy asks about drugs.
“Drugs are for doctors,” says Mr. Consequences. “When a doctor gives medicine, it’s to help someone heal. But the drugs used on the street only harm. They damage the brain — the very thing that makes each person special.”
He reminds Billy that everyone is born with the ability to be great at something — maybe art, music, sports, or learning — but drugs can take that away.
Again, Mr. Consequences holds up his cheese. Through one of its holes, Billy sees young people slumped on a street corner, hopeless and joyless.
Billy’s face falls. “Oh, no,” he says. “Why do they do it?”
“Because they don’t understand the consequences,” replies the mouse. “But now you do.”

A Lesson for Every Child
That’s the beauty of this story — it doesn’t scold or lecture. It gently teaches cause and effect in a way children understand.
As a parent or teacher, you can use Billy’s story to open conversations about peer pressure, healthy living, and personal responsibility. Children quickly relate to Billy’s hesitation — that moment when you want to fit in, but something inside says, “Wait. This isn’t right.”
That “something inside” is their own Mr. Consequences.
It’s a way for kids to see that saying “no” isn’t weakness — it’s strength.

Why Educators Love This Story
Teachers often tell me they use NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS in classrooms to start discussions about making good choices.
It fits perfectly with character education programs, health classes, or Red Ribbon Week activities. The rhyming language and cheerful illustrations keep young readers engaged while delivering an important message.
The story makes complex topics like smoking, drinking, and drug use simple, visual, and age-appropriate. It helps children see that health and happiness go hand in hand — and that protecting your body and mind is a lifelong gift to yourself.

The Bridge Back to Happiness
As Billy learns from Mr. Consequences, life is full of choices. The good news is that children can learn to make the right ones early on — through guidance, love, and positive examples.
Good choices bring health, strength, and confidence.
Bad choices bring the opposite.
When Billy thanks the little mouse for his wisdom, Mr. Consequences calls back,
“Good choices lead to good results; bad choices lead to bad results.”
And with that, the story circles back to its most important lesson — one worth repeating in every home and every classroom.

A Message Worth SharingIf you’re a parent, teacher, or counselor looking for books that teach values, decision-making, and health awareness, this is a story to keep on your shelf.
NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS helps children see how their choices today can shape their happiness tomorrow — and it does it with warmth, humor, and heart.
Because, as Mr. Consequences would say, your life depends on the choices you make. 

This book is also available in a Multicultural version. 

We all have something we love — something that makes us smile just thinking about it. For some, it’s chocolate. For others, it’s video games, ice cream, or screen time. And for one very enthusiastic young character in my children’s book I LOVE PIZZA, that something is… you guessed it — pizza!
This fun, rhyming picture book celebrates the joy of loving something a little too much — until the moment we realize that sometimes, less is more.

The Magic of “Just Enough"
The star of I LOVE PIZZA adores pizza morning, noon, and night — with extra cheese, extra toppings, and extra joy! But as the story unfolds, he discovers that too much of a good thing can start to feel… not so good.
That’s when the idea of moderation sneaks into the story — gently, humorously, and deliciously.
Children learn that enjoying something special doesn’t mean having all of it. Sometimes, one slice, one scoop, or one turn is just right.
And that’s the secret to balance — appreciating the moment without overdoing it.

Why Teaching Moderation Matters
Moderation is one of the most valuable life lessons children can learn — and one of the hardest to teach. We live in a world full of more: more treats, more excitement, more screen time, more everything!
That’s why books like I LOVE PIZZA are so important. Through laughter and rhyme, children discover that balance leads to happiness.
This little book helps children:

• Practice self-control (learning when enough is enough)
• Develop gratitude for what they have
• Build healthy habits for eating and playing
• Understand that joy doesn’t come from more, but from enough

Parents and teachers can use the story to start conversations about healthy eating, balance, and the joy of sharing.

