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 with yet another serious but hilarious story , “ You Can ’ t Make This Stuff Up ,” to give us a snippet of real-life challenges that somehow put a smile on our faces for her unique commentary column , “ Anything Goes with Mama Marlene .”

DR . RANDI D . WARD

is our editor-in-chief extraordinaire ! At 73 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 a very inspiring and empowering story , “ Dads & Grads ,” reminding us all about how a dad ’ s role can significantly contribute to their children ' s success as we celebrate Father ’ s Day and the season of graduation !

6 | Inspirations for Better Living • June 2024