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Gardening

Red Gerber Daisy in the Garden
Gerbera Daisies naturally attract pollinators in your garden.

Here’s a quick guide to help your garden in hotter climates, like mine in Arizona. Being outdoors not helps your mental health but also your physical wellbeing.

Choosing the Right Plants

  • In extreme climates, not all plants can handle the heat.
  • Choose drought-tolerant species like lavender, sage, or agave.
  • Native plants are naturally suited to local heat and soil.
  • They often need less water and care over time.
  • Check local garden centers for heat-hardy plant options.
  • Group plants with similar water needs for efficiency.
  • Avoid water-thirsty flowers unless you can meet their needs.
  • Cacti and succulents thrive in dry, sunny conditions.
  • Use shade-loving varieties only in protected or shady spots.
  • The right plant choices are the foundation for success.

Soil and Watering Strategies

  • Healthy soil helps plants survive tough heat.
  • Mix compost into the soil to retain moisture.
  • Mulch the surface with straw, bark, or gravel.
  • Mulch also cools roots and prevents water loss.
  • Water early in the morning or after sunset.
  • Avoid mid-day watering—it evaporates too quickly.
  • Deep watering encourages stronger, deeper root systems.
  • Use drip irrigation to conserve water and minimize waste.
  • Collect rainwater if legal in your area.
  • Monitor soil moisture regularly to prevent stress.

Shade and Maintenance Tips

  • Use shade cloths or garden canopies in intense heat.
  • Temporary shade helps protect new or fragile plants.
  • Plant trees or tall shrubs to create natural shade.
  • Position garden beds to avoid the harshest afternoon sun.
  • Keep weeds under control—they steal moisture and nutrients.
  • Prune regularly to improve airflow and plant health.
  • Watch for heat-stressed plants—wilting, browning, or stunted growth.
  • Move potted plants indoors during heatwaves when possible.
  • Choose light-colored pots to reflect sunlight, not absorb it.
  • Gardening in heat takes planning, but it’s absolutely doable.

Gardening in hotter, harsher climates is challenging—but manageable.

Choose resilient plants, improve your soil, and manage sunlight.

With thoughtful care, even the hottest garden can flourish and be beautiful.

Check out my website for more ideas: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Mindset Matters

Sunflower from my garden.
A bright sunflower growing in my front yard garden.

Mindset Matters

Having a positive mindset matters and is essential, especially in the face of challenges and uncertainties these days. A positive mindset can significantly impact overall well-being, resilience, and interpersonal relationships. Despite the inevitable ups and downs of life, maintaining a hopeful perspective can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful existence.

Mental Health

A positive attitude enhances mental health. It allows individuals to cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. When faced with adversity, those with an optimistic outlook are more likely to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than impossible obstacles. This shift in perception can reduce the impact of negative emotions and promote emotional stability.

Resilience

Moreover, a positive outlook fosters resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to difficult situations. Individuals with a positive attitude are more likely to approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. They are inclined to seek support, learn from their experiences, and move forward with determination. This resilience not only aids in overcoming personal difficulties but also encourages others to adopt a similar approach. Positivity is contagious!

Physical Health

Having a positive attitude also enhances physical health. Research suggests that optimistic individuals experience lower levels of stress and inflammation, leading to better overall health. They are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise and balanced nutrition. This proactive approach to health can result in increased longevity and a higher quality of life.

Relationships and Beyond

Furthermore, a positive attitude can improve relationships. Individuals who maintain a positive outlook tend to be more supportive and encouraging to those around them. Their enthusiasm and positivity can be contagious, creating a more uplifting environment. Stronger relationships contribute to a robust support system during challenging times, further reinforcing resilience.

In addition, a positive outlook can lead to greater success in various aspects of life, including career and personal goals. Optimistic individuals are often more motivated and willing to take risks, which can lead to new opportunities. They tend to approach tasks with enthusiasm, enhancing creativity and productivity.

Maintaining a positive attitude and good outlook on life is vital for mental and physical well-being. Embracing optimism fosters resilience, improves health, enhances relationships, and promotes personal success. By focusing on the bright side, you can navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and strength. This ultimately will lead to a more fulfilling and enriching life.