Joyful Art, A Happy Message
As with all of my children’s books, I LOVE PIZZA is filled with bright, happy art and playful rhyme. The pictures burst with color — reds, oranges, and gooey cheese yellows — and the rhythm rolls along like a song.
Each page delivers laughter first, then wisdom. The character’s discovery that “maybe a little is better than a lot” comes as a natural and funny conclusion, never as a lecture.
That’s what I call a “happy lesson” — a truth tucked inside a giggle.

Moderation Beyond Pizza
The message of moderation goes far beyond food. It touches everything — screen time, sweets, toys, even talking!
Reading I LOVE PIZZA together opens up wonderful family discussions:

• How do we know when we’ve had “enough”?
• Why do we sometimes feel sick or tired after “too much”?
• What other things are fun in moderation?

These conversations give children tools for self-awareness and lifelong well-being — all through a lighthearted story about pizza!

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, grandparent, or counselor, I LOVE PIZZA is a perfect read-aloud for helping kids understand balance while celebrating life’s little joys.
It reminds us all — young and old — that too much of a good thing might not be so good after all.
“Twice of a good thing is not necessarily twice good.
It might even be half bad.”
So grab a slice, share a story, and remember — life is happiest when we enjoy it one slice at a time.

Where to Find I LOVE PIZZA
You can find I LOVE PIZZA on Amazon It’s one of over 100 joyful picture books I’ve written and illustrated — all designed to help children grow up happy, kind, and wise.

Other popular books that share happy life lessons include:

• Helping Henry — about the joy of being helpful
• Positive Pete — about finding the good in everything
  
• Hands Are for Helping — about kindness in action
  

Each book carries a simple truth — wrapped in rhyme, color, and cheer.

Every parent has faced it: your child looks at a plate of broccoli as if it’s the enemy. A pea rolls across the table, untouched. Carrots? Forget it. For many families, picky eating is a daily challenge — one that tests patience, creativity, and sometimes even sanity.

But here’s the good news: picky eating doesn’t have to be a battle. With a little imagination, patience, and fun, you can help children open up to new flavors and healthier eating habits.

1. Make Food a Story
Children love stories — and stories are powerful teachers. Instead of just saying, “Eat your vegetables,” tell the tale behind the food.

• Where did the broccoli grow?
• Which chicken laid the egg for this omelet?
• How does cheese get from the farm to the plate?

This is exactly what happens in my book One Green Omelet, Please! A little girl orders a green omelet and then imagines all the things that go into it — string beans, peas, broccoli, eggs, cheese. By turning the food into a playful story, children become curious instead of resistant.

2. Invite Kids Into the Kitchen
Kids are far more likely to try food they helped prepare. Give them simple tasks like:

• Washing vegetables
• Stirring ingredients
• Sprinkling cheese
• Cracking an egg (messy but fun!)

When children see the “magic” of raw ingredients turning into a meal, they feel proud of their contribution. That pride often leads to taking a bite.

3. Use the “One Bite Rule”
The “one bite rule” is a gentle, pressure-free way to encourage trying new foods. Instead of insisting they finish their plate, simply say:
“Just take one bite, and then you can decide.”
Often, once kids taste something, they realize it’s not so scary. And if they don’t like it? That’s okay — you’ve planted a seed for next time.

4. Play With Presentation
Food doesn’t have to be boring. Make meals fun:

• Arrange veggies into a smiley face.
• Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches.
• Turn fruit into “rainbows” or “butterflies.”
• Blend spinach into a smoothie and call it a “Superhero Shake.”

When food looks whimsical, kids want to explore it.

5. Pair New With Familiar
Introduce new foods alongside something your child already loves.

• Add a few green beans to mac and cheese.
• Serve carrot sticks with a favorite dip.
• Mix a new fruit into a smoothie with familiar ones.

Pairing helps reduce anxiety. The familiar comforts them while the new food slowly sneaks in.

