Happy New Year Everyone – one year ends and another begins and we stop to consider what is left behind and what lies ahead. It seems that old scams have been given new life with the use of evolving technology. Between AI, Chat GP, photoshop manipulations and other acronyms we are becoming an alphabetized society  intent on using  shortcuts without the benefit of considering actual facts. Scammers have been handed new weapons to use against unsuspecting consumers and we are lacking the proper tools to defend ourselves. My best advice is to question everything and don’t accept anything at face value – pun intended.

I hope everyone has a healthy and happy 2026. I will be working on writing projects and jumping down rabbit holes to gather information to bring clarity and integrity to my work. In the meantime I urge consumers to CYA –Cover Your Assets 🙂

Till next time…

I’ve been involved with teaching and sharing tips for scam prevention for over 20 years .I’ve written monthly newspaper columns, given workshops and lectures, and assisted many folks in resolving troubling issues as office manager for the Seniors vs Crime Project in FL. I’ve trained myself to be diligent and cautious in order to help others.especially vulnerable senior citizens. To my dismay , more folks  are being exploited and victimized via romance,  fake family emergency calls,  and medical identity theft  tactics to name a few.The aftermath of experiencing a scam  can be just as frightening and stressful as the actual act itself. Here’s a few suggestions to help loved ones and friends recover with dignity, pride, and love.

Don’t shame or demean them. They’re embarrassed and confused already.

Be proactive in educating them about online and telephone scams.

Be available ifor any questions or concerns about emails, texts, or solicitations.

It takes courage to admit you’ve been scammed. Praise them for sharing.

Remember everyone is at a different level of proficiency with tech. Be patient.

Purchase a copy of my book Scammunition on Amazon. The information is still useful in today’s fast-paced world.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer season.

I pluck the petals of sun-drenched buttercups

Playing a game of “he loves me, he loves me not”

Secretly hoping that he does just for today

I blow on wispy dandelion heads

Cradled in my palm like fragile strands of milkweed encased in knobby green pods

I spot ripe, red raspberries and pop them into my mouth

Tickling my tastebuds and staining my lips with a juicy palette of sweetness

And find hope in ways I can’t explain.

Stickman,  Stickman  knocking  at  my door

I said “Hey Legs! What ya looking for?”

He said “Yo Lady! I’m simply passing through

Just relaxing for a bit and I’d like to thank you.”

He scuttled back and forth and did a little jig

I watched his leggy dancing he wasn’t very big

He finally turned and nodded, “I best be on my way”

He took off really fast and wished me a good day.

c 2025

I am very pleased and honored to announce that I am officially part of the Grant Writing Team for Upijata Arts company, a non-profit organization located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.  Upijata Arts is comprised of several dedicated instructors and sponsors who believe that the arts, including dancing, painting, and sculpting can help heal and nurture children on the reservation whose lives have been affected by both historical trauma and on-going adverse conditions that are harmful to their development.

Funds are needed to help provide a nurturing and safe environment for the children to express their own creativity. There is no transportation available to them. Many ride bicycles or skateboards to class and some walk along the side of long roads leading to their classrooms.  The arts are a welcome relief from other hardships they endure. All of them are always grateful for all assistance of any kind.

I welcome any suggestions or ideas that anyone has for grants or other fundraising options. Please take a moment to visit their website to see how you can help. No one is asking for new computers, the latest tablets or iPhone. They need help with supplies and want to be able to pay instructors so that they, in turn, can help others. Thank you!

http://www.upijataartscompany.org

Nurturing creativity and imagination are the cornerstones of learning new skills and expanding the mindsets of both young and old people. Without the freedom of artistic expression everything would be the same, no new concepts would be born, and a stifling blanket of boredom would weigh down on the budding spirits of aspiring artists. I am a very proud and grateful sponsor of Upijata Arts Company, a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization, located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Led by a staff of insightful and talented instructors Upijata Arts focuses on the healing power of the arts ranging from dance, painting, and performing arts to sharing and preserving cultural customs and skills such as beading, drumming, and storytelling. Sadly, Native American history is full of historical trauma and ongoing issues such as teen suicides, racism, and lack of economic opportunities within the community. Upijata Arts is the shining light of hope for many young students and a place where the elders can pass down their wisdom and knowledge to a new generation eager to learn about their heritage.

For more information on how to donate and/or assist with their programs please visit

https://upijataartscompany.org

Thank you!

For several years now I have primarily focused on scam prevention tips and hints. I a am changing and shifting perspectives to include a variety of topics. This month I am highlighting a project I worked on with my granddaughter. She designed the cover and I gathered recipes covering five generations of family members. The end result was a book I gave as gifts to loved ones. Why not try a similar exercise in creativity while staying safe and healthy? I used a free recipe template and used that format to enter all the data. Once completed I used the services of a popular business supply chain to have it printed. The recipes brought back happy memories of times gone by and provided an opportunity to share some family history. Bon Appetit!