Power of Everyday Moments Archives

Best Birthday Gifts for Taurus

Tauruses offer a unique blend of personality traits, says Lisa Stardust, a New York City-based astrologist and best-selling author. Known for their tenacity, creativity, and need to feel connected with themselves and the earth, people born under this sign are truly one-of-a-kind creatures.

For those who love an opinionated, hard-working, and occasionally extravagant Taurus, the journey to find a perfect-for-them present begins here.

What to know about Taurus

Taurus (April 21–May 20) is the second sign in the Zodiac calendar, immediately following Aries, and if the latter is known for its spark of imagination, then the former is the builder of those dreams. Tauruses are all too happy to put their head down to get things done — but they always come up for relaxation, rest, and a whole lot of play.

Much of this balance comes from Taurus’ planetary ruler, Venus, who, Stardust says, is a bit of a party girl.

birthday gifts for taurus with woman partying and drinking champagne

“Think about Venus like the disco queen who never works, goes out for an all-nighter, sleeps until 5 p.m., and then dines on cheesecake and Champagne,” Stardust says. “She’s here for a good time and to do what she pleases.”

While Taureses aren’t exactly like Venus, they do tend to possess some of her more notable characteristics, including femininity, sensuality, and a taste for luxury. But, as earth signs, they’re also associated with being stubborn, fiercely loyal, and unwavering.

“When a Taurus makes up their mind,” Stardust says, “their mind is made up.”

Best birthday gifts for Taurus

Gifting a Taurus something like bath products, cozy slippers, spa treatments, or something comfortable to wear in their downtime are always great options to help them unwind and relax.

If you really want to appeal to their earth-sign nature, give the Taurus in your life something that’s focused on aromatics like candles, earthy perfumes, and room fragrances (that don’t come on too strong).

When all else fails, go for rich or decadent foods and beverages. Tauruses are known for their opulent inclinations and never saying no to the finer things, Stardust says.

“Tauruses want the good stuff,” she says. “They’re the kind of people you’d take out for a three-course meal at a great restaurant.”

Go-to birthday gifts for Taurus

It’s almost Taurus time. Let’s take what we know about Tauruses to help steer us to the best birthday gift for them.

Something that grows

Like most earth signs, Tauruses adore having plants and flowers in their homes. “Earth signs don’t just like to have plants around — they need them,” Stardust says.

birthday gifts for taurus with woman holding bouquet of roses

Though a Taurus would appreciate any plant, gifting them roses is a great fit. Like Tauruses themselves, roses are a blend of artistry, romance, and beauty.

Other springtime blooms, such as peonies, white cherry blossoms, and calla lilies, are major hits, too, according to Stardust.

When all else fails, “go for a big bouquet of green, white, and even a little pink to match their earth sign aesthetic,” Stardust advises.

Something decadent and rich

Run of the mill is not good enough for this sign. “Tauruses love the rich and fancy stuff,” Stardust advises.

Bear that in mind and gift them some finely crafted wine or sparkly Champagne, premium ingredients for a gourmet meal, or signature chocolates.

birthday gifts for taurus with Deliciously Decadent™ Cherished Blooms Time to Celebrate Birthday Cake™ — Deliciously Decadent™ Cherished Blooms & Time to Celebrate Birthday Cake™

birthday gifts for taurus chocolate truffles — Godiva® Signature Truffles Box

birthday gifts for taurus The Giving Gift for Her — The Giving Gift for Her

Something to feed their senses

As earth signs, and signs ruled by Venus, Tauruses crave feeling alive in their bodies. “For them, it’s all about physicality — things they can sense, smell, and taste.”

Further, Stardust says, Taureses love to be around things that smell really good — aromas and essences. “They love a fancy candle, a rose-scented perfume, a great-smelling lotion,” she says.

Something for their creative spirit

Even though Tauruses are considered the workhorses of the zodiac, they’re also exceptionally invested in the arts, music, and other creative endeavors. So, springing for a paint and sip class, a wine and painting set to enjoy at home, or a culinary kit would definitely go over well with a Taurus.

Stardust says Tauruses also enjoy art for their home (so long as it appeals to their earthy aesthetic), home decor, and gifts like sheets, blankets, and duvets.

Something for their neck and shoulders

Each zodiac sign rules a specific body part, and for a Taurus that is the neck (including the throat) and shoulders. A luxurious scarf, a karaoke machine, or even singing lessons are all great gifts for Taurus.

For more astrological birthday gifting inspiration, check out our other gift guides:
Gifts for Virgo
Gifts for Libra
Gifts for Scorpio
Gifts for Sagittarius
Gifts for Capricorn
Gifts for Aquarius
Gifts for Pisces
Gifts for Aries

Q&A: Celebrating National Siblings Day with Jim and Chris McCann

For 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., founder and chairman Jim McCann and his younger brother, Chris, the company’s CEO, a career in the floral industry has been more than just a chosen profession — it’s been the thing that has defined and shaped their family legacy for nearly half a century. Growing up with five brothers and sisters (with everyone working at least part time in flower shops), the two have dedicated their lives to providing the world with beautiful blooms, gourmet delights, and other gifts.

Ahead of National Siblings Day, we sat down with Jim and Chris for a conversation about the joys, lessons, and blessings to be drawn from a robust family life, one that has extended well beyond the home, into the worlds of both business and nonprofit, and the brotherly synergy that their journey has helped build.

You have five siblings in your family, which is quite a crew. What were some of the unique benefits of growing up in such a full house?

