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April 2025
Bedtime Stories Bedtime reading was a ritual in our house when my sister and I were growing up, and those hours spent reading left a lasting imprint. Our mother read us many children’s books, including Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Aesop’s Fables.” But she also introduced us to adult works that were more dense, including Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield.” April has two special days to recognize the impact such childhood rituals can have. April 2 is Children’s Book Day, and April 9 is Education and Sharing Day. Our mother continues to be an avid reader and supporter of early childhood education. Our bedtime ritual always included stories, and that created a pattern: Reading means it’s almost time to go to sleep. I’ve sometimes wondered, does reading make me sleepy? Or do I get sleepy because I always read at bedtime? Or is it a little of both? “David Copperfield” is filled with plot twists and numerous characters, but hearing it read aloud was satisfying, for all the reasons I still like and enjoy reading now. My sister and I may not have understood every word, but we experienced the joy of being wrapped up in the story. As I grew up, I didn’t think of books in terms of being “for children” or not. WORKSHOP Have you (or your clients) “been meaning” to get a plan in place? It’s easy to get started with our 7 Hazards to Your Estate Plan Workshop . This free workshop explains the key planning concepts, documents, and the factors in selecting a plan that is right for you. Plus, workshop participants receive a complimentary consultation with no obligation to retain our services. The workshop is available on demand or in person, so stop thinking about a plan and create one. Register online at PromiseLaw.com/Estate-Planning-Workshop or call (757) 351-4017. A Lifelong Love of Reading
Some books shaped my spiritual perspective. In “The Gift of the Sacred Dog,” a boy retreats to the hills to pray for help for his people and is visited by a rider on a magnificent animal called the Sacred Dog, a creature as powerful “as the wind, gentle but sometimes also frightening.” The boy’s village is rewarded with the gift of the Sacred Dog. The book conveyed so many ideas and sweeping images that are mystical, in our modern perspective. To me, they were beautiful. Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, the images and presence of native peoples were so large that as I heard about the Sacred Dog, I thought, “Of course! Why wouldn’t this be something that happened?” The melding of the natural and spirit worlds seemed familiar, not “natural” or “supernatural.” It was a cohesive experience. Those impressions probably led to my openness today to different people’s experiences in the world. Books also helped form my sense of identity. “Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions,” described various tribes. In “Liza Lou” by Mercer Mayer, gruesome swamp creatures and bad actors try to trick this sharp little girl as she runs an errand for her mother, but Liza outsmarts them all and makes it across the swamp. I always wondered as I listened to this story, would I have been tricked by those creatures? Am I as sharp a kid as little Liza Lou? I wasn’t sure, but she remains a vivid figure in my mind.
Years later, I still have many of these books — even though my own daughter is in her third decade. I can’t quite bring myself to get rid of them. Clearly, they have taken up permanent residence in my heart.
–Geneva N. Perry, Esq.
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Bon Voyage! Your Ticket to Adventure TURN YOUR DREAM CRUISE INTO REALITY
As we grow older, life shifts and creates new opportunities we may not have had before — like the chance to finally turn our travel dreams into reality. For many, few travel experiences compare
to the comfort and excitement of a luxury cruise, and these four tips can help make your dream cruise happen. Choose the right cruise line. With luxury cruises, it’s essential to compare lines to get your preferred experience and the most bang for your buck. Consider your personal preferences, but remain flexible with accommodations. A little research will help you find the perfect fit. Plan your perfect itinerary. There are many cruise options, so planning an itinerary aligned with your interests and comfort level is easy. River cruises, for example, are perfect for scenic travel, while ocean cruises provide access to exotic ports of call. River cruises are also quieter and
more intimate. If you prefer a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities, an ocean cruise is the better option. Book smart for the best deals. Just because a cruise offers luxury accommodations doesn’t mean your trip has to break the bank. Take advantage of early-bird deals, off-peak pricing, and loyalty programs to save big. Some companies even include airfare! You can also save with discounts for seniors and military members. Your adventure awaits! A cruise offers the ultimate way to see the world, from exploring iconic cities to relaxing on scenic rivers or enjoying stunning ocean views. Now is the perfect time to embrace new adventures on a luxury cruise.
