MARLENE RATLEDGE BUCHANAN

lives enthusiastically as a woman , wife , mother , teacher , and writer . She is quick to say that she planned to marry someone old and rich but only got old . However , on her first date with Snell , her husband , Marlene , knew that he was the one for her , to the point she proposed . After his refusal , she considered getting him pregnant . They are parents to a beautiful olive-skinned son . James suffered a lack of oxygen during delivery , resulting in him having special needs . She refers to James ' condition as a special gift . After thirty-four years of being in public education , Marlene retired in 2007 . In the classroom , she earned the name " Ms . Rat ," which garnered her a collection of rat figurines and collectibles over the years from her students . As a Southern Humorist , Marlene has entertained readers with her observations about life through her column , Hey Y ' all , published in the Gwinnett Citizen in Georgia since 2015 . Marlene returns to share her personal and beautiful love story journey with her husband Snell as we appreciate the True Love that she can only express in her special way with her story , “ Tempus Fugit ,” for her unique commentary column , “ Anything Goes with Mama Marlene .”

DR . RANDI D . WARD

is our editor-in-chief extraordinaire ! At 74 years young , she has been a “ mother ” to hundreds of children during her 37 years as a Georgia Language Arts educator . Her teaching journey has taken her to Cairo , Egypt , where she started several language schools teaching ESOL . Randi is also an African animal advocate and environmentalist . She is an honorary president of World Peace Forest ( Africa ) and USA Regional Director for Africa Nomads Conservation . Her passion for life and humanity has earned her many awards and honors . Randi has recently received the IAOTP Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into their Hall of Fame . Her life ' s philosophy is “ Believe ! Don ' t dream big ; dream bigger ! The sky is the limit , so reach for the stars !” Randi has traveled to 60 countries on four continents . From one of her destinations came her memoir that encapsulated her view of what life is all about , Because I Believed In Me - My Egyptian Fantasy Came True . Today , Randi is a master editor and visionary book consultant . By the way , as a mother and forever teacher , she is making sure I am “ crossing my t ' s and dotting my I ’ d ”… Ha , Ha , Ha !

CATHI CUREN is a Family Astrologer , Lifestyle Design Consultant , Career Coach , Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine GSEP , and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach . She has spent over 30 years researching family dynamics and how our early relationships and environments influence our lives . She specializes in Public and Corporate Education and Training in Career / Work-Life Balance and Relationships . As the “ Holistic Children Radio ” podcaster , Cathi provides techniques and tools to support families ’ emotional , spiritual , physical , financial , and environmental health . She is also the author of the original “ Me + U ” Interactive Journal Series , which helps parents , children , couples , and colleagues crack open communication in their unique way . As our Kitchen Table Conversations host , Cathi believes our homes should provide a living area that reflects our authenticity and a life lived on purpose . As we connect our inner-self with the outer world , our homes are the best venue to provide rest ,

restoration , revitalization , and support for our health and well-being . Cathi returns with insightful and empowering advice on how to use the New Year as a fresh start to recommit ourselves to becoming our best selves by writing our new story with her inspiring story , “ Your Best Story Yet .”

6 | Inspirations for Better Living • January 2025