“Natural Style and Grace are actually pretty easy to spot.”
– The Uphill Skater –

I love to be around women who are natural. To me that means those who have their own kind of style and a grace that comes from inner confidence. Women like that make great friends and are always there for you. I am sure you know what I mean. Think about your closest friend or relative. Hopefully, she is the one who makes you feel good about yourself. The one who has confidence in themselves, but also helps you feel confident, too. 

Being true to who you really are can be dependent on the choices you make, which happens nearly 400 hundred times per day. Each time you decide to do one thing and not the other, you make a personal choice. Do you do what you think you should do in the eyes of others, or do you decide what is best for you? Where does your inner strength come from? Do you make that choice from a place of confident strength, or do you just go with the flow? What do you need to do to find the grace to be yourself in the best possible way?

As the world looks on in horror as Russia invades Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin began his campaign against Ukraine’s legitimacy as a nation years ago. He has argued that Ukraine was an integral part of Russian civilization and blamed the country’s ruling class for convincing the world that Ukrainians were different from Russians. But this denial of Ukraine’s existence has a long history in Russian culture and politics dating back to the 1870’s.

Ukrainian filmmakers have been on the forefront of this struggle for cultural recognition, first during Soviet times when Ukraine was a constituent republic and more recently, since Russia’s annexation of Crimea. After 2014, a new generation of Ukrainian cinema matured under the threat of Russian aggression, but also amid the hope for national renewal. The Reel Corner has listed a few Ukrainian films that can easily be accessed on Amazon Prime, Apple TV or Netflix. Each of them show the spirit and struggles of the Ukrainian people.

After so much time spent inside during the cold winter months, we are all ready to get out and enjoy the gorgeous spring weather. However, it’s important to take precautions before basking in the sun. Yes! You can get sunburned even on these beautiful, cool, sunny spring days. Skin cancer—the abnormal growth of skin cells—most often develops on skin that has been exposed to the sun. Are you at risk?

There are three major types of skin cancer:
• Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is skin cancer that begins in the basal cells, which are a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells as old ones die off. Basal cell carcinoma typically appears in sun-exposed areas, such as the head and neck and has a slightly transparent bump. It is usually a growth or sore that won’t heal.

I met up with Craig Reaves and his son Sam at the family business, Sea Eagle Market, on Boundary Street in Beaufort. As I was leaving, my husband said, “Pick up some shrimp for dinner!” Everyone in Beaufort loves the Reaves’ fresh shrimp, and a quick and delicious meal can be made with any of their local, fresh seafood.

Craig had started his long day of oystering with a Bible study at 6:30 a.m. He and his family are active at Cross Community Church, a young, active church that meets at the YMCA in Beaufort. Faith and trust in God are an important part of the Reaves family life.

DEAR SUSAN:
Those supposed “bad boys” are filling some need in girls’ lives that makes them take notice—and feel special. Maybe it’s only the cheap rush of danger; maybe it’s sexual, but without a doubt, something strong gets their attention! (And nice guys rarely come on as strong!) Males who see themselves as “nice guys” should give up trying so hard to BE nice—and DO more. An interested person is an interesting person! Be the guy who’s doing things in the world, who’s truly interested in his work, who makes things happen. And guess what—he’s nice, too. Females are drawn to a man who’s interesting. And when niceness is also part of his persona, they’ll fall at his feet. —From the ‘Single File’ Blog

Q: I recently tried toilet training my 32-month-old, but after a few days of no success, I decided to stop. A friend tells me to hang in there, but my pediatrician says my son isn’t ready. She suggests I try again in a few months. Your thoughts?

“Nature’s bounty—nutritious and delicious!”
– The Uphill Skater –

People who are on special diets, be it a fad, a personal choice, or for medical reasons, know there are always challenges. Restrictions, no-nos and transforming a diet to reduced convenient processed foods are all uphill climbs. Trying to eat and live according to natural laws and the foods nature provides is obviously the most healthy way to live, but as we know from what has happened with COVID, science often can contradict itself and is also constantly changing with each new discovery. Food science is exactly the same. As we know more and more about our bodies, and especially how our hormones control what we eat and how our bodies function, we are drawn to foods that science tells us are healthy and natural—hence the boom of kale, avocados, and Brussel sprouts and the birth of numerous mass-produced gluten-free and Keto products—even bread.