Jim McCann: Well, we never had to worry about things being too quiet. You always had built-in companions. And, in addition to the noise, there was always a lot of laughter. There were four of us born within five years, and then six years later, another one, to our surprise — Chris.

national siblings day with McCann Brothers and Mom — Jim McCann (right) and Chris McCann with their mom, Claire.

Chris McCann: I grew up in a different sibling environment than Jim did, and because he was already in college when I was growing up. He and I didn’t know each other as well. Then, after college, when he was 24 and I was 15, he first bought a flower shop in Manhattan and I went to work with him, and that work gave us the opportunity to develop a great friendship.

It reminds me of a story my mother used to tell us. As the business started to grow, the thing she was most proud of wasn’t how it grew but how Jim and I, from working together, got to know each other and became great friends.

I also specifically remember working Sunday shifts there with my sister, Julie. She would pick me up in the morning, drive in together, do our work, and then drive out together. So, work was a great opportunity for us all to bond.

Were any other of your family members involved in the flower business, beyond just the two of you and Julie?

Jim: Oh definitely! We’ve all worked in the flower business for many years. Julie just retired recently, Chris and I started our business almost 47 years ago, and our sister, Peggy, had her own store. My mom worked with us, and even our dad would put in some time, outside his painting contractor business, during big floral holidays.

It taught us a lot about shared responsibilities and, as family members, being active participants in love and support, not just passive recipients. The only sibling who wasn’t in the business was our brother, Kevin, who was born with developmental disabilities.

national siblings day with mccann brothers — The McCann brothers (L-R): Chris, Kevin, and Jim.

About eight years ago, though, Chris and I partnered with good friend Walter Stockton, who leads IGHL (Independent Group Home Living), the group home where Kevin lives, to found Smile Farms, which is an agricultural work environment for adults with disabilities. It’s all about helping those adult professionals with precious little to do learn different skills, socialize with the community, and truly have something to look forward to when they get up in the morning.

Chris: It’s been amazing for Kevin, and here’s a great example: One of our favorite get-togethers is Mother’s Day, and late in the day we’ve always all talked shop. Kevin was never part of those conversations, but with Smile Farms he helps to raise the plants that will be sold through 1-800-Flowers.com, so he’s now in the thick of that discussion — what will be ready next for Easter, how the poinsettias for Christmas are coming.

What did growing up with a brother like Kevin teach you, as both siblings and individuals?

Chris: It gave us all the opportunity to learn a tremendous amount about what love really means, and how important it is to see life through the eyes of others, especially somebody with a disability of any sort. And for all our kids, seeing the way we interact with Uncle Kevin has really helped them understand and relate with the life situations of others.

Our families are all now involved with Smile Farms on a regular basis, and my daughter is working with the international Special Olympics, and to see her aiming toward that kind of life and career is very rewarding.

Jim: Our love for Kevin has also helped demonstrate for every generation of our family that they’re part of a bigger ecosystem. It’s important for us to make sure that our kids, who are now parents themselves, and their kids all understand that even when they’re going through a tough time, they’re part of something bigger.

In this case, it’s a family with a mission beyond just “us,” and that mission is to help other people in need, as we do with Smile Farms and other activities. I don’t think it’s an accident that so many in our family feel called to work in the social services. My sister, Julie, did, my sister-in-law Kathy did, and I did. And, as Chris mentioned, his daughter works for the Special Olympics in Washington.

With a family as large and inevitably as busy as yours, how have you and your siblings managed to maintain enriching relationships as you’ve grown older?

Chris: The most important thing is to just make sure we communicate, and though our daily lives don’t usually allow for 20- or 30-minute conversations all the time, just always being able to stay in touch through something like an ongoing text group.

Jim: We have a text group called Sibs, and it’s a fun way to be in each other’s lives, even just to share a cartoon or a newspaper story about the old neighborhood. Social media has also helped us all stay connected, as being a very big family there’s always plenty of new pictures, so Instagram has become our platform of choice.

national siblings day with mccann siblings photo — The five McCann siblings celebrating together.

Our sister, Julie, also has all the old family photographs. So, every month or two, we’ll get a ping and there’s a picture of something like all five of us on Santa’s lap from, like, 100 years ago. Or a picture of our parents, sitting on the beach together.

Things like that help keep the family relationships feeling fresh. And with so many birthdays, Sibs texts also help all of us to keep track and make sure everyone gets to hear from all their aunts and uncles and cousins.

What does a holiday like National Siblings Day mean to two brothers who have started up a successful business together?

Jim: At the end of the day, it’s a reason to pause and reflect on a relationship that you may be fortunate enough to have, or have had, and it’s something you can act on. That’s not to say you have to send a gift, far from it. In some cases, it’s all about just sending a note, or making that decision to set aside time to get together, or getting a nice phone call in at the end of the day. Whatever it may be, just take some positive action.

Chris: National Siblings Day is about reflecting on those of real importance in our lives, and remembering how crucial it is to consciously maintain those special relationships throughout life. The main thing for our family on Siblings Day is just getting in some caring communication. There are five of us, and on that day we make sure to clearly communicate to one another just how important each one is to us.

Navigating Holidays and Anniversaries in the First Year of Grief

Holidays and anniversaries are often times of happiness and celebration, but for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, these occasions can be painful and overwhelming. This is especially true during the first anniversary of a death, as you adjust to life without your loved one by your side.

