Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): Compassion is not just a word you read in books about popes, saints and the Dali Lama. Compassion is an automatic response to your daily life. It’s who you are. Taurus (April 20-May 20): While there are detailed reasons why things must go as they do, in the broader sense, the circular nature of your business will bring with it a wallop of irony. “Crops are sold for money spent on food.” — Heraclitus Gemini (May 21-June 21): Gratitude will help keep you centered and focused on creating the experience you want for yourself and your loved ones. Your resources are abundant, and whatever you don’t have will be yours for the asking. Cancer (June 22-July 22): It’s heaven to be around people who get you, no explanation necessary. For these connections, intimate communication is subtle communication. You’ll go right to the heart of the matter. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Finding a groove requires a bit of patience today, so don’t expect things to work immediately. People need to get warmed up first, and that includes you. Breathe, smile, and get grounded. By noon all will sync up. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t let details bog you down, and avoid trying to prepare for every possible scenario. Most things will go right. Later, there will be more important things to tend to than the ones you were tempted to obsess over. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Team spirit is not the job of one team member; rather, it’s a manner in which functions of the game are exercised. Your esprit de corps will be contagious. Encourage them to originate such a feeling, too, so it’s not all on you. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Stay out of the minutiae. Jump up to that perch that will give you the big picture view. This is the way to bring/have/make the most fun possible out of today’s scenario. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’re curious about people. Sometimes that curiosity kicks in years later, when it’s too late to know. You’re still wondering how certain things came to be. Now is your chance to ask and avoid future regret. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There are many delights in your arsenal of social graces. Superb manners, exemplary humor, exceptional warmth — that’s just the beginning. Wait till they taste your pie! Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You and a loved one will understand one another perfectly as long as you’re making the effort to communicate out loud. Because there’s so much else going on today, your usual shorthand or telepathy with this person won’t work. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You’re already the complete package. You’re whole. You’re perfectly you, just the way you are. Make this your mantra through the day. Sure, everyone can improve, but it’s a choice, not a necessity. You’re already worthy.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/author/ holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY >> With the holiday shopping season already here, may I suggest another way to look at gift giving? We all want to give the perfect gift to family members. Some gifts can cost a lot of money and some not. I would like people to take a step back and consider who they are buying for.

I stopped buying gifts for my parents and sister 10 years ago. Because their money is tight, I have been stocking their pantries with food and staples. I am well off enough financially that I have been able to fill their freezers with enough meat to last three months or more.

At Thanksgiving, my husband and I load up our car and bring the meat with us. Then my mom, sister, grandma and I go to the grocery store and buy staples for the pantry and what we need to make freezer meals. Abby, this takes so much pressure off them.

Food is expensive. So instead of buying Dad that new TV or sound system, or your sister that designer handbag, pause and take a hard look at their situation. Sometimes the need for basics outweighs the desire for the latest and greatest gadgets. Even paying a bill or two can help. Or gift cards for groceries.

I never expect presents from my family; all I want is for them to have some freedom in their lives from the daily worries. — New way of gifting

DEAR NEW WAY >> I’m pleased to share your letter with readers who may be wondering what to give their relatives at Christmas. And I’m sure that your generosity is deeply appreciated by your family. Thank you for writing.

DEAR ABBY >> My husband and I have been dining out with another couple about twice a month. We have not been able to entertain them at our home because it is not easily accessible and the man is in a wheelchair. Over the past several months his health has declined. His mind is sharp, but his body is weakening.

The last time we met them for dinner, we couldn’t understand what he was saying, so his wife “interpreted.” Also, when he tries to eat, the food falls out of his mouth onto a bib and from there to the floor.

Abby, we just don’t know what to do. We really like this couple, but it is nauseating to watch him eat with food falling out of his mouth. Plus, the other patrons at the restaurants are starting to stare. We look forward to your advice.

— People are starting to stare

DEAR PEOPLE >> If this couple ever needed understanding friends, it’s now. Because you are embarrassed to be seen with them in a restaurant, consider bringing a take-out meal to their home. Granted, watching your friend struggle is painful. But if he’s going downhill as rapidly as you say, he needs your support more than ever, and so does his wife. And when he’s gone, you’ll know you did the right thing.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)