What makes those stand-out lines from movies so quotable?

How many times have you stood on your porch and screamed, “I’m the king of the world!” (Titanic) Or wandered around in the dark and uttered, “I have a bad feeling about this?” (Starwars)

Some films have countless quotes that are distinct in their own right; others have one single line that defines the entire feature. Whether it is a niche film or a classic, there is always something that will stand out, one way or another.endations:

Keeping our stomachs happy can be a difficult task when large portions, processed foods and eating on-the-go are all lifestyles most people have adopted, especially in the South, where fried foods are preferred. Most of us know when we’ve gone too far with excessive food and drink, waddling to the couch to assume a horizontal position soon after dinner for relief from overeating. But when are stomach issues, which may be caused by more than a stomach-revolting, self-induced food binge, a concern? We had a gut feeling it was time to ask our local experts to tell us more about the importance of gut health and the perils we may experience.

DEAR SUSAN:
I finally ended a long marriage that was filled with lies, cheating and mental and verbal abuse. (It took years for the divorce to become final.) My therapist, children, family and friends all are encouraging me to start dating again and begin a new life with a new man who deserves and respects me. I shudder at the thought. Whenever the topic is even mentioned I begin to shake and sometimes even cry. I’ve been so scarred by my past relationship that the issue of trust is more than a hurdle; it’s like breaking through a brick wall. I’m very happy surrounded by family and friends—and happy to finally be on my own. I know I have many good years ahead (I’m approaching the age of 50), but why must they be with a partner? Must I start dating again to “heal” and make my life “complete”?

My 3-year-old is fearful of trying anything new, including things that other kids his age love to do such as swinging on a swing, sliding down a slide, and splashing in a pool. I feel like I should begin talking to him about what to do in case of a fire in our house and “stranger danger,” but how can I make him aware of how serious these dangers are without scaring him?

“Free advice straight from the heart!
And, who doesn’t love free advice, right?”
– The Uphill Skater –

Nobody really loves free advice, but you have to admit that most often it comes straight from the heart. I have some excellent free advice for you today, and it is truly straight from my heart because I believe it will make a difference. I have been reading about and researching the New Year, and did you know more resolutions are made in February than in January.

I am not implying that those of us who failed in January are taking yet another shot at it, I’m just saying … okay, I guess that is what I am implying. But good for you—and me— for not giving up! Better late than never, so here is my February Cupid’s arrow loaded with simple free advice and shot directly to the heart. These nuggets of tender loving concern are baby steps toward living your best life.

In honor of the month of Love, Valentine’s Day, and Heart-filled experiences, I surveyed my friends at CVS on Matthews Drive in Hilton Head, along with a few others to nominate their favorite feel-good films.

In the chaos we live in today, a film that makes you smile, feel good and look at life with optimism is exactly what we need.

What is your favorite? Here are a few surveyed recommendations:

Heart disease and stroke is something no one ever wants to experience. Unfortunately though, heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women. The good news is there are lifestyle choices that can help reduce your risks, even if it runs in your family. The best way to combat the debilitating effects of a possible heart attack or stroke is to partner with your physician and take precautions based on your current state of health. Make an appointment today to take heart and beat the odds you may be facing. In the meantime, read on to learn more about heart disease and stroke from our local medical experts.

DEAR SUSAN:
I was quite saddened to read in ‘Single File’ that unmarried households (solo) outnumber married families. But as I think about it, it’s somewhat true. Even in my life I know of several people between the ages of 30 and 55 who live alone. Those divorced are trying desperately to meet someone so as not to continue their journey alone. I think that’s because they have experienced marriage and motherhood and want to experience part (if not all) of it again.

Making children happy became a parenting goal in the early 1970s. The paradox, as everyone with a modicum of common sense knows, is that the more effort parents put into making a child happy, the more unhappy the child becomes.

Underneath the cute appearance of an infant lurks a tyrant. I would have been expelled from graduate school for writing that sentence, but as loathe as many of today’s parents are to accept it, that is the truth. Another paradox: Parents who are unwilling to accept it are the ones most likely to give the tyrant permission to step out of hiding and begin his reign of terror.