“The aftermath of loss is hard and often debilitating ,” says Melissa Lunardini, head of bereavement for Help Texts, which offers grief and mental health support through text messages. When we lose someone, a world that once made sense feels completely foreign to us, and we find ourselves anxiously seeking out a grief map.

With the right advice and reassurance, though, you can navigate holidays and anniversaries in the first year of grief. Lunardini will show you how.

Go in with a plan

While a standard grief map doesn’t exist, grievers do share common patterns, Lundardini says, and knowing which one we are can help us navigate upcoming dates in ways that feel most meaningful to us. These patterns are separated into three grief styles: intuitive, instrumental, and blended.

Intuitive grievers, Lunardini explains, tend to talk more openly about their emotions, and seek out people and places where they can express those feelings. If this grieving style feels most natural to you, consider seeking out holiday support groups and communicating with friends and family early on about how you might want to approach significant dates.

Instrumental grievers, on the other hand, are less likely to show their emotions outwardly but tend to be more action oriented when processing grief. On the anniversary of a death, for example, you may want to create a memorial for your person or plant a garden of their favorite flowers. For holidays, you may decide to bake your loved one’s favorite Christmas cake, or keep with other traditions.

Blended grievers, as the name suggests, are people who pull from both styles. Taking time to understand where we find comfort and identifying our particular adaptive grief style can help us find positive ways to approach the holidays and other difficult dates.

Make space for self-compassion

With an important date on the horizon, it’s common, Lunardini says, to feel anxious and uncertain. We might even start to engage in self-criticizing behavior, especially if we’re not feeling up to celebrating or partaking in usual activities.

To counter this, she recommends practicing self-compassion. “Treat yourself as gently as you treat a newly grieving friend. Speak kindly to yourself, reassure yourself, and give yourself permission for the day to look and feel different.”

One such technique she recommends is called the “morning pause.” As you wake up, take a minute or two to pause. Breathe deeply for a few breaths, do a full body stretch, and say something kind and motivating to yourself, such as “Whatever I am able to do today is enough” or “I can do hard things” or “Whatever comes my way today, I can handle it.”

Practice self-care

As holidays approach, grievers can notice an increase in physical, emotional, behavioral, social, and spiritual reactions, which can increase in intensity the closer it gets to the actual day, Lunardini explains. Self-care is another coping technique that can help make these intense surges of grief feel more manageable.

This may include scheduling downtime for yourself, journaling, going for a walk, or practicing breathing techniques like the “physiological sigh,” a proven exercise that helps the body calm down quickly.

There is no right or wrong way to handle your first holiday, but it is always helpful to remember that you can adjust expectations in real time by making choices and setting limits based on what you need at the moment.
Melissa Lunardini, head of bereavement for Help Texts

To try the physiological sigh, take two short inhales through the nose, followed by one long exhale through the mouth. Make sure that your exhale is longer than your short inhales, and repeat this three times.

Self-care also extends beyond the immediate self. “Part of self-care is also letting your support network understand what is coming up for you so that they can also increase their support for you during this time,” Lunardini says.

Adjust expectations

Adjusting expectations means simply acknowledging that this holiday or occasion will be different while also recognizing that you have choices. To many, that means deciding whether to keep with tradition or create a new one.

Perhaps you typically attend a brunch to honor your mother on Mother’s Day, but this will be the first year without her. “Her absence creates space for you to make choices and control what you already know will be a hard day emotionally,” Lunardini explains. You might choose to do something in her honor, start a new tradition, pack the day full, or skip it entirely.

“There is no right or wrong way to handle your first holiday, but what is always helpful is to remember that you can just adjust expectations in real time by making choices and setting limits based on what you need at the moment.”

Lunardini offers one final piece of advice if a day starts to feel overwhelming: Use the STOPP technique. “STOPP” stands for:

Stop what you’re doing.
Take a breath.
Observe what is going on inside your body and in your environment.
Pivot or proceed.

Determine if you can and want to resume your activity — or if it’s simply time to take a break and rest.

How Storytelling Can Help Us Deal With the Hard Issues

Since the beginning of time, women have played an indispensable role in capturing and reflecting on the human experience, from the earliest storytellers to pioneering journalists, artists, and teachers who have shaped generations of minds.

Any woman who has something to say, and says it, can have a huge impact on how we look at the important things in life. And, so, we dedicated our “Light After Loss” Facebook Live episode to women storytellers and how they can strengthen our connection with one another.

Light After Loss Episode 19: Listening to Women's Voices: The Impact of Storytelling

Modern Loss’ Rebecca Soffer hosted a discussion with Stephanie Wittels Wachs, cofounder and chief creative officer of Lemonada Media and host of “Last Day,” a podcast that talks about mass epidemics in a frank and often humorous way. Here are some key moments from their conversation.

Why did Wachs create Lemonada Media?

Wachs’ brother, Harris Wittels, was a comedian and writer on “Parks and Recreation” and “Master of None.” He also struggled with opioid addiction and died from an overdose in early 2014.

storytelling with lemonada media founders Robyn Von Swank — Lemonada Media cofounders Stephanie Wittels Wachs (right) and Jessica Cordova Kramer. (Photo by Robyn Von Swank)

When her brother shared his addiction with her, Wachs felt like a bomb had been dropped on her house. She became overwhelmed by the shame and stigma around addiction, around losing her brother as she knew him, seeing him go in and out of rehab, and realizing there was nothing she and her family, or even a doctor, could do to actually make him better — the disease was just too powerful. The entire experience was incredibly isolating.

