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T rue C rime O bsession THE DARK POWER OF PERSUASION
APRIL 2025
Learning about historical events, people, and locations can be fascinating. Whether we realize it or not, almost all of us have an influential person or specific time period that captivates our minds and makes us wonder about the past. We usually get introduced to these significant places and people through books, movies, and TV shows. You may enjoy watching movies about WWII or the Wild West, or maybe you prefer to read about the Founding Fathers and how they inspired the colonies during the Revolutionary War. Learning about human history, regardless of whether you’re focusing on the good times or the bad, can open your eyes to the world around you. Whenever I’m looking for a new documentary to watch, I find that I’m drawn to anything related to true crime. I’m a self-proclaimed true crime junkie! It started back when I was still in school. I took several classes that allowed me to pick a book to read and research. Nearly every time, I chose “Helter Skelter” by Curt Gentry and Vincent Bugliosi. Bugliosi served as the prosecutor in the 1970 trial of Charles Manson, and “Helter Skelter” told the true story of the Manson Family and one of the most infamous true crime cases in history. It gave firsthand accounts of all the cases of the individuals who made up the Manson family and is considered the best-selling true crime book in history.
spread to other true crime events with a specific focus on cult leaders. The idea that these individuals have some kind of magnetism that allows them to influence, persuade, and control other people is captivating but also quite unsettling. Cult leaders commonly attain a level of power that allows them to control others and prompt their followers to behave inappropriately. Some even go to the most extreme lengths and convince their followers to do the unthinkable. I simply can’t imagine carrying out such insane actions solely because another person told me to, so how does this happen? I had lunch with a therapist once while networking, and this topic came up during our discussion. I told him I didn’t understand the cult mentality, but he said it could be explained from a certain point of view. Imagine a life where it feels like nobody cares about you. Maybe you had a tough childhood or your spouse is abusive, and nobody else seems to pay any attention to you. Then, out of nowhere, you meet someone who says they love you, will care for you, and take care of all your needs. That’s all it takes for that person to get into your mind and gain the ability to influence your decisions. Our world would be a lot kinder and more peaceful if these individuals used their incredible persuasion skills and influence to improve their communities. Imagine if they inspired people to be the best versions of themselves and be impactful members of society. That’s the type of leader we could all look toward and try to emulate.
For many years, I would read or watch anything related to Charles Manson and those affiliated with his crimes. My interest quickly
THE IDEA THAT THESE INDIVIDUALS, NO MATTER HOW CRAZY THEY MAY SEEM TO US, HAVE SOME KIND OF MAGNETISM THAT ALLOWS THEM TO INFLUENCE, PERSUADE, AND CONTROL OTHER PEOPLE IS CAPTIVATING BUT ALSO QUITE UNSETTLING.”
- Esther Vayman
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U npack P arenting ’ s ‘M ental L oad ’
workload can lighten the load for everyone. Remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a superpower. PERFECT IS BORING — BE REAL INSTEAD Let go of the idea that you need to be the perfect parent. Perfection is overrated and impossible. Life throws curveballs, and part of raising resilient kids is showing them how to handle challenges without losing your cool. Be kind to yourself, and embrace the “good enough” mindset. You don’t need to do it all, and your kids don’t need you to be flawless — they need you to be present. FROM OVERWHELMED TO EMPOWERED The mental load of parenting will never disappear entirely, but it doesn’t have to weigh you down. When you ditch unrealistic expectations, lean on your village, and embrace imperfection, you can find more balance and joy in the chaos. Parenting is messy, exhausting, and sometimes downright hard — but it’s also beautiful, rewarding, and full of unforgettable moments. So, take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and remember: You’re doing a great job. You’ve got this.
FINDING PEACE IN MODERN PARENTING
Parenting is a labor of love, but let’s face it — sometimes, it just feels like labor. The mental load of raising kids and running a household creates a constant to-do list in your head: planning parent-teacher conferences, organizing meals, managing schedules, and worrying about everything in between. With nearly half of parents saying their stress is overwhelming, it’s clear that we’re carrying more than we can handle. But the good news is that you don’t have to carry it alone. FORGET THE INSTAGRAM FANTASY We’ve all been there — scrolling through picture- perfect family photos on social media and wondering how everyone else makes parenting look so effortless. But let’s get real. No one’s life is as polished as their posts. Instead of measuring
yourself against unrealistic standards, focus on what makes your family happy and healthy. Spoiler alert: It’s not homemade Pinterest lunches or spotless playrooms. FIND YOUR VILLAGE (AND USE IT!) Parenting wasn’t meant to be a solo sport. Whether it’s friends, family, or other parents, building a strong support system can make all the difference. And if you have a partner, open conversations about sharing the
3 C reative W ays to E njoy S pring W ith Y our K ids GET OUT AND PLAY It’s the weekend, the weather is warm, and the kids want to do something fun. You don’t want to put them in front of the TV or let them play video games all day, so you need to come up with fun activities to get them out of the house and enjoy everything spring has to offer. Thankfully, there are so many great spring activities to explore, and every kid will find enjoyment from at least one of them. Here are a few of our favorite ideas!
