Inspirations for Better Living November 2022 | Page 9

MARLENE RATLEDGE BUCHANAN
lives with enthusiasm as a woman , wife , mother , teacher , and writer . She is quick to say that she ’ d plan to marry someone old and rich but only got old . This is often immediately followed by how she 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 . After seven years of marriage , a beautiful olive skin baby boy became a part of their lives . 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 been entertaining readers with her observations about life through her column , Hey Y ’ all , published in the Gwinnett Citizen in Georgia since 2015 . Her column first appeared in the life section of the Snellville Patch . Marlene returns with her unique commentary column , “ Anything Goes with Mama Marlene .” This month she reminds us that Celebrating the Good Times is not once a year but should be every day of our lives !
SUSAN M . HEIM
is an author and editor specializing in parenting multiples and women ’ s issues . When she and her husband were unexpectedly blessed with twin boys , joining the two sons they already had , Susan took a leap of faith , leaving her job as Senior Editor at a publishing company to become a work-at-home mom allowing her more time to follow her two greatest passions : parenting and writing . Susan wrote and collaborated on many books , including eleven Chicken Soup for the Soul books ; Boosting Your Baby ’ s Brain Power ; It ’ s Twins ! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence ; Oh , Baby ! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year : and , Twice the Love : Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins , Multiples and Singletons . Her articles and stories have appeared on websites , and magazines , including Angels on Earth and TWINS Magazine . Susan is currently part of her local public library marketing team . She uses her writing and graphic design skills to promote literacy and library programs . Susan is the perfect expert in successfully raising Twins . Susan returns with a beautiful story , “ Conquering Negativity with Gratitude ,” encouraging us to make room in our head and heart for gratitude , as it will transform our life !
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