Wachs cofounded Lemonada with Jessica Cordova Kramer, a podcast producer she met and bonded with quickly over the fact that her brother also died of an overdose. They created the company to let others who are in similar situations know how important it is to talk about what they’re going through — and not just their problems but solutions too. As Wachs says, “Just sitting on your hands while your person drowns in front of you and you can’t find a life jacket is completely unacceptable.”

Why is it important to tell stories about difficult issues?

Lemonada offers an enormous breadth of programming, covering everything from opioid addiction to grief, sex to burnout, and the tough realities of motherhood to how we, as a community, can raise good kids. Wachs, Kramer, and their staff come up with the ideas for their shows by thinking about what is truly keeping people awake at night and creating the type of content people need to hear that will help them get out of bed in the morning. The goal is to show that certain situations are really hard, but also to educate listeners about what can make those situations a little easier.

Sometimes, merely listening to a show about an issue you are struggling with can make you feel better about your situation. Doing this can allow you to see yourself in that story and make you realize you aren’t alone, and can also help create more empathy in how you regard people with whom you think you have little in common. When we hear stories about people who we believe aren’t like us, we start to realize how, despite our political and cultural divides, many of us struggle with the same things.

storytelling with woman listening to podcast

We think of storytelling as being this lofty endeavor for people who have large platforms. But by just sharing your story and observing your experience, you can inspire someone who listens to it while opening yourself to connections that are powerful and healing.

When Wachs’ brother died, she published a personal essay about her experience online. To her surprise, she found an enormous amount of solace from the responses of readers who had experienced that same kind of sorrow. It helped her realize that she preferred to talk to people who had her lived experience, and not necessarily people she knew.

Wachs encourages people to simply write or talk to someone in order to start processing how they’re feeling and what they’d like to do about it. When we go through something difficult, we often feel more comfortable speaking with people who have a certain level of shared experience or who can listen in a completely unbiased way: in a grief group, with an acquaintance who gets it…even with our pets! Everyone has a story worth sharing.

This article was authored by ModernLoss.com, which offers candid conversation about grief and meaningful community throughout the long arc of loss.

Why Spring Birthdays Are the Best

Spring birthdays land at the perfect time for celebrating. We’re leaving the winter behind and welcoming warmer temperatures, blooming gardens, and more sun. Who wouldn’t be in the mood for a party?

“I love spring birthdays so much,” gushes Brittany Young, CEO and founder of Certified Celebrator and author of “Celebrate with Sprinkles: More Than 100 Party Possibilities to Add Joy and Sparkle to Any Occasion.” “Spring makes us feel new; it’s a season with new opportunities. We just all start to feel a little happier when the weather starts to turn.”

Young likes to keep things light, such as serving fresh fruits, chicken and pasta salads, and fun finger foods. She also suggests always being prepared for the notoriously unpredictable spring weather by having backup plans in place for outdoor parties and keeping things easily mobile and ready to relocate in case of spring showers. But, at least they bring us these…

Spring birthday party ideas for all ages

Spring is ideal for outdoor parties, and embracing bright and fresh birthday party themes. Here are a few of our favorites.

Blooming ice cream crawl

Who says you have to wait until summer to welcome back this beloved treat? It’s easy to decorate around this concept, with plenty of fun ice cream-themed decorations and other desserts to choose from. Make it a true “crawl” experience by putting out plenty of fl avors to sample, along with toppings like sauces, cookies, nuts, pretzels, and cereals to help guests customize their creations.

spring birthdays with tea party with cake and food

A spring tea party offers loads of possibilities, Young says. For fans of Jane Austen or “Bridgerton,” you can easily incorporate these elements into the classy theme. Stack tea pots, teacups, antique-styled books, pearls, and vintage tchotchkes to create a look sure to inspire raised pinkies. Take a nod from Young and chill wine bottles in buckets with eatable flower ice cubes. Of course, no spring tea party would be complete without some fancy sweets like petits fours, authentic British scones, and peach galettes.

Kids who love to play dress-up can also enjoy the mystique of bite-sized tea sandwiches, lacy table settings, and tiaras at the table.

Grow your garden party

Spring inspires us to want to celebrate the rebirth of nature around us. Translate that energy into a garden potting party. For little ones, dig into their fascination with bugs and playing in the dirt by serving up the quintessential “worms and dirt” cake along with some delicious chocolate strawberry ladybugs .

Young suggests encouraging guests to collect bits of nature from outside for crafts. “We do a lot of rock painting, finding things from the yard, and gluing them all together lets them use their imagination to create something unique.”

spring birthdays with gardening party — Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

spring birthdays with seed kits — Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

She suggests gifting pots with personalized seed p a ckets for grow-at-home party favors. Decorate a table with terracotta pots (which Young uses as cute cupcake holders), sheets of moss, and pretty gardening tools. For adults, offer a variety of plants that they can use to create their own container garden and feature cocktails with sprigs of fresh herbs.

Festive and fruity

Spring is all about vibrant colors, and fruits offer a rainbow of ways to create a unique spring birthday party theme. Whether it’s strawberry, lemon, or pineapple, you can either choose a single fruit to create a birthday party around or mix and match with a variety of flavors.

spring birthdays with guac and salsa — Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

Southwest fiesta

Combine Tex-Mex fare with Southwest charm for endless party possibilities. A fiesta is one of Young’s favorite themes because it’s suitable for both kids and adults. The latter can enjoy a make-your-own-margarita bar while guests of all ages will love a taco-making station with all the fixings.

