Pen & Prosper Announcements & Updates* March 2026

 

Greetings, Readers!

It's hard to even fathom that spring is right around the corner. Can you believe that this year has gone by so quickly? Well, as usual, I'm trying to get a jump on things where I can. These days, I'm immersed in several spring cleaning and decorating efforts, yard maintenance projects, and working on a few writing concepts. How about you?

With this being the case, today's post will be brief, but I think you'll find it interesting. Would love to get your comments below, if time permits. 

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MARCH... 

MARCH IS DESIGNATED WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH 

A time to celebrate, recognize, and honor the collective contributions and achievements of women everywhere. Women's History Month started out as Women's History Week, back in 1978.

According to Womenshistory.org, in February, 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th 1980 as National Women's History Week.

You can learn more about it here: https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month

ON A RELATED NOTE HERE...

A great way to embrace, empower, and amplify the voices of women (if you're a blogger) is to interview one of your favorite female authors or fellow bloggers. Or perhaps to post a review on your favorite female-written book. I have done this in past years with my "ROAR SERIES". Here's an example below.  

https://penandprosper.blogspot.com/2014/03/q-with-author-wendy-burt-thomas.html

FEEDSPOT.ORG JUST RELEASED THEIR TOP 100 BLOGS FOR 2026

Much to my delight and surprise, Pen & Prosper made the cut once again. Thank you readers! I appreciate your time, engagement, and support.

Here's the listing at Feedspot. Congratulations to all who made the list! And a special thanks to the fine folks at Feedspot for the recognition.

WALLETHUB.COM PUBLISHES THE HAPPIEST CITIES IN 2026!

Did you know that your income level could influence your degree of happiness? Wallethub.com shares that "studies show that earning more than 75,000 a year does not lead to greater happiness." It further states that "research shows that having more money only increases your happiness until you're making at least $75,000 per year-- anything more you earn likely won't have an impact." Imagine that! 

As such, they contend that when choosing where to reside to maximize your happiness, you'll do well to select a city that offers more than just an adequate income. Things like good weather and caring neighbors, for instance.

It further identifies several criteria for optimal living conditions and ranks more than 180 cities accordingly. Chicago made the list; with its ranking of number 83. A welcome change from all the negative media it typically receives and the misperception by many that Chicago is just a city of violence and crooked politicians. Don't believe the hype!

Where does your city rank? 

Check out the list and let me know if you would agree or disagree. Or any surprising inclusions or conclusions you find. Deal?

Heres that listing:

https://wallethub.com/edu/happiest-places-to-live/32619

 

Thanks for reading, folks!