6. Grow Something Together
There’s something magical about growing your own food. Even a small pot of herbs on the windowsill can spark excitement. When kids water, nurture, and finally taste something they grew, they beam with pride — and are more likely to eat it.

7. Keep Mealtimes Positive
Avoid turning food into a battle. Pressure, bribery, or scolding often backfires. Instead, focus on creating a warm, happy atmosphere.

• Share stories while eating.
• Praise effort, not outcome: “I’m proud you tried a bite!”
• Model adventurous eating yourself — kids copy what they see.

Remember: the goal isn’t just to get kids to eat vegetables tonight. It’s to create a lifelong positive relationship with food.

8. Read About Food Together
Books are wonderful tools for introducing new ideas. One Green Omelet, Please! takes children on a playful journey through the ingredients of a simple dish. By seeing food celebrated in rhyme and pictures, kids feel inspired to explore what’s on their plate.
When a child reads about peas, string beans, and eggs in a happy, silly context, those foods stop feeling strange — and start feeling like friends.

Final Thought
Picky eating may feel like a mountain, but with stories, creativity, and patience, it becomes a journey of discovery. Every bite a child takes — even if small — is a victory.

So the next time your child says “no” to something green, try turning it into a story, a game, or a colorful creation. And if you want a little help sparking curiosity, open the pages of One Green Omelet, Please! Sometimes a playful rhyme and a cheerful picture are the best seasoning of all.

If you’d like to share this story with a child you love, you’ll find One Green Omelet, Please! (and many more of my children’s books) on Amazon through my website. Simply click [here] to visit my Children’s Books page. May these stories bring joy, imagination, and kindness into your home!

Eight Golden Rules for How to Play Your Best Tennis
As I sit watching the 2025 U.S. Open on television, I am struck by how little has changed in the sport I have loved all my life. Match after match, player after player, the same mental and emotional struggles are on display—fear, nerves, pressure, frustration. I know them well. I suffered from them too.

In my youth, I was fortunate to win the U.S. and Wimbledon Junior Championships and even become a Wimbledon semi-finalist in the Women’s Division. On the outside, that may have looked like success. But on the inside, I was anything but happy. I was fearful, nervous, and full of doubt. The pressure of expectations—family, coaches, and later, the world stage—made the game something to survive rather than enjoy.

Back then, tennis was played with wooden rackets and without the financial opportunities players have today. But pressure is pressure, whether it comes from a coach’s demands or today’s agents, sponsors, and media scrutiny. That kind of pressure eats away at joy.

So, I did something radical. I quit.

Dance, Zen, and the Birth of Happy Tennis
Walking away from competitive tennis gave me the gift of perspective. I turned to dance therapy, something that seemed far removed from the structured rigidity of competitive tennis. But in dance, I discovered a freedom of movement and expression that I had never felt on the court.

At the same time, I immersed myself in the study of Zen philosophy. The combination of these two practices reshaped my understanding of performance, competition, and joy. I began to realize that the real battle was not against an opponent across the net, but against fear, self-judgment, and ego within myself.

When the ego is removed from the game, something beautiful happens: you play freely. You play joyously. You play without the constant shadow of “what if I lose?” And ironically, you play better.

This was the foundation of what I came to call Happy Tennis—a way of playing that is stress-free, demand-free, relaxed, effortless, and powerful.

Returning to the Court
Fifteen years after I walked away from professional competition, I returned to the game with this new approach. The results were astonishing. In a Virginia Slims event, I defeated the world’s fourth-ranked player. Later, I competed in senior events and rose to become one of the top senior players in the world. But the real triumph was not the trophies—it was the freedom and joy I felt each time I stepped onto the court.

I also began teaching this method to others. Year after year, I watched students transform as they shifted from fear-based playing to joy-based playing. They discovered that tennis is not about taking—points, games, victories—but about giving: giving your best effort, your fullest attention, your truest self to the ball.