For kids, keep these toppings spill-proof in muffin tins to cut down on clean-up. Decorate with Southwest-style plants, papel picado banners — traditional Mexican crafts consisting of intricate designs cut into pieces of tissue paper — and piñatas. Don’t forget to include plenty of cactus-themed accessories, such as these hilarious flower pots and stackable glasses. Add in a fun cacti or succulent potting activity based on the age range of your guests.

Spring birthday party ideas for kids

These ideas may be specifically intended for little ones, but they are still big on fun.

Happy “bee day”

Get the kiddos buzzing with this party theme Young designed to celebrate spring’s beauty. Combine baby’s breath with sunflowers as the centerpiece of your tablescape along with touches like woodsy decor, mason jars, and bottles of bear-shaped honey. Play bee-themed versions of party games and serve up treats like Buzzing Bee Dipped Strawberries.

spring birthdays with a bee party tablescape — Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

Peter Rabbit vegetable garden party

Let guests experience the magic of Beatrix Potter by recreating the woodland world of this beloved storybook character. Deck out the decor in the classic colors of this mischievous rabbit, including bright baby blues, yellow and brilliant greens. Don’t forget to supply plenty of veggies along with some yummy Buttercream-Frosted Walnut Carrot Cake Cookies.

Spring birthday party ideas for adults

If you’re planning a more grown-up birthday blowout, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

Go big on the blooms

Spring reminds us how much we missed the fragrance of flowers, so celebrate the season in a big way with plenty of fresh blooms. Dot a dinner table with an overabundance of gorgeous spring flowers — but don’t stop there! Offer a flower arranging workshop for guests outside (if the weather’s nice enough) or around a kitchen island. “Everyone is able to make their own bouquet and take it home with them,” Young says. “Doing a project like this together really opens up the door for lots of conversation and deeper connections.”

Pretty in pastels

By March, most of us are ready to ditch the deep dark colors of winter for brighter hues. Create a chic pastel-themed party using plenty of pink, mint, purple, and peach decorations, such as streamers and plates.

“I’m a big believer in balloons,” Young says. “They take up a lot of space and are very affordable.” She adds that a color-themed balloon arch display makes the perfect spot for guest photos. Serve up equally pretty treats in soft, subtle shades, such as irresistible spring truffle cake pops.

Host a luxury picnic

Take full advantage of the season’s mild temps by hosting a picnic. Begin setup by using tarps as a base to protect picnic blankets. Add pillows and poufs to outfit the setting, and combine small folding picnic tables for place settings. Line the table with a complementary table runner and deck out the scene with flowers, candles, and place mats.

spring birthdays with woman eating meat and cheese in kitchen

spring birthdays with wine cheese and meat

For a backyard party, serve a gourmet brunch that includes quiche, lemon poppy seed cake, English muffins, Canadian bacon, and two bottles of wine. If you need more portable delights, a snack-filled picnic basket or bakery tray overflowing with springtime favorites is sure to fit the bill. Add backyard party games, such as cornhole or ladder toss, or make it a “Rosé and Croquet” party for a truly luxe experience.

How to Write a Limerick

There was an Old Man with a beard,

Who said, “It is just as I feared!—

⁠Two Owls and a Hen,⁠

Four Larks and a Wren,

Have all built their nests in my beard!”

– Edward Lear

Limericks are instantly recognizable; no one would ever think a limerick was a sonnet or haiku. Edward Lear, a British poet and artist who wrote and illustrated 109 limericks in The Book of Nonsense, published in 1846, said he was inspired by a nursery rhyme.

The rules of limericks are simple:

They have five lines.
Lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme.
Lines 3 and 4 rhyme.
They have a distinctive rhythm (the technical term is metre).
That rhythm, known as “anapestic,” requires that 1, 2, and 5 have three strong syllables and 3 and 4 only two. But you don’t have to count; read limericks aloud and the rhythm will be in your head.

how to write a limerick with woman writing poetry

Limericks caught on and evolved

Lear didn’t invent limericks, or use the term, and we don’t know how they arose. One possibility is that the form developed as verses added to an Irish soldiers’ song, “Will You Come Up to Limerick?” (Limerick is a major city in Ireland.) By the end of the 1800s, important men of letters began showing off their limerick skills, and in the next century, magazines and companies were holding contests. Limericks were silly, bawdy, or super clever, as in this tongue twister:

A tutor who taught on the flute

Tried to teach two tooters to toot.

Said the two to the tutor,

“Is it harder to toot,

or to tutor two tooters to toot?”

Modern science or any topic can inspire a limerick, as in this mind bender:

There was a young woman named Bright,

Whose speed was much faster than light.

She set out one day,

In a relative way,

And returned on the previous night.

Or this lament:

I once fell in love with a blonde,

But found that she wasn’t so fond.

Of my pet turtle named Odle,

whom I’d taught how to Yodel,

So she dumped him outside in the pond.

Notice that one-syllable words are more common in limericks, but a rhyme involving more than one syllable makes it funnier (Odle and Yodle), and you can make up a word for your purpose (such as Odle.)

This is a famous example of that method, by the Tennessee poet Dixon Lanier Merritt:

A wonderful bird is the pelican,

His bill holds more than his belican.

He can take in his beak

Enough food for a week,

But I’m damned if I see how the helican.”

It’s hard to resist a smile at these. The form is inherently silly. In fact, writing a sad limerick would be a major achievement.

