An Insatiable Documentary Watcher

I am an insatiable documentary watcher. I learn so much about all kinds of subjects — from history and technology to the past and the present mindsets. Last evening I tuned into a documentary on Tyler Perry. I found it fascinating how a person with so many reasons to live a dirt-poor life chose, at an early age, to “saddle up” and believe in himself — believe he was made to make an impact in this chapter of the world and in history. And when he achieved his goals, he bet on himself instead of others, and believed in a higher power and destiny.

I personally have learned from hardship more than I ever did through successes, but that has never stopped me in my quests. I have accomplished a great deal in my 73 years. I have weathered the hardest storms and disappointments, meant only to come out with more vision, more knowledge, and more determination to be extremely grateful for it all.

Currently, I am building a base of readers for my debbiedidstuff site, my Facebook page, and even venturing into the TikTok and Instagram world — and I find it daunting but exciting at the same time. I am writing more, and actually submitting my work to published and women-related online opportunities. I recently had one of my paintings, along with my picture and bio, published in the Persimmon Tree periodical online. That was an accomplishment for someone like me, who did not think she could paint.

All of this being said, why don’t you join me in venturing out of your old rut and start engaging in something you have put aside? Taking care of others in our lives is certainly important, but taking time to care for yourself and your own dreams and interests is equally important. Don’t wait until you are 73 to start, like I did. Get out there and ride that fire horse for the rest of your life. You will be glad you jumped on, even if you fall off — run wild while you can. Open up to adventure, one step at a time. If nothing else becomes of it, it will nourish your self-confidence for the next step in your life.

Find references to women-labeled online sites for great works by women. I like you and me — I trust you will enjoy the stories, poetry, and art and advice as I do. For references, look to Persimmon Tree, Her Story, and other women’s online sites — poetry, memoirs, story, comments, and more — and you will find new enchanting reads.

The Year of the Fire Horse

Why 2026 carries a rare and restless sign — and why Debbie is taking it personally.

The Chinese zodiac symbol for 2026 is the Fire Horse — written 火馬 and pronounced huǒ mǎ. The character 馬 (mǎ) means “horse,” the seventh animal in the twelve-year cycle, and 火 (huǒ) means “fire.”

A Fire Horse year comes around only once every sixty years — the last was 1966, and the next after 2026 will not arrive until 2086. In Chinese astrology the Horse stands for energy, independence, and the freedom to run; add the Fire element and you get a year said to be full of passion, bold moves, and sudden change.

Debbie called it back in Issue 4 — “a year of chaos, transformation, and bold shifts.” This time she is choosing to read it as a personal nudge: a sign that it is never too late to saddle up and ride.

Women’s Work Worth Reading

A short list of places online where women publish the stories, poetry, and art Debbie loves.

Persimmon Tree

An online magazine of the arts and letters by women over 60 — and the place where one of Debbie’s own paintings, along with her picture and bio, recently appeared. Fiction, poetry, memoir, and art, all gathered in one generous place.

Her Story

A journal devoted to women’s writing and art — the kind of storytelling that reminds you your own story is worth telling, and worth telling now.

And many more

There is a whole shelf of women-run online magazines, newsletters, and journals out there. Search for the ones that match your taste, subscribe to a couple, and let them fill your reading list with new, enchanting finds — then send your own words out into the world.