Six Steps Through the Back Door By Laura Porreca Have you ever lost something important to you? [...]

I’m going to depart from the usual sharing of my favorite recipes and my own table settings to take you on a snap journey to Portugal, the wonderland of good food, people and wine.

Times have changed, and we may not have the things we used to have. We may sometimes feel frustrated, tired, and alone. But we can always find something to be thankful for. We are never alone. We are surrounded by love.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding effective ways to maintain and improve our health is more important than ever. While diet and exercise are often emphasized, one powerful yet sometimes overlooked avenue for enhancing well-being is the act of creating art. Engaging in artistic activities isn’t only for professional artists; it’s a therapeutic practice accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.

Two years ago, I fell in love with a private, college-prep school about twenty minutes from my home in Port Orchard, Washington. The old, restored building exuded its own academic charm, the staff welcomed me, and the students’ engagement in class confirmed this school was where I’d enjoy teaching.