How to get started writing limericks

As writers and poets get their inspiration in different ways, and from different places, there is no one-size-fits-all method for crafting a limerick.

If you’re feeling like giving it a go for St. Patrick’s Day, or any time of year, here are eight ideas for getting that quintain down on paper.

how to write a limerick with person writing poetry

Start with “There once was an Old Man with a beard.” Enter “beard” into an online rhyme program, such as RhymeZone or Rhyme Finder. Choose two words that rhyme with “beard.” Contemplate a story involving those three words. Find a rhyme pair for the middle. When the answer comes, you should feel a satisfying “click.”
For the advanced class, do this with multi-syllable words. Ideally, all the syllables will rhyme, but you can get away with rhyming only the last syllable. The aforementioned rhyming websites will give you lots of options.
Think of a funny place name, such as Why (Arizona) or Kill (Ireland), and start with “There once was a sly guy from Why.” Any extra rhymes, such as sly, guy, and Why here, make it funnier.
Think of a favorite joke and apply the limerick format. Let it evolve.
Think of five lines from a pop song you absolutely hate and ridicule them as a limerick.
Take sad lines from a song or poem and watch them turn funny as a limerick.
As you settle in to sleep, tell yourself you’ll wake up with a limerick.
Look up limericks online and memorize one or two. Go to sleep. When you wake up, you might remember them incorrectly and be on your way to a new one.

Arise at sunrise and drink a lime rickey. Fancy yourself a limericker. Be tricky!

6 Ways for Family Caregivers to Get the Support They Need

Family caregivers come in many forms. They can be partners, children, siblings, parents, grandparents, or any relative who gives of their time to help someone in need.

In 2020, the United States had more than 53 million family caregivers, and that number increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to several factors, including closing adult day centers, a decreased professional caregiving workforce, and families taking their loved ones out of long-term care for fear of contagion. Currently, about one in five Americans is a caregiver, and their challenges are legion.

In a recent “Light After Loss” Facebook Live episode, Modern Loss’ Rebecca Soffer spoke with Rebecca Hobbs-Lawrence, a grief services coordinator and head of the Dougy Center’s Pathways program, which helps families when a family member is living with an advanced serious illness. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation.

Light After Loss Ep. 18: The Importance of Caregiving

What makes caregiving so challenging in the United States?

Many countries provide a wide range of publicly funded access to caregiving, which translates to equal access for all. When money is no longer an issue, everyone can have access to quality care.

In the United States, hiring a professional caregiver can be an enormous financial burden. If the cost is too high, family members must decide if they can afford to take the time they need to provide the care themselves, or if they can figure out a way to keep their current employment while also being a caregiver. Long-term care insurance is available in the U.S., but it needs to be set up well in advance of actually needing such a thing and can also only be used for assisted living.

How can intensive family caregiving throw off the balance of someone’s life?

Caregiving can have a wide-ranging impact, potentially affecting everything from one’s emotional and mental health to his or her financial wellness. Some people work extra jobs in order to make additional income; others take on more work outside the home just to have a social outlet that they don’t have in their caregiving role. Family caregivers — especially ones filling that role in the long term — can see their lifetime earning potential take a significant hit. Some people burn through their retirement savings so they can cover the expenses of caregiving, and many give up precious access to friends and leisurely pursuits.

caregivers with young woman taking walking with older woman

What are some feelings caregivers struggle with?

Caregiving is an emotionally complex experience. Those who provide family care are not always doing a job that they want to do — be it temporary or long term — and the emotions they can feel can be heightened if they are isolated in their roles at home. They also might struggle with hypervigilance about all the details that they need to take care of, guilt over wishing they were somewhere else (even when they are somewhere else), or resentment toward other family members who are not helping as much.

How can caregivers find support?

If you’re a caregiver and are feeling overwhelmed in the role, seek help. The best advice is to start small, especially if you haven’t made a practice of self-care in your caregiving role.

Here are six ways to get the support you need as a caregiver.

1. Give yourself permission to have a break

This can include making yourself take five-minute timeouts. Being able to take even a short rest and do some deep breathing to get oxygen back into your body can help your mind to sharpen and reset.

2. Make sure you get enough hydration

This may seem obvious, but when you’re continually focused on someone else, it’s easy to forget your own basic needs.

3. Focus on good nutrition

You need stamina — both the physical and mental kind — to endure the caregiving marathon you’re in, and that means giving your body the proper nourishment. Instead of skipping meals and snacking whenever you have a free moment, make sure you sit down for solid meals throughout the day.

4. Get some mental health support

Are you dealing with a cancer diagnosis, or Alzheimer’s? It can be hugely helpful to know you are not the only one in your situation. There are many situation-specific support groups that can provide help, both virtually and in person. Organizations such as The Dougy Center offer peer support groups as well.

5. Ask others for something specific

Do you need someone to pick up your kids from school? Fold your laundry? Clean your house? Reach out to friends or other relatives for assistance. The sooner you ask, the sooner you will get the help you need.

6. Offer to do something specific for a caregiver

If you’re someone supporting a caregiver, instead of saying “I’m here for whatever you need,” try something like “Do you need groceries picked up?” or “Do you need gas put in your car?” Everyone has something specific they can easily do for someone else, and doing so can make a huge difference in the life of a caregiver.

This article was authored by ModernLoss.com, which offers candid conversation about grief and meaningful community throughout the long arc of loss.