That philosophy eventually became the heart of my book, Eight Golden Rules for How to Play Your Best Tennis, a book endorsed by legends Billie Jean King, Mary Carillo, Dick Enberg, and others.

The Golden Rules
Without giving away the entire book, let me share the essence of what these Golden Rules represent.
They are not about technique, topspin, or perfect footwork. They are about the inner game. They show you how to:

• Focus on the ball rather than on yourself.
• Replace judgment with awareness.
• Let go of fear and allow the body to play.
• Treat your body as a trusted partner, not a slave.
• Release the pressure of the score and play in the moment.
• Approach each point as a gift, not a demand.
• Play to give, not to take.
• Rediscover joy on the court—and in life.
  

These rules are simple, but they require practice and intention. They are not only for professionals but for anyone who has ever picked up a racket—whether at your local public park or in the finals of Wimbledon.

The Ball Always Wins
One of the most powerful lessons I learned is this: the ball always wins. Whoever is in harmony with the ball—devoted to it fully, without distraction—will come out ahead. The ball knows if you are paying attention. It knows if you are with it for the love of the game or merely using it to chase a point.

When you shift your focus away from the score, the audience, the trophy, or the money, and simply give yourself to the ball, the game becomes alive. Every shot, every rally, every moment is an opportunity to play.

Tennis as a Metaphor for Life
The beauty of this approach is that it doesn’t stay on the court. Playing tennis with joy and fearlessness naturally spills over into life itself.

Life, like tennis, is full of distractions, noise, and pressure. But when you meet each moment with awareness, generosity, and focus, everything shifts. Instead of trying to take, you give. Instead of struggling, you flow. Instead of fearing outcomes, you live fully in the process.

This is the deeper gift of Eight Golden Rules for How to Play Your Best Tennis: it is a book about tennis, but it is also a book about life.

A Final Thought
As you watch today’s champions at the U.S. Open, or as you step onto the court for your weekend match, I encourage you to ask yourself: am I playing to win—or am I playing to play?

When you learn to love the ball, love the moment, love the movement, and love the game itself, the rest takes care of itself. Winning becomes secondary. Joy becomes primary.

That is Happy Tennis. And that is the way to play your best.

This book is available on Amazon through my website. Click here.

Have You Tried Everything to Lose Weight?If you’ve ever sworn off bread forever, counted calories until your head spun, or found yourself staring at a plate of “miracle” diet cookies wondering if this was really living… you’re not alone.
The diet industry thrives on fads, and history has proven that people will try almost anything in the pursuit of thinness. From swallowing tapeworm eggs (yes, that was a real thing!) to subsisting on nothing but grapefruits, cabbage soup, or shakes, desperate dieters have been sold one quick fix after another.
And yet, here we are. Millions of people are still searching for a method that works.
That’s where CHEW, BABY, CHEW! comes in.

A Fresh Look at Weight Loss
This little book is not a fad, not a gimmick, and definitely not another “miracle cure.” Instead, it takes a refreshingly lighthearted — and yet surprisingly practical — approach to the age-old problem of weight management.

Written with humor, warmth, and a touch of wit, CHEW, BABY, CHEW! shines a spotlight on the absurdity of diet crazes while offering something better: common sense.

At its heart, the book is built on one powerful principle:
Eat mindfully, enjoy real food, and let your body work the way it was designed to.

No need for expensive shots, powders, prepackaged meals, or bizarre rituals. You simply chew your food, savor your meals, and follow simple wisdom that actually makes sense.

Why It Works
Unlike diets that demand perfection or extreme restriction, the approach in CHEW, BABY, CHEW! is sustainable. Here’s why readers find it works when other methods fail:

1. It’s Simple. No complicated charts, no food scales, no eliminating entire food groups. Just straightforward guidance you can follow today.
2. It’s Enjoyable. Eating shouldn’t feel like punishment. This book encourages you to enjoy what you eat — slowly, thoughtfully, and with gratitude.
3. It’s Realistic. Life happens. Holidays, birthdays, and dinners out with friends don’t have to derail you. This book gives you the tools to navigate it all.
4. It’s Sustainable. Because the principles are based on common sense and moderation, they can last a lifetime — not just a month.
   