Check out my website for more inspiration: KathyHusserTempe.com

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#kathyhusser career Family Happiness Health kathyhusser Librarian & Entrepreneurship library books

Comforting Fiction Books

Shelves of books to promote reading and self-care.
Books make me happy!

Comforting and Uplifting Fiction

Here’s a list of fiction titles that support well-being by offering emotional comfort, inspiration, perspective, or a calming escape. As a librarian, I would recommend them all depending upon what you like to read.  These books make great gifts too.

These books are heartwarming, gentle, and affirming—perfect for lifting your mood.

  1. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
  2. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
  3. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  4. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
  5. Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Emotionally Insightful and Empathetic Reads

These novels deepen your emotional intelligence and help you better understand yourself and others.

  1. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
  2. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
  3. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
  4. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
  5. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

Peaceful and Reflective Fiction

Perfect for calming the mind and nourishing the soul with quiet beauty.

  1. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
  2. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
  3. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
  4. Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
  5. The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-mi Hwang

Whimsical and Imaginative Escapes

Let your mind wander into enchanting, hopeful worlds that offer rest from real-life stress.

  1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  2. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
  3. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
  4. The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
  5. The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

These books can ease anxiety, spark reflection, and create a sense of connection—all vital parts of well-being.

For more inspiration check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

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New Year Reflections

Sunflower from my garden.
A bright sunflower growing in my front yard garden.

New Year

The new year, 2026 is right around the corner.  This is a time I take to reflect on the last 12 months. Here are some topics to consider while you take stock of the new year ahead.

Personal Growth

Reflecting on my growth throughout the last year is important. What career goals did I have for 2025, and did they become reality? Think about any obstacles you overcame to achieve certain targets in your life, like travel, volunteering, or mentoring at work.   Also consider any new purpose you might have needed to pivot too last year for family, friends, or yourself.  How is that progressing or holding you back for 2026?

Physical Health

None of us are getting younger each year. Think about your physical health.  Can you still run that marathon or walk that flight of stairs easily?  Take stock of your limits, if any.  What will you need to do in 2026 to maintain or improve your health?

Maybe a gym membership is in your future. Or will a regular walking date with a friend do the trick to get you back on track this year.  Eating whole and “one-ingredient” foods will always help regulate your physical wellbeing and improve your health stats.

Comfort Zones

Finally, what is your current comfort zone and is that what you want? Determine if you need to shake things up in 2026 and push outside your self-imposed limits. What do you really want out of 2026?  Start a business?  Move across the country or to another country?

What is a dream you have been putting off until the timing was “right?” Make that dream come true is year with a plan, hard work, and consistency.

There is no right time to start something new, but you’ll regret never starting this time next year. Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year filled with joy and dreams that fill your soul.

For more inspiration check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Staying Thankful

Red Gerber Daisy in the Garden
Gerbera Daisies naturally attract pollinators in your garden.

Staying thankful through major life changes—such as moving, changing careers, or facing health challenges—can be overwhelming. These transitions often bring uncertainty, fear, and disruption to our routines. Yet, how we respond to change plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. Maintaining a positive attitude during these times isn’t just comforting—it’s a powerful tool. A tool that can protect both your mental and physical health.

The Power of Perspective

While we can’t always control what happens in life, we can control how we interpret and react to it. A positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it means choosing to face challenges with hope, openness, and the belief that you can grow through adversity.

Research shows that people with a positive outlook recover faster from setbacks, have lower levels of stress, and are more resilient. They’re more likely to find meaning in hardship and adapt in healthy ways. Even small shifts in thinking—focusing on what you can control, practicing gratitude, or seeing challenges as opportunities make a difference.

Health Benefits of Staying Positive

A positive attitude does more than lift your mood. It’s been linked to a variety of health benefits, including:

  • Stronger immune function: Optimistic individuals tend to have better immune responses, helping them fight illness more effectively.
  • Lower stress levels: Positivity reduces the effects of chronic stress, which can harm the body over time.
  • Heart health: Studies show that positive thinking is associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease.
  • Improved mental health: A hopeful outlook can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and boost feelings of self-worth and motivation.

