Embracing Mindfulness: A Journey towards Self-Rescue with a Dash of Humor Life can be a rollercoaster ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. It’s been a journey for sure, and at times I’ve asked God if he was punking me. I have come to humbly realize that through it all, I had a power all along—the power of mindfulness and being present in my life. So, grab your sense of humor and join me on this journey as we explore how mindfulness can empower us in life’s challenges. Mindfulness is like …

With an emphasis on equilibrium and personal growth, 5ive for Women encourages the on-the-go gal to pause for self-nurturing, through insightful articles and thought-provoking features – supporting the not-so-simple balance between faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance. At 5ive, we are advocates of healthy priorities and fitness for life, while striving to motivate, energize and inspire camaraderie of the Chippewa Valley sisterhood. VIEW THIS ISSUE [ in this issue ] 8 Business Owners Must Plan to March On 10 The Joy of Living a Meaningful Life: How to Find Meaning and Overcome Roadblocks 12 Ann Brand Mindfulness 14 Bad Friends …

By Katie McKy Many women dream of launching a business one day, of rolling the dice and being their own boss. Given that almost 20% of new businesses fail in their first year, and over 30% percent fail in the first two years, where does a fledgling entrepreneur summon the courage? Amy Wahl is a local woman well-positioned to answer this question, for she launched a business. Then another. And another. And another. “I have Pink Orchard Salon, a chair rental salon for independent stylists, Pink Orchard Boutique, Banbury Candle Company, and a brick and mortar art studio where I …

By Katie McKy Toni Mattson, born and raised in Medford, WI, loved horses from the get-go. “I grew up horse-crazy, and at the age of five, our parents leased ponies for my sisters and me,” Mattson said. “My little mare was named Heidi. It was love at first sight, and she’s what cemented my love for horses.” Mattson and her husband, Bill, bought Pinewood Stables in 2002, 67 acres south of Eau Claire, and renamed it Trinity Equestrian Center, a proclamation of faith. The property looks a lot like a Kentucky ranch, with its white fences. It has a 17-stall …

Helllllllo friends…I’m back! I took a few years off from “Rays of Grace” to heal and grieve after my parents’ divorce. During my hiatus, I stayed pretty busy. I met, started dating, and got engaged to the best person I know. Most recently, we became dog parents. I also graduated from accelerated nursing school and got a job at a pediatric hospital on the hematology/oncology floor, where I have worked as a nurse for a year. Pediatric Hematology/Oncology floors take patients who have blood disorders and childhood cancers. My patient population often consists of patients with type one diabetes, sickle …

The Fiery Spirit: A Woman’s Wisdom, Courage, and Ginger Hair In the depths of adversity, there exists a woman whose spirit burns bright with wisdom, courage, and a fiery mop of ginger hair. She has traversed the treacherous paths of hell yet emerged with a sense of humor that can light up the darkest of rooms. She embodies the resilience and strength that comes from facing life’s trials head-on, all while embracing her unique identity. With each step she takes, her ginger hair serves as a vibrant symbol of her individuality and strength. It is a crown of fiery determination, …

With an emphasis on equilibrium and personal growth, 5ive for Women encourages the on-the-go gal to pause for self-nurturing, through insightful articles and thought-provoking features – supporting the not-so-simple balance between faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance. At 5ive, we are advocates of healthy priorities and fitness for life, while striving to motivate, energize and inspire camaraderie of the Chippewa Valley sisterhood. VIEW THIS ISSUE [ in this issue ] 8 Grand Canyon Souvenirs 10 Courageous Women in Charge: Navigating Estate Planning for Caregivers and Beyond 12 Horses Heal Veterans ~ Toni Mattson’s Veteran Wellness Program 14 Finding the Words …

By Katie McKy Photo Credits: Leslie Duffy Photography Beth Ivankovic, a Cotswold Sheep shepherd and co-owner of Eau Claire-area Priory Farms, was a pharmacist in her earlier career. A second career isn’t uncommon, but it usually means switching to a parallel track, like an actor becoming a musician or an English teacher becoming a writer. Ivankovic did carry some of her science-based analytical background into raising sheep. For example, a pharmacist is acutely aware of the declining effectiveness of antibiotics due to their overuse, which gives bacteria more and more chances to develop immunity to them. Likewise, medications long used …

Hello Beaitiful By Ann Napolitano I was planning on reviewing an entirely different book for the magazine, but after just finishing Hello Beautiful, I knew this was the book I wanted to share with you. This is a story about family with all the intricacies of being bound together, pulling apart and then reuniting. It is both heartbreaking and exhilarating. It’s about love, happiness, sorrow and heartbreak. I fell in love with this family, feeling its love, loss, failure and triumph. Napolitano makes the characters come alive and become unforgettable. The author also weaves in a bit of the classic …

Happy tailgating season!!! According to some history circles tailgating originated at a 1926 Packer football game in which the fans brought a picnic and enjoyed the game from the back of their trucks. Others have it dating back to the 1890s with horse and buggy’s at a Rutgers football game. Either way fall sports events are closely tied to picnic food. I have included a friend’s from Syracuse, NY chicken recipe as well as a family favorite appetizer and my late father-in-laws “grandpa chuck’s” famous cookies. Enjoy the beautiful fall with the last of outdoor eating weather and sporting events!! …