   

A Dose of Humor Along the Way
Let’s be honest: weight loss can feel heavy. But this book manages to keep things light — even amusing.

By poking fun at the ridiculousness of fad diets through history, CHEW, BABY, CHEW! helps readers laugh at the madness while also realizing: “Oh, I’ve fallen for some of this too.”

And laughter, as it turns out, is pretty good medicine when you’re trying to change habits.

More Than a Book — A Lifelong Companion
What makes CHEW, BABY, CHEW! stand apart is its warmth. It doesn’t scold or preach. Instead, it feels like a wise friend gently reminding you of truths you already know deep down:

• Your body is amazing when you treat it kindly.
• You don’t need extremes to achieve balance.
• The secret is in slowing down, chewing well, and enjoying the process.
  

This isn’t a “read it once and put it away” kind of book. It’s the kind you’ll return to again and again when you need encouragement or a reality check.

Who Should Read CHEW, BABY, CHEW!

• Anyone who has tried diet after diet without lasting success.
• Those tired of confusing rules and ever-changing fads.
• People who want to laugh while learning practical wisdom.
• Anyone seeking not just weight loss, but better overall health.

The Bottom Line
If you’re ready to stop chasing fads and start embracing a healthier, saner way to live, CHEW, BABY, CHEW! may be the last weight loss book you’ll ever need.

It’s funny, it’s wise, and most importantly — it works.

Because sometimes, the simplest advice really is the best:
Chew, baby, chew. This little gem of a book may be found on Amazon through my website. Click here.

You may be wondering what all the fuss is about with this thing called “pickleball.” It has nothing to do with pickles and very little to do with a regular ball. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, and for good reason: it’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and creates a community of happy, active people.
What is Pickleball?Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s played on a smaller court than tennis, with a net in the middle and a perforated plastic ball (similar to a whiffle ball). The paddles are solid, lightweight, and easy to handle. Because the court is smaller and the game emphasizes control over power, pickleball is accessible to beginners while still challenging for more experienced players.
Why Everyone Loves It. The magic of pickleball lies in its simplicity and joy. You don’t need to be a trained athlete to play. In fact, many people who had long since put away their tennis rackets or felt sidelined by more strenuous sports are now rediscovering their athletic spirit through pickleball.
Here are just a few reasons people fall in love with it:

• Easy to Learn: Most people pick up the basics in under 30 minutes.
• Social Fun: The smaller court keeps players close, making conversation and laughter part of every match.
• Healthy Exercise: It’s a workout that doesn’t feel like one, helping with agility, balance, and cardiovascular health.
• All Ages, All Levels: Grandparents can play with their grandchildren and everyone has fun.

The Community Spirit of Pickleball has a way of creating friendships. Local parks, recreation centers, and gyms are filled with people coming together to play, laugh, and support one another. Many players say they come for the game but stay for the friendships.
As one seasoned player put it, “Pickleball is less about competition and more about connection.” That’s what makes it so unique.
Why You Should Try ItIf you’re looking for a new way to have fun, stay active, and meet people, pickleball may be just the ticket. All you need is a paddle, a ball, and a local court. Chances are, you’ll find a welcoming group of players ready to show you the ropes.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played a sport before — pickleball is for everyone. And if you once loved tennis or another racquet sport, you’ll find pickleball a refreshing, less demanding way to keep that spark alive.
Final Thoughts: Pickleball is more than just a game — it’s a movement toward fun, health, and community. It reminds us that laughter, connection, and play are timeless joys.
So, if you’ve been curious about pickleball, why not grab a paddle and give it a try? You may just discover your new favorite pastime.

👉 If you’d like to dive deeper into the fun and spirit of pickleball, check out my book Dare to Dink.