3 CUSTOMS WITH SURPRISING BACKSTORIES What Wedding Traditions Are Hiding
Weddings are filled with traditions we follow without question, but have you ever wondered where they come from? Many customs we associate with saying “I do” have fascinating and unexpected origins, and these three common wedding traditions have some of the most surprising backstories. Wearing a Veil The bridal veil has a long history rooted in both symbolism and practicality. In ancient Greece and Rome, they believed veils warded off evil spirits and protected brides from bad luck. In other cultures, veils served as a symbol of modesty or purity, particularly in religious ceremonies. Over time, the veil also became a way to heighten the anticipation and
drama of the bride’s grand reveal. Many brides wear them today because veils carry special meaning in their families (or they like the look). Matching Bridesmaids The tradition of having bridesmaids dressed alike also dates back to ancient times and has supernatural origins. Back then, bridesmaids wore identical clothing to confuse evil spirits or jealous suitors who might harm the bride or disrupt the wedding. The practice was a “protective” measure to ensure the bride’s safety on her wedding day. Saving Part of the Wedding Cake Many traditions exist around the wedding cake, originating in the mid-
17th century. One enduring tradition is saving part of the cake to eat later. This was originally a practical, money-saving measure — the saved portion of cake would serve as the christening cake for the couple’s firstborn. Today, many couples eat the preserved top-tier of their wedding cake on their first wedding anniversary as a symbol of good luck!
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TAKE A BREAK
Working toward big goals is a rewarding and exciting process, but it can also feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get bogged down thinking about how far you still have to go, but you can use a simple strategy to maintain your momentum: Focus on small achievements. The Science of Small Wins While seemingly insignificant, celebrating small wins has psychological benefits that can carry over into every aspect of your life. When you celebrate small achievements, your brain releases dopamine, the “feel good” chemical that lifts your mood and motivates you to keep going. This positive reinforcement generates momentum, making it much easier to tackle the next step. WHY EVERY WIN MATTERS Celebrate the Small Things
ARBOR ARIES
BASEBALL CHERRIES CHOCOLATE DAISY DIAMOND FOOLS GARDEN KITE
RAINBOW SHOWERS
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Acknowledging small wins also has a measurable impact on mental health. It reduces stress, improves resilience, and helps build a growth
mindset. Focusing on your accomplishments allows you to alter your perspective, and you
With delicious vegetables seasoned with tangy ginger, this recipe is sure to please vegans and meat-eaters alike!
learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Practical Ways to Celebrate Small Wins
Ingredients
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil, divided • 2 tsp fresh chopped ginger root, divided • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tbsp cornstarch • 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
• 3/4 cup julienned carrots • 1/2 cup snow peas • 1/2 cup halved green beans • 3 tbsp water • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1/4 cup chopped onions • 1/2 tsp salt
Incorporating small celebrations into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated, so here are three strategies to help you get started. • Track your achievements in a progress journal. Seeing progress in writing can be very rewarding and provide much-needed motivation when things get difficult. • Share your win with friends and family. When you celebrate your achievements with others, you strengthen personal connections and add positivity to the experience. • Reward yourself. Even simple rewards reinforce the habit of recognizing progress and help make the journey more enjoyable. Achieving small goals is always worth celebrating. Acknowledging every step forward, no matter how seemingly insignificant, helps you stay motivated and confident while improving your overall mental well-being.
Directions 1. In a large bowl, mix 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. 2. Add broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and green beans, and toss lightly. 3. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes. 4. Stir in water and soy sauce. Add onion, salt, and the remaining ginger; cook and stir until the vegetables are crisp and tender.
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PromiseLaw Life happens. Plan on it. ™ (757) 351-4017 600 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Ste. 350 Newport News, VA 23606
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
How Bedtime Reading Shapes a Child’s Views
1
Secrets to the Perfect Cruise
2
Wedding Rituals With Unexpected Origins
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry
3
The Psychology of Celebrating Small Wins
Bizarre Tales of Fairy Romance
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WHEN MYTH MEETS REALITY FAIRY TALES IN COURT
Why These Stories Resonate The allure of fairy romance tales remains strong. Modern literature and media frequently draw inspiration from such stories while reimagining them to explore contemporary themes and societal issues. Authors like Philip Pullman, for example, have crafted thought-provoking retellings, such as his “Grimm Tales,” giving us new ways to look at classic ideas. The continued interest in fairy folklore highlights its timeless relevance. Stories like those from Sweden 400 years ago — where claims of fairy romance sparked legal disputes — bridge the past and present and remind us how imagination and belief have shaped history.
In 17th-century Sweden, stories of fairies and other supernatural beings weren’t just the stuff of folklore — sometimes, they even showed up in court. Tales of people falling in love with these creatures fascinated communities and blurred the line between myth and reality. These beliefs influenced real-life events, leading to bizarre legal disputes and societal consequences. Historical Tales of Fairy Romance Documented examples from Swedish history involve people claiming they had romantic relationships with fairies. According to court records, these claims
weren’t uncommon during the 1600s, when many believed in supernatural creatures. Cases often involved accusations of kidnapping, enchantment, and moral corruption, which mirrored the era’s deep-seated anxiety about the influence of otherworldly powers. These stories went beyond the fantastical and were deeply tied to the cultural norms of the time. Accusations often targeted those on the edges of society,
reflecting how supernatural elements could support real- world prejudices. While these cases might sound unbelievable today, they show how folklore influenced people’s actions and even legal proceedings.
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