EXPLORE ATLANTA. There is so much to do around Atlanta. Talk with your kids and see what they’re most interested in. You may want to visit Zoo Atlanta or the Georgia Aquarium if they like animals. Those interested in history and culture will benefit from a trip to the Atlanta History Center, Fernbank Museum, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, or the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum. The Atlanta Braves season is also underway, so you may want to consider a family outing to Truist Park! GROW SOME PRODUCE! We’re in the middle of prime gardening season right now. Take your kids to the store to pick out some seeds and allow them to try their hand at planting something fun, like green beens or even strawberries. Not only is this a great outdoor activity to fill their free time, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Food always tastes better when you grow it yourself!
GO FOR A HIKE OR NATURE WALK. Throughout our community, we have so many great hiking trails. Your children will love walking through the trees, looking for wildlife, and burning off some energy. You can make an entire event of it by bringing everything you need for a picnic. Just be sure to include lots of water; you don’t want anyone to experience the harmful effects of dehydration. Some of our favorite trails include Webb Bridge Park Trail, Caney Creek Preserve Trail, and Big Creek Greenway Trail.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPRINGTIME
Amanda D. Mangos & Avocados Amanda H. Strawberries & Squash Sara Honeydew Madison Raspberries Ashlyn Corn Leah Corn & All the berries Mari Cherries, Beets & Honeydew
Maggie Corn & Strawberries Abby Strawberries & Spinach Nicole Blackberries
“I CAN’T SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH OF THIS FIRM. IT FELT IMPOSSIBLE SETTLING MY DAD’S ESTATE, BUT THEIR SERVICES WERE EXTREMELY HELPFUL WHEN WE NEEDED IT MOST.” RAVE REVI EWS
FRUIT OR VEGGIE?
Abigayle Potatoes &
Mangos Andrea
Watermelon & All the berries Katie Squash & All the berries
K eto L emon G arlic B utter C hicken
ingredients • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
BRAIN BREAK
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
Inspired by DietDoctor.com
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
This keto-friendly chicken dish is packed with flavor, healthy fats, and protein. It’s the perfect weeknight option for a quick, tasty meal.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F and season chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. 3. Melt butter in skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (165 F internal temperature). Garnish with parsley before serving.
ARBOR ARIES
DIAMOND FOOLS GARDEN KITE RAINBOW SHOWERS
BASEBALL CHERRIES CHOCOLATE DAISY
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A FASCINATION WITH TRUE CRIME AND CULT LEADERS
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THE MENTAL LOAD OF PARENTING: YOU DON’T HAVE TO CARRY IT ALONE
SPRING ADVENTURES YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE
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QUESTION AND ANSWERS
KETO LEMON GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN
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WHEN YOUR DIARY BECOMES EVIDENCE
DEAR DIARY, PLEASE DON’T BE USED AGAINST ME IN COURT
Many of us have fond memories of writing in diaries or journals throughout our youth. We would share our thoughts and feelings in a book we would keep hidden from friends, family members, and others. It was our sanctuary where we could be ourselves without worrying about judgment or embarrassment. You may even remember the feeling of rage or hopelessness when you spotted your brother or sister holding your diary. Thankfully, there usually wasn’t anything too incriminating in our teenage diaries, and some of us have continued the practice well into adulthood. However, a recent news story proves we should be cautious about the information we share in our private journals. Last year, a Minnesota woman was arrested for auto theft. While investigating the incident and looking into Vanessa Guerra, a suspect in the case, a law enforcement officer allegedly
found her diary. He flipped through the pages, looking for any information that would catch his eye, when he stumbled upon an entry from Aug. 12, the same day a 2004 Ford Freestar van was stolen and resold at an auto salvage business. “Totally stole a car today! Something I never thought of doing,” Guerra allegedly wrote in her diary. “Super-freaking out about it.” Guerra was charged with receiving stolen property and theft, although she claims she didn’t know the vehicle was stolen. However, workers at the auto salvage business informed law enforcement they recognized Guerra as the seller of the stolen vehicle. Most people will probably not blab to others about crimes they have committed, especially if they are currently unsolved. This
case reminds us to be just as cautious about what we write in private journals. While your diary may be your safe place to share your innermost thoughts and feelings, your entries could come back to haunt you if you’re involved in a criminal case, especially if you blatantly admit to the crime.
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