MARLENE RATLEDGE BUCHANAN

lives enthusiastically as a woman, wife, mother, and teacher. She is a multi-award-winning author of Southern humor, cozy mysteries, and not-socozy police procedural books, and has also written an educational book, Tips, Tricks, and Techniques, to help people learn and remember more easily. Marlene 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, she knew he was the one for her, to the point that she proposed. After his refusal, Marlene considered getting him pregnant. They are the parents of a beautiful oliveskinned 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 34 years in public education, Marlene retired in 2007. In the classroom, she earned the nickname " Ms. Rat," which led her students to collect rat figurines and other rat-themed collectibles over the years. 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 wonderful story about enjoying the recent Halloween celebration, which brings out the best in her, in her endearing story,“ Tis the Season! My Season,” in her unique commentary column, Anything Goes with Mama Marlene.

LADY AMB. DR.( HC)

RANDI D. WARD

is our editor-in-chief extraordinaire! At 76, 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 the USA Regional Director for Africa Nomads Conservation. Her passion for life and humanity has earned her many awards and honors. Randi 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, Because I Believed In Me- My Egyptian Fantasy Came True, which encapsulates her view of what life is all about. Today, Randi is a master editor, visionary book consultant, and Co-Owner of RM Infinite. By the way, as a mother and forever teacher, she is making sure I am“ crossing my t ' s and dotting my i’ s”… Ha, Ha, Ha!

TERESA VELARDI

6 | Inspirations for Better Living • November 2026 is an author, speaker, potter, and passionate advocate for storytelling. She is also the founder of Authentic Endeavors Publishing, a hybrid publishing company that helps authors share their stories with the world. Teresa is especially devoted to inspirational, Christian, and children’ s books that inspire faith, hope, and purpose across generations. She often says,“ Gratitude is the key that unlocks the door to prosperity in every area of life.” As host of the Conversations That Make a Difference Podcast, she amplifies voices that uplift, inspire, and create meaningful impact. Teresa created the Daily Gift Book Series, a collaborative collection that encourages gratitude, peace, friendship, hope, kindness, inspiration, joy, and more through everyday stories. She believes storytelling requires intention, patience, and trust, and she guides authors through that journey with care and encouragement. In her latest A Daily Gift Book Series release, The Expanded Edition of“ A Daily Gift

of Gratitude,” the seventh book in the series, which releases on November 24th, just in time for the holiday season, Teresa features contributing authors who share personal stories of gratitude to inspire and encourage readers on their life’ s journey. I am excited and honored to feature Teresa ' s personal journey,“ From the Potter ' s Wheel to the Printed Page- How a Conversation with God Became a Growing Collection of Stories Touching Hearts Around the World,” in our Spiritual Living section.