“Get fresh! It’s the New Year!”
– The Uphill Skater –

Fresh fish, fresh produce, fresh face, refresh and on and on. What we are talking about here is fresh! To me, fresh has mostly food meanings. I love to farmer’s market shop for crunchy veggies, and I always do “pick your own” fruits in season whenever I can. However, fresh also makes us think of renewal and rejuvenation—basically, freshening up. To freshen up ourselves or our surroundings can be daunting and frustrating. Sometimes we can’t even see what needs refreshening or just don’t know where to start. The New Year is the perfect time to revisit some goals that may have failed in the past. Now is the time for forgiving ourselves and giving whatever it is a fresh try.

January through March the chatter about film is all about awards. It’s time to start talking about the 2022 Oscars. The major fall film festivals—Venice, Telluride and Toronto—have all had their starry red carpets and introduced us to some of this year’s contenders.

After an awkward ceremony last year shaped by Covid, this year the Academy Awards promise to be back in full swing, despite the lingering of that pesky pandemic. While the March 27, 2022, ceremony is still months away, the conversation has already begun. Though everybody has their own opinions on the matter, here are films The Reel Corner thinks will be in the running for Best Picture.

Too often, the stigma that still surrounds mental health has caused people to struggle in silence. We at Pink want to help put an end to that stigma by shining a light on Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and Panic. These are all real health issues, not character flaws or weaknesses. The strongest thing we can do is seek help. Here is advice from experts for dealing with these serious issues.

It’s all over the web, that “grit” thing. Seems like every day, I get some promo for a webinar on how to get more grit, project more grit, or get in touch with your inner grit. So, allow me to enlighten the reader on how to help your child acquire grit.

First, what is grit? Grit is equal parts determination, tenacity, and emotional resilience, which is the ability to withstand setbacks and even failure. Grit is nothing new. Marco Polo had it. Edmund Hillary had it. Navy Seals have it. I know that leaves lots of people out, but this is a magazine column, not a history book. You get the picture. Grit is hanging in there and getting the job done when failure is a looming possibility. Grit is in short supply today, as I and many folks of my generation fear.

“WooHoo! Let’s Party! On second thought…
here’s some good advice you probably don’t want to hear.” 
– The Uphill Skater –

I recall one holiday season when my husband and I had party invitations for every night in December, including Christmas Eve. We could not believe it, and indeed felt very popular. That is until we realized that nearly everyone had social obligations for every night in December. Let’s face it y’all, the Lowcountry is a party kind of place, and Christmastime and the holidays are just too perfect to pass up a party! 

A friend of mine realized she had lost one of her diamond earrings while having a meal at a roadside Cracker Barrel on her way home to Delaware from Hilton Head. Crying and searching to no avail, she and her husband finished their meals. When asking the waitress for the check, they learned another customer paid their tab in hopes the gesture might soften the blow of the missing earring.

A stranger dropped off a $15 Starbucks gift card at my workstation after witnessing me trying to navigate and mediate two overzealous and demanding patients wanting to “be first” in the Moderna booster line.

I often find myself telling parents that they need to stop
doing something that is counterproductive and, in most cases,
contributing significantly to whatever parenting problem is bedeviling them.

“How do I stop?” is the typical response, which brings to mind “The Bob Newhart Show” which ran on CBS from 1972 to 1978. Newhart, a truly gifted comic (i.e., one who does not need to resort to vulgarity to get laughs), played Dr. Robert Hartley, a Chicago psychologist who was known for his unusual therapeutic techniques, one of which consisted of two simple words.
After listening to a client describe a mental problem, such as an obsessive fear of being buried alive in a box (my personal favorite), Dr. Hartley would lean forward and yell, “Stop it!” (Readers interested in watching a brilliant demonstration of authentic comedy can access re-runs of TBNS online.)

“I often wonder how Elizabeth Millen
and her crew think up these really great themes?”
– The Uphill Skater –

This month’s theme, #FriendshipGoals, got me thinking the minute I read it. I not only thought about the word friendship, but also how in the world it could be tied in with the word goal? Eazzzy peazzy as it turns out, but because I am into food and nutrition, my first thoughts were about how to make food your friend. In other words, what sort of goals would you set to make food your actual friend? So many times in my day I think of food as the enemy: Cookies; chips of every kind (my weakness); that second glass of wine; butter; or extra cheese on anything. I could go on and on!