How to Enjoy Hygge & the End of the Winter Season

Spring is not quite in the air yet. With weeks to go before it’s officially a new season, and the end of the winter tending to linger, engaging in self-care is a must. And if anyone knows how to capitalize on winter, it’s Scandinavians. “We go to work or school in the dark, we watch the sun from behind a window, and the light disappears before we head back home,” says Johnny Van Duong, a project manager in civil engineering and a resident of Oslo, Norway.

With the winters being quite long and dark, we all need some extra care and the classic winter hygge happens with lots of cozy blankets.

Katinka Friis

Public Relations & Press Manager

VisitDenmark

How do Van Duong and his fellow Scandinavians beat the winter blues? They practice hygge, (pronounced HEW-guh), which means creating a cozy environment and enjoying simple comforts. During the winter, Scandinavians emphasize cooking, believing that preparing food is more satisfying than pulling a meal from a delivery bag. Engagement is found in stimulating entertainment that doesn’t come with a screen, such as puzzles, crafts, and reading. Winter sports are not only invigorating but a way of life. It’s not uncommon to see a neighbor telemarking to a friend’s house to deliver a homemade care package.

Pictures of woolen socks, reading by the fire, and activities that promote comfort and warmth are heavily promoted on social media. “With the winters being quite long and dark, we all need some extra care, and the classic winter hygge happens with lots of cozy blankets,” says Katinka Friis, public relations and press manager for VisitDenmark.

Here are six mood-boosting winter practices to follow based on hygge.

1. Cozy days

Van Duong regularly engages in Fredags hygge or Søndags hygge, which directly translates to “Friday coziness” and “Sunday coziness.” On Fridays, friends gather for a taco or pizza dinner and socialize in a comfortable atmosphere, such as someone’s home or a restaurant. Sundays are more robust if the weather allows it. One of Van Duong’s favorite Søndags hygge activities is cross country skiing. “We’ll camp somewhere, light a bonfire, grill sausages, and have a winter lunch/picnic with seats dug in the snow,” he says.

hygge with winter Sunday cozy — Oslo, Norway, resident Johnny Van Duong and his friends enjoy “Sunday Cozy,” a Norwegian hygge custom that includes engaging in robust winter activities.

hygge with Norwegians in winter setting — Oslo, Norway, resident Johnny Van Duong and his friends enjoy “Sunday Cozy,” a Norwegian hygge custom that includes engaging in robust winter activities.

2. Cabin culture

Going on cabin retreats to escape the demands of work and the obsessive connection to digital devices is a Norwegian winter hygge ritual. “We appreciate the quality time we get to spend with friends and family,” Van Duong says. Cabin culture activities include building a fire, playing board games, chopping wood, baking, and lighting candles. “You wouldn’t have that during the summer, would you?” Van Duong adds.

3. Just add flowers and plants

If there’s one way to bring harbingers of a warmer season into the home, it’s with flowers and plants, which contribute to hygge practices. Anything from an elaborate arrangement to easy-to-care-for succulents can emit joy through their color, beauty, and scent. “I love having flowers,” says Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a clinical psychologist and author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power tribute to Your Anxiety” who recommends partaking in the spirit of hygge. “Flowers, plants, or an herb garden is a way to bring nature indoors and elevate a mood.”

Winters are challenging for Valerie Ghitelman, 1-800-Flowers.com vice president of product development, sourcing, and design, because she cannot spend time in her garden. So how does Ghitelman get around this predicament? With fresh flowers, of course, and having elements of nature indoors. “Hygge is who I am,” she says. “I bring home colorful flowers at least once a week to help me get through the gloomy months of winter,” she says. Here’s another idea: Guarantee a regular cycle of flower deliveries by treating yourself to a monthly flower subscription.

Bunches of Love Tulip Iris Bouquet — Bunches of Love Tulip & Iris Bouquet

4. Drink up

Nurturing beverages provide comfort and warmth and, thus, are part of the hygge ritual. The act of drinking tea is a way to embrace the quiet and peaceful solitude of winter, says Emeric Harney, marketing director of Harney Tea. “Look at teatime as ‘me time,’” he says. “A time to engage in comfort activities with a cuddly throw, your favorite human or fur friend, and a good book.”

And then there’s the other beloved winter drink — hot cocoa. The sweet, warm taste lifts the spirits of people of all ages. “Personally, for me, beating winter has to be that hot cup of cocoa with extra whipped cream and mini-marshmallows after getting inside and escaping the cold,” Van Duong says.

5. Outdoor fitness is foremost

Hygge also involves exercising outside, which promotes feelings of positivity. “Even on the coldest days, the Danes bring hygge down to the harbor front or the beach, where they jump in the icy waters and reheat with their thermos filled with coffee or hot chocolate and some indulgent baked goods from the local bakeries,” Friis says.

Carmichael explains that fitness is needed to increase dopamine levels, which are lower in the winter. These neurotransmitters emit pleasure to the body, thus placing increased importance on activity. “Fitness gives us that efficacy to give us control of ourselves and bodies,” she says.

hygge with couple taking walk through woods in winter

But it’s so cold out! Try these tips . . .

Venturing outside in the cold may not seem like an enticing option, but once you’re outside and moving, you’ll feel the benefits.

One of Carmichael’s preferred hygge activities is winter walks. She recommends keeping it interesting by making it a private scavenger hunt, where you look for 10 signs of winter along the way. Homing in on icicles or how your breath freezes in the air can have a wondrous, mood-enhancing effect.

