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 , Marlene knew on her first date with Snell , her husband , 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 skin 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 . She returns with a wonderfully entertaining self-evaluation personal story about aging , “ Antique or Vintage ?” in 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 !

KIMBERLY MOORE

JESSIE TIEVA is passionate about collecting , repurposing , and studying vintage costume jewelry after an antiquing excursion in 2009 . To her , the beauty that lies in each piece is beyond its physically attractive appearance . The work , the intentions , and the creative mind behind the “ treasure ” is priceless , just like the motherly love she experienced from her beloved mother , Susan Nelson . Kimberly loves to speak , blog , and educate about the history of vintage costume jewelry , with a wonderful laced of faith-based presentation that correlates with her book , Beauty in a Life Repurposed . She has also been a personal trainer , water exercise instructor , and motivational speaker in the fitness industry for many years . Kimberly loves connecting with women and sharing the message of hope with those in need of getting their sparkle back , physically and spiritually . She resides in Dallas , Texas , where she lives with her husband , Michael , and their rescued Pomeranian , Emma . Kimberly ’ s beautiful endearing story , " Celebrating The Rare Treasure of a True Friend ” is a perfect reminder for all of us in our Notes From The Fridge section !

has had a fascinating journey in her young life . She has appeared on numerous television shows , including Oprah , The Today Show , Fox News , CNBC , and many more . Jessie has also been the keynote speaker at over 3000 + events around the world . With very humble beginnings , from living with no running water or electricity in Wisconsin to an Orphanage in Mexico , she has an unbelievable ragsto-riches story . For Jessie , of all her accomplishments , her greatest achievement has been , by far , her family . She and her husband Matt and their “ patchwork ” family of seven children live a down-to-earth , simplistic , Christian lifestyle on Medicine Lake in Minnesota . They homeschool their children at their lake house and spend their days enjoying their kids and building character through teaching good old-fashioned values . Jessie ’ s recent birthing of twin boys is shared in a beautiful , heartwarming Mother ’ s Day story , “ A Fresh Look at Motherhood This Mother ’ s Day .” Her endearing story perfectly fits our The Joy of Raising Twins section !

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