Uncategorized – Page 12 – Free Range Life

Should People on Public Benefits Be Required to Work? The Facts Might Surprise You.

By Rachel Puryear If you or someone you love has ever received public benefits, you may know that some benefit programs require people to work a minimum numbers of hours per week (usually 20-30) as a condition of receiving benefits (“work requirements”). Work requirements typically exempt elderly adults, minor children, people who are disabled, people…

Q&A: Why I Love Working Remotely

By Rachel Puryear This post is in response to a reader who asked me the following question: What do you like best about working remotely, as opposed to in-person? So, in this post, I’ll answer that question. Here are several things I really like about working remotely: I’m a Wanderer at Heart With remote work,…

Yosemite National Park

By Rachel Puryear Yosemite is a gorgeous national park in the Sierra mountain range, and is such an iconic place in California. El Capitan is immediately recognized in photos, and is a favorite of rock climbers worldwide. The many waterfalls give off refreshing mist on a warm day’s hike, as well as stunning sights. Plenty…

“Elvis” Movie Accurate Portrayal of Financial Abuse

By Rachel Puryear Iconic rock n roll singer Elvis Presley died two years before I was born, but I’ve always been a fan of his music. I wish I could have seen him perform live. His amazing voice and range of rock n roll music are still awesome to listen to, decades later. With his…

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

By Rachel Puryear Nestled in the southern part of California’s Sierra mountain range, a couple hours away from Fresno; is a pair of two national parks, right next to one another – Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. These twin parks offer mountain vistas, forests with giant trees to stroll and hike through, waterfalls, wildlife…

Who’s Still Buying and Selling With Mortgage Rates Rising

By Rachel Puryear With mortgage rates now rising again after years of historically low rates, many experts are predicting a slowdown in the housing market – though there’s some debate as to what extent that will happen. The reasons behind this prediction include: What’s interesting, though, is that even with the market slowing, inventory remains…

No, the Depp-Heard Verdict is Not the End of #MeToo

By Rachel Puryear In the wake of a court victory for Johnny Depp against his ex-wife Amber Heard – one which raised First Amendment concerns from many legal experts, including my own; many now wonder if the verdict spells doom for the #MeToo movement, and whether it will chill speech of ordinary survivors everywhere. In…

Helping Abortion Seekers Post-Roe

By Rachel Puryear Well, “post-Roe” is a phrase it deeply pains me to write. This is a gruesome and outrageous step back in civil rights, bodily autonomy, and personal freedom. A key part of a disturbing trend of outsized influence of an extreme, billionaire-funded, rightwing minority clawing back decades of progress. For a small number…

Arizona’s Hot Desert Beauty

By Rachel Puryear Want to go somewhere really hot, and really beautiful? Arizona has several gorgeous parks that showcase its haunting desert beauty in a way you’ll never forget. These views are worth braving the heat (but still bring your hats and sunscreen, and make sure your vehicle’s AC is working): Saguaro National Park: Situated…

What Mass Shooters Tend to Have in Common – It’s Domestic Violence

By Rachel Puryear Ever wonder what type of person it is behind all these mass shootings? Domestic Violence is a Top Indicator for Mass Shootings People who abuse and intentionally hurt their romantic partners and children don’t just make bad partners and parents – they’re also the majority of mass shooting and other gun violence…