Bill Ott

Cleaning out the notebook | Mark’s Remarks

Sometimes I make little notes on possible column topics. Then, when I go to write them there’s not enough meat to make it into a column. Even with my talent…

Little princesses | Mark’s Remarks

About this time nine summers ago, I wrote a bit of a dedication to our fourth child. She was born on July 14 and would be our last baby. That…

Transform your life | The Healthy + Happy Life

If you are feeling stuck, stressed, anxious, frustrated or like you are just going through the motions, keep reading.  These 11 tips are the secret sauce to creating a life…

Touching base with the class cut-up

Due to the pandemic, our class reunion was cancelled.  In all the exchanges on Facebook, I reconnected with an old friend who just so happened to live close by. We…

Story of a toxic family | Mark’s Remarks

I like talking to older folks. There have been many I’ve “interviewed” over the years, tucking their stories in my little notebook. I read some notes on one of them…

To my dear students | Mark’s Remarks

Boys and girls, I am afraid we are living in a very challenging time right now. You are part of history and someday you can tell the story of what…

Summer lovin’ | The Happy + Healthy Life

Summertime is a time to relax, slow down and oftentimes take a much needed vacation. However, this summer is like no other. Instead of going places, we are staying home…

My name is now an insult | Mark’s Remarks

I asked my son and daughter-in-law to explain why the name Karen was being used to post negative things on Facebook and in various articles I have read.   When…

Gritting your teeth | Obituary

I have promised time and time again not to write about my family, as they have asked me not to. But I’m not a good promise keeper. Isn’t that terrible?…

Living in fear of betrayal | Mark’s Remarks

Can you remember most of the times someone hurt your feelings? Many of us connect an incident to a person, regardless of the severity of the offense. And we never…