Want an even greater challenge? Wear a weighted vest or listen to high-energy music to get the heart rate up and connect with nature all at once.

Social activity

How can you bring in a social element to your fitness routine? Carmichael says to further multitask your winter walks by asking a friend to join you, which is beneficial since we tend to be less social in winter. This way you connect with friends, stay fit, and are outdoors.

6. Positive engagement

Hibernation also has its benefits, Carmichael notes. Hygge can be achieved by consciously sleeping in. Make a delicious stew. Map out your spring and summer plans. “Find out when Memorial Day is and research state parks to visit in your area or a great site for a picnic. Targeting dates help your brain realize that winter will not last forever,” she says.

Despite the climate, Scandinavia ranks as the world’s happiest place to live. By making a point to include uplifting activities daily — such as lighting candles, surrounding ourselves with fresh flowers, fitness, and preparing delicious meals — winter becomes a more welcomed time of year.

More hygge-inspired gift ideas

hygge Cinnabon Classic Rolls — Cinnabon® Classic Rolls

hygge Cozy Hygge Blanket Scarf Gift Box — Cozy Hygge Blanket Scarf Gift Box

hygge Cozy Tea Forte Well Being Gift Box Set — Tea Forte® Well Being Gift Box Set

Best Birthday Gifts for Pisces

Pisces are creative, transformative, and always looking to expand their world view, according to New York City-based astrologist and best-selling author Lisa Stardust. In addition, they tend to be sensitive and empathetic, and make great friends.

But there’s another side to this sign: They also can be flighty, easily distracted, and have their head in the clouds — qualities that can make them tricky to buy presents for.

Don’t worry, though. By learning more about Pisces and their most common personality traits, you can be well prepared when it comes time to choose the perfect gift for their upcoming birthday.

What to know about Pisces

Pisces (Feb. 20-March 21) is the mutable water sign of the Zodiac. Like other mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, and Sagittarius), they are known for their ability to re-calibrate and adjust to change. But that’s pretty much where their practicality ends.

“Pisces are dreamers,” Stardust says. “They’re big on fantasy, playing into their imagination, and even escapism.”

birthday gifts for pisces with woman daydreaming

In many ways, Stardust says, Pisces are considered the “visionaries of the zodiac.” She attributes this to their having two planetary rulers, and those rulers being Jupiter and Neptune.

“Neptune is the ruler of the oceans, and Jupiter is an expansive planet that’s all about expanding your mind, your heart, and the way you see the world,” she says. “So, with Pisces, their emotions can be like the waves — one moment they’re calm, the next they’re roaring. You never know what you might get.”

Pisces prefer to concern themselves less with the material world around them and more with the made-up one in their heads, Stardust says. Still, they love to receive thoughtful gifts that are glamorous and revolve around their interests.

Best birthday gifts for Pisces

Pisces, according to Stardust, appreciate a gift that fosters their creative spirit, speaks to their water sign, or allows them to distance themselves from their everyday lives. For those reasons, books and movies are good choices for Pisces seeking an escape from reality.

Gifts like cookbooks, culinary tools, painting sets, and other art supplies are also wonderful options for Pisces who want an outlet for their creativity. People born under this sign are also known for their love of music, Stardust says, so getting them an instrument, record player, or something else music related is a good choice, too.

5 go-to birthday gifts for Pisces

Now it’s time to get specific. Here are five birthday gifts that the Pisces in your life will greatly appreciate.

1. Something that grows

If you’re thinking about gifting a Pisces a flower or plant, you can’t go wrong with water lilies or a lotus, Stardust says. “Water lilies and lotus both represent good fortune, and Pisces is considered a lucky sign,” she said.

Water lilies are good picks because they represent more than good fortune — they’re also a symbol of peace, truth, and art. The whimsical Pisces will love a flower that stands for some of the same things they do.

Birthday gift ideas for Pisces

Of course, water lilies and lotus flowers aren’t exactly on the best-seller list for most online flower retailers, so you may have to compromise a little. We suggest a couple of other options that can be found in an aquatic environment: blue irises and calla lilies.

2. Something to relieve stress

Pisces aren’t high strung, per se, but, as mutable signs, they’re subject to taking on the stress from their surroundings. “All mutables pick up the energy of the world around them,” Stardust says.

A gift that helps them keep calm, relax, and wind down is a great choice. Soft blankets, scented candles, or a spa set are all good options for Pisces.

3. Something for their feet

Fun fact: Every sign on the zodiac rules a part of the body, and for Pisces, it’s the feet. Pisces might not always have their feet on the ground, but they are very into their tootsies, so get them something that satisfies this proclivity.

“A Pisces will love slippers, socks, a fun nail polish, or even a spa massager for their feet,” Stardust says. Looking for something truly unique? Get them a pack of foot masks. (Yes, there is such a thing.)

birthday gifts for pisces with woman reading by the bath

4. Something for their bath

No surprise here: Pisces, true to their nature as a water sign, enjoy bath products. Bath salts, bath bombs, and any other bath- or shower-related product will likely go over well with a Pisces.

5. Something glamorous

Pisces can have expensive taste, a result of their being ruled by Neptune, the planet of mystery and illusion. Knowing their predilection for the finer things, scoring gifts like perfume, jewelry, and even preserved roses for a Pisces will all be winners.

For more astrological birthday gifting inspiration, check out our other gift guides:
Gifts for Virgo
Gifts for Libra
Gifts for Scorpio
Gifts for Sagittarius
Gifts for Capricorn
Gifts for Aquarius