This book discusses memoirs from my mother as she grew up and lived before, during, and after the Great Depression. It details some of her experiences. She was from a very poor background educationally and financially, like many people were during those days. It discusses her poor living conditions, her discomforts, and how she lacked any of the conveniences that one has today. It details how hard people had to work at that time and how she persevered to the end-ever, ever struggling to reach her goal of a permanent home. Some of the types of working conditions are described: how difficult it was to get a job that paid enough to live, how hard it was to keep enough food to eat, and how uncomfortable their living conditions were. The homes were poorly built and drafty. It emphasizes the struggle to get rid of lice since they seemed to be everywhere, and just the difficulty to keep warm during winter since there was no central heat or air- conditioning. It discusses her father going to World War I and his war conditions and hazards, such as body lice, gases, death, and not having enough to eat. Then, her husband was drafted into World War II. It touches on the polio epidemic and hospital conditions. It tells how she scrimped and saved unendingly to finally reach her goal of a permanent, warm, and comfortable home. Young people will see a great deal of contrast between living conditions then and now.

"Behind the clouds there is always the sun." Each section of SUNNY SIDE UP contains up-close and personal real life stories that provide inspiration, encouragement, and hope. In TOUGH TIMES, you'll discover how real people face real challenges and how they conquer their fears with courage, strength, and faith. In WOMEN, you'll find B.J. also struggles with the ups and downs in life. In an entertaining and motivating style, B.J. shares her personal stories of empowerment and healing. In DOG & CAT LOVERS, you'll recognize the abundance of love we all have for our furry friends and the love they give us in return. A Bonus Section is devoted to short vignettes from Charlie Bear, the headstrong scrappy little rescue dog now a huge part of B.J.'s life.

When B.J. Taylor first read about rescue dog Charlie Bear, she gazed at his photograph and knew right away he was the dog for her. She just hoped her husband, Roger, would agree. Thankfully, he did, and in the subsequent year, both B.J. and Roger soon discovered that Charlie Bear was brought into their world for a very special reason-to teach them about life, love, and second chances.

Charlie Bear shares an intimate look at the first year in the life of a dog nearly labeled "unadoptable" by his foster mother due to his long list of behavioral issues. As he begins his new life, Charlie Bear ferociously guards his food and toys, throws temper tantrums, and is sensitive to touch. Although B.J. doubts their sanity in adopting Charlie Bear after he repeatedly attacks their other dog, Rex, she is determined to make it work for the sake of her husband, who has fallen in love. But when B.J.'s world begins to fall apart, she shares how time, patience, and faith helped her realize that Charlie Bear was not the only one who needed a second chance-she did, too.

Charlie Bear offers a loving tribute to a rescue dog that eventually sheds his headstrong ways, becomes a loving member of a family, and ultimately changes three lives forever.