Karen Talavera is a writer who enjoys voicing her opinions and reflections on both issues of the day and transformative personal experiences, many of which are brought about by extensive travel. Her articles tend to explore societal and political trends, spirituality, and the consciousness-broadening effects of international travel, and are published primarily on her blog, Sound Off, and in print when the opportunity arises. Through her essays and opinion pieces she seeks to elevate social consciousness and generate national and global awareness of issues disharmoniously impacting life on Earth today, such as global warming, growing consumerism and political corruption. When she isn't visiting a new part of the world she lives and writes in south Florida.

A worldwide simultaneous Earth Day 2008 movement utilizing gratitude to create happiness and restore harmony to humanity's existence on Earth.

This article presents an invitation to awaken to and understand the worldwide shift in consciousness and rapidly-spreading spiritual awareness by calling attention to global, mainstream teachers and t...

Re-usable shopping bags are at last making their way into the mainstream US grocery scene. This article makes the case for re-usable shopping bags vs. paper or plastic and illustrates one convert's po...

A mother's joy of her 10-year-old daughter's continuing and unwavering belief in Santa Claus

An illustrated account and practical tips of how less is more at Christmastime and during the busy December holiday season.

An essay comparing the devastation and recovery of New Orleans and Cancun after each was hit by a major hurricane within the fall of 2005.

A look at the mindset of the generations in America as we approach the 2008 Presidential election, and why one should be involved in the political process regardless of age or experience.