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 inspiring and empowering perspective for the New Year. Her insights help cultivate happiness and joy in us and others through her excellent reminder story,“ A New Year-A New Adventure,” in her unique commentary column,“ Anything Goes with Mama Marlene.”

AMB. DR. RANDI D. WARD

is our editor-in-chief extraordinaire! At 76 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!

ALYSIA LYONS

6 | Inspirations for Better Living • January 2026 wears many hats. She is a mother, a business owner, an author, and a life coach. Being a mom has been the most rewarding experience of all. Besides seeing her son, Zander, thrive, she feels joyful about motherhood. Alysia ' s personal motherhood journey began when she chose to start a home-based business after leaving Corporate America, drawn by the freedom and flexibility of working for herself. One of Alysia ' s most meaningful contributions to life is giving life itself. After learning about the challenges families face in having babies, she decided to become a surrogate mother for parents who wanted a family but encountered maternity difficulties. Her maternal instinct made her realize she could make a difference in these families ' lives. Acting on her maternal love, she became a surrogate for four fortunate families, and with the last, she gave birth to twin girls. As a certified Neuro-Transformational Results

Coach, Usui Reiki Master, and Biddy Tarot Advisor, she combines science, intuition, and energy-based practices to help her clients overcome blocks and frustrations so they can step into the life they truly desire and deserve. Alysia returns with an insightful approach to using the new year as an excellent opportunity for self-care and empowerment, sharing her inspiring story,“ The Power of Looking Back Before Moving Forward,” in our Mom Support Corner section.