Inspired by ‘Dear Abby’ (which my mother loved to read), this page is dedicated to giving the general public a place to seek spiritual advice on everyday problems. Submit your questions below. If selected, Ashley will channel her dearly departed mother, Ann, for some spiritual guidance. Answers will be posted right here on this page. The Ask Ann Advice Column will be updated approximately once per month. Delays can be expected during times of my events or when I’m traveling.

Questions submitted can be on any subject where you are needing motherly advice. Some examples might be: “I made a mistake and my friend won’t forgive me.” “My husband wants to move and I don’t. Who should get their way?” “My neighbors dog won’t stop barking. Do I confront them?”

All forms submitted become the property of Ashley Wong/Made by a Real Witch™ and may be edited/shortened for the purpose of sharing. Submissions will not receive a personal response outside of this website. Personal information such as your last name, phone number, and email address won’t be shared publicly. If you would like your first name to be kept private as well, please mention it and we will select something different.

Dear Ann,

My three year old daughter talks to a ‘ghost’ in her bedroom. She is not scared or unhappy. Is there a way for me to know if this is an imaginary friend, a loved one on the other side who is visiting her or someone/something else? Do I encourage it, ignore it, or tell her to stop talking to it?

Concerned Mama

Dear Concerned Mama,
Little ones often have rich inner worlds, and a “ghost” in a child’s room can be anything from a lively imagination to a comforting sense of presence they don’t yet have the words to explain. Since your daughter is calm and content, take your cue from her—there’s no need to shut it down or make it bigger than it is. Instead, stay curious. Ask gentle questions like “What does your friend like?” or “How does it make you feel?” to understand whether this is simply pretend play—or something she interprets as loving and safe. Children tend to show you through their behaviour if something is troubling, so trust your instincts, keep the atmosphere light, and continue offering reassurance. If her “visitor” ever starts to frighten or upset her, you can set loving boundaries, but for now, your steady presence and open heart are the best guides.

~ Ann

Dear Ann,

My husband and I fell on hard times in recent months. I want him to sell his second car to help pay bills. He wants me to use my mother’s inheritance - which I was saving to help pay for our son’s education. Can you help us make a decision?

Sincerely,

Worried and Weighing the Options

Dear Worried and Weighing the Options,

Hard times have a way of testing not just our wallets, but our partnership and priorities. Before you make any quick decisions, take a breath and remember this: when a family is under strain, the best solutions come from unity, not pressure.

Your inheritance was set aside for your son’s future — a thoughtful, responsible plan — while your husband’s second car is a tangible asset that may not be essential for daily life, making it reasonable to question why your child’s education fund should be the first thing sacrificed when a non-essential vehicle remains available. The best path forward is to sit down together, calmly and honestly, and lay everything out: what each asset is worth, which expenses are most urgent, and what sacrifices feel fair both financially and emotionally. As a guiding principle, protect long-term security like education savings unless no other options remain; cars can be replaced, but a child’s future fund is much harder to rebuild. Above all, approach the discussion as teammates rather than opponents — you’re both trying to keep your family steady through a storm, and with openness and respect, you can find the right way through it together.

Warmly,
Ann (A Friend Who’s Been Through a Few Storms Herself)

Dear Ann,

I’m 57, divorced, and unhappy at work. I’m uneducated beyond a high school diploma. Is it a good idea for me to go back to school or am I too old?

Cynthia

Dear Cynthia,

At 57, you are far from “too old” - you are seasoned, self-aware, and standing at a moment in life where your choices can be guided by wisdom rather than fear. If going back to school tugs at your heart, that tug is worth listening to. Education isn’t just for the young; it’s for the curious, the hopeful, and the brave - and you, my dear, are all three. Before leaping in, take a gentle inventory of what you want: a new career, personal fulfillment, or simply the joy of learning. Then explore programs, financial aid, and part-time options that fit your life instead of overwhelming it. But don’t let age be the reason you hold yourself back - that’s the one obstacle you can lovingly step right over.

~ Ann

Dear Ann,

Every winter my husband and I go on a tropical vacation. Every year we go to Mexico because that’s where my husband wants to go. Mexico is nice but I want to go to Hawaii. We’ve talked about it many times. My husband says that Hawaii is too expensive and continues to book our annual vacation in Mexico. We have plenty of money. I worked full time and contributed to our investments and household income just as much as he did. My husband is cheap. How can I convince my husband to make the change?

Thank you.

Unhappy in Manitoba

Dear Unhappy in Manitoba,

This situation seems pretty unfair and compromise is desperately needed. A marriage is supposed to be a partnership. When planning a vacation as a couple, it is important to consider everyone’s wants - not just one persons - and you need to find common ground. Moving forward, consider taking turns choosing the vacation spot each year. To keep things fair, have an annual vacation budget and stick to it. If that doesn’t work, consider taking separate vacations. If you want to see Hawaii - and you can afford it - then go see Hawaii.

Don’t live your life with regrets.

~ Ann

P.S. Have a mai tai for me!

Dear Ann,

Is my coworker going to get transferred for harassing me?

Bonita

Dear Bonita,

I’m shown a good leader (business owner, manager, supervisor, HR, etc.) presiding over this. They are fair, but will be looking out for the best interests of the company as a whole. There is hope for your situation to improve, but not necessarily in the way you are expecting. Perhaps you will be separated from this coworker to keep conflict at bay and instill peace back into the workplace? Document/record any instances of harassment to support your case if needed. Handle yourself with integrity and have faith that your situation will improve.

I’m wishing you well.

Ann

Dear Ann,

My husband is lazy and I’ve reached the end of my rope. We’ve been married for 32 years. In the beginning he was wonderful. He helped to raise our children, was and is a hard worker, kept up maintenance on the house and yard. He was a good husband who had hobbies and friends. But as our kids grew older and started leaving home, he changed. He still goes to work, but he does nothing else. All of the housework, yardwork, and maintenance falls onto my shoulders or I have to hire someone to do work that I know he is capable of. He doesn’t socialize with anyone. He has no hobbies. He comes home from work, eats and sleeps…but does nothing else other than stare at a tv screen. I’ve tried talking to him to see what the issue is. He’s not unhealthy. He says he’s not depressed. He’s seen his doctor twice in the past 6 months and there’s nothing unusual going on. I just don’t understand it and I feel trapped in a marriage that I didn’t sign up for. Please help.

~ Hanging on by a thread

Dear Hanging on by a thread,

It can be challenging when a long-term partner suddenly becomes lazy after years of shared responsibilities. It is important for you to communicate openly and honestly with your husband about your concerns and expectations. Encouraging him to seek counselling or therapy can also be beneficial in addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to his behavior. Your husband may or may not have been honest with his GP. He may have avoided discussing certain things in order to avoid dealing with it. You may want to book an appointment with his doctor so you can ensure that nothing is being missed or swept under the rug, then let his doctor guide you through it.

Ultimately, it is essential for you to prioritize self-care and seek support from friends, family, or a counsellor/therapist to navigate through this difficult situation. Remember, it is okay to seek help and prioritize your own well-being in this situation.

I’m sincerely wishing you well on your path ahead.

~ Ann

Dear Ann,

I