Taking Care of Yourself

Supporting your physical health during change is just as important. Regular exercise, nutritious food, and restful sleep give your body the strength it needs to handle emotional ups and downs. Equally important is seeking connection. For example, talking to friends, journaling, or asking for help when needed are great ways to cope.

Remember, it’s okay to feel unsettled during major life shifts. But by nurturing a positive attitude, you create space for healing, growth, and even joy in the face of change.

Life will always bring change, but your mindset can shape how that change affects you. Stay hopeful, stay kind to yourself, and take care of your health, inside and out.

For more living well tips check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Power of Organization

Have an agenda and your goals will be accomplished
Have a plan and keep refining for success.

Organization brings clarity and peace. On the other, hand living in a cluttered space can feel overwhelming and chaotic. Disorganization often leads to stress, distraction, and decreased productivity. Research shows clutter increases cortisol, the stress hormone, especially in women. A disorganized home sends constant visual reminders of unfinished tasks. This creates mental fatigue and makes it harder to focus or relax.

A clean, decluttered space helps you think more clearly and feel more in control. Studies have shown that people with tidy homes tend to be healthier overall. They also sleep better and report lower levels of anxiety. Organization promotes better time management and smoother daily routines.

Every object in your home should have a purpose and place. When things are scattered, time is wasted looking for them. A tidy space reduces distractions and helps your brain focus on what matters. Even small organizational habits can produce big improvements in mood and energy.

Decluttering

Decluttering is not just about throwing things away, but a habit to develop. It’s about making space for what truly supports your life. Start by sorting items into categories: keep, donate, recycle, and discard. Work room by room, focusing on one area at a time. Celebrate small wins to stay motivated and consistent.

Clutter can also carry emotional weight. Items tied to guilt or nostalgia can create mental roadblocks. Letting go of unneeded things helps you emotionally detach and feel lighter. It clears mental space along with physical space. Your home becomes a sanctuary instead of a source of stress.

Living with Less

Minimalism doesn’t mean living with nothing—it means living with intention. When your space supports your values, you feel more aligned and peaceful. Organized homes also help children learn responsibility and reduce family tension. Everyone benefits from a system that’s easy to follow.

Routine maintenance is key to staying organized. Your goal should be to take 10 minutes daily to reset your space. Return items to their place and resist the urge to accumulate. Before buying something new, ask yourself if it adds real value. Mindful purchasing reduces clutter and saves money long term.

Lifestyle Shift

Decluttering isn’t a one-time project—it’s a lifestyle shift. It requires regular reflection on what you really need and use. Organized homes encourage more intentional living and healthier habits. You’re more likely to cook, exercise, or meditate in a clean, open space. It becomes easier to welcome guests without shame or stress.

A decluttered home reflects a decluttered mind. It’s easier to find joy in your environment and stay motivated. You gain time, energy, and peace from a well-ordered space. Your home should be a retreat, not a source of chaos.

Start small, stay consistent, and build momentum. Organization brings freedom, not restriction. It empowers you to live a more focused, purposeful life. Make space for the life you want to live—one room, one drawer at a time.

For more living tips check: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Healthy Cooking

Sunflower from my garden.
A bright sunflower growing in my front yard garden.

Healthy Home Cooking

As we age, we need to be more aware of the foods we put into our bodies. These simple tips will help you cook at home, be more healthy, and save time.

Here’s a simple list to help for a longer, better life:

  1. Control Your Ingredients
    Home cooking lets you manage salt, sugar, and fat.
  2. Add More Veggies
    Fresh produce boosts nutrients and overall wellness.
  3. Avoid Processed Foods
    Cooked meals cut harmful additives and preservatives.
  4. Support Heart and Brain Health
    Balanced meals improve long-term body and mind function.
  5. Lower Disease Risk
    Reduce obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure naturally.

Stronger Habits

  1. Strengthen Family Bonds
    Sharing meals brings emotional connection and joy.
  2. Build Lifelong Habits
    Regular cooking encourages healthy, lasting routines.
  3. Live Longer
    Studies link frequent home cooking to longevity.
  4. Boost Immunity
    Whole foods help your body fight illness.

Be Mindful

  1. Save Money
    Meal planning and home prep lower grocery bills.
  2. Waste Less
    Cooking at home means smarter, cleaner food use.
  3. Practice Mindful Eating
    Focused meals support better digestion and satisfaction.
  4. Relieve Stress
    Cooking offers creative, calming benefits.
  5. Teach Healthy Habits
    Kids who cook eat better as adults.
  6. Enjoy Simple, Tasty Meals
    Home food can be quick, fun, and nourishing.
  7. Create Routine and Rhythm
    Meal time brings structure to busy days.
  8. Boost Energy Naturally
    Nutrient-rich food fuels your body better.
  9. Try New Things
    Explore flavors, cultures, and skills in your kitchen.
  10. Feel More Balanced
    Cooking brings intention and presence to everyday life.
  11. Start Small, Stay Consistent
    Healthy home meals lead to a longer, richer life.

For health-related tips check out KathyHusserTempe.com

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Importance of Grandparents

Nature is rejuvenating
Wishing you calm and happiness this season

In today’s fast-moving world, the wisdom and importance of grandparents can sometimes be overlooked. Yet, spending time with older adults offers countless benefits—for individuals, families, and society as a whole. These connections enrich our lives emotionally, mentally, and socially, offering valuable perspective, unconditional support, and a sense of continuity.

Wisdom, Life Lessons, and Perspective

Older adults carry with them a wealth of experience. Grandparents, for instance, have lived through decades of social, cultural, and technological changes. They’ve weathered challenges, celebrated triumphs, and developed a deep understanding of what really matters in life. When younger people take the time to listen, they gain access to stories, advice, and lessons. Many of which can’t be found in books or online.

Conversations with older generations often provide perspective in times of stress or confusion. Their insight can help reframe problems, offering calm, time-tested guidance. Learning about how they navigated hardship. Whether it was raising a family during economic difficulty or adapting to unexpected loss, can be a reminder of human resilience.

Emotional Support

For many, grandparents are a source of unconditional love. They offer a different kind of support than parents or peers—often more patient, forgiving, and reassuring. Their presence can be particularly grounding for children and teenagers, offering a stable emotional foundation.

Spending time with older adults also helps reduce loneliness for both sides. Many seniors face isolation, especially if they live alone or in care facilities. Regular interaction with younger people can boost their mood, mental alertness, and sense of purpose. In turn, young people gain emotional security and a stronger sense of identity by understanding their family and cultural roots.

Breaking Stereotypes

Socializing with seniors help break down age-related stereotypes. When younger generations see seniors as vibrant, active, and wise, they’re more likely to treat them with respect and compassion. This mutual understanding fosters empathy, combats ageism, and encourages more inclusive, connected communities.

Engaging with older people also helps younger individuals practice patience, better communication, and listening skills. It teaches them to value different perspectives and appreciate the pace and wisdom that often come with age.

Stronger Families and Communities

In families, grandparents often act as anchors—passing down traditions, sharing family history, and helping create lasting memories. In communities, older adults can serve as mentors, volunteers, or storytellers, contributing meaningfully to the lives of others.

Socializing with older generations is not just beneficial—it’s vital. Whether it’s a grandparent or a senior neighbor, these relationships offer connection, wisdom, and joy. In a world that often values speed and novelty, slowing down to listen to and learn from older voices is one of the most rewarding things we can do.

For more living well, tips check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Read Fiction

Graphic with the words Libraries are for Everyone
Credit: American Library Association

Fiction Is Good for Your Health

In a fast-paced world filled with stress, screens, and constant stimulation, reading fiction offers a powerful escape—and much more. Beyond entertainment, fiction has been shown to benefit mental, emotional, and even physical health in lasting ways. Picking up a novel might be one of the simplest, most enjoyable steps you can take for your well-being.

Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation

Reading fiction can quickly calm the mind. Studies show that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 60%, even more than listening to music or taking a walk. Immersing yourself in a story slows your breathing, lowers heart rate, and quiets anxious thoughts. The act of focusing on a narrative provides a break from daily worries and overthinking.

Strengthens Empathy

When you read fiction, especially character-driven stories, you step into someone else’s shoes. You experience their thoughts, struggles, and growth. This practice strengthens empathy and helps you understand others’ emotions and perspectives. Research has found that people who read literary fiction regularly score higher on tests measuring emotional intelligence and social awareness. These skills are essential for healthy relationships and emotional resilience.

Boosts Brain Function and Creativity

Fiction engages multiple parts of the brain—language processing, memory, imagination, and problem-solving. It also helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, and concentration. The mental imagery involved in following a plot or imagining a fictional world stimulates creativity. Unlike passive forms of entertainment, reading requires active mental participation, which helps keep the brain sharp and engaged over time.

Supports Mental Health

Fiction often explores universal human themes like love, loss, growth, and resilience. Reading about characters who face and overcome challenges can be comforting and inspiring, especially during tough times. Many people find that certain stories help them process their own emotions or see their experiences in a new light. Fiction can offer validation, hope, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Encourages Mindful Escape

Finally, reading fiction offers a healthy way to unplug. Unlike social media or television, reading requires your full attention, helping you stay present in the moment. This mindful escape can reduce burnout and provide much-needed balance in your daily routine.

Reading fiction is more than a hobby—it’s a wellness tool. From stress relief to emotional growth, a good book has the power to nourish your mind and spirit. So next time you need a break, pick up a novel—you’re doing your health a favor.

These stories provide comfort, warmth, and a gentle reminder of human kindness.

  1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
  2. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
  3. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  4. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
  5. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Read more at KathyHusserTempe.com

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Guide to Greece

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The Greek islands offer a magical mix of sun-soaked beaches, ancient ruins, charming villages, and world-famous hospitality. For first-time visitors, choosing where to go and what to see can feel overwhelming. Each island has its own personality, from quiet and traditional to vibrant and glamorous. Here’s a guide to help you discover the best of the Greek islands on your first visit.

Santorini: Iconic Beauty

Santorini is often the first stop for first-timers—and for good reason. With its white-washed buildings, blue domes, and dramatic cliffs, it’s picture-perfect. Visit the towns of Oia and Fira for stunning views, especially at sunset. Explore the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri, preserved in volcanic ash, and relax on unique beaches like Red Beach and Kamari. Don’t miss a local wine tasting—the island’s volcanic soil produces an excellent “Assyrtiko” wine.

Mykonos: Glamour Meets Tradition

Mykonos is famous for its nightlife, but it also offers beautiful beaches, charming streets, and historical sites. Walk through Mykonos Town (Chora), known for its maze-like alleys, boutique shops, and iconic windmills. Take a boat trip to nearby Delos, a sacred archaeological site and one of Greece’s most important ancient ruins. During the day, enjoy sunbathing on beaches like Psarou or Paradise, and at night, experience the island’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Crete: History and Nature

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a mix of experiences for all kinds of travelers. Visit the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of the Minotaur. Hike the Samaria Gorge for a stunning nature experience.  Explore Chania, a beautiful harbor town with Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Cretan food is among the best in Greece—don’t miss dishes like dakos, lamb with herbs, and local cheeses.

Naxos and Paros: Laid-Back

If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace, head to Naxos or Paros. These islands offer beautiful beaches, quiet villages, and a more local feel. Naxos is known for its lush landscapes and ancient ruins like the Portara (Temple of Apollo). Paros features charming towns like Naoussa and Lefkes, with narrow stone alleys and traditional “tavernas.”

Your first trip to the Greek islands can be a mix of adventure, relaxation, history, and culture. Even solo travel to Greece is within reach these days. Whether you’re soaking in a Santorini sunset or wandering through Naxos’s old town, you’re sure to fall in love with Greece’s island magic.

Check out my website for more travel inspiration: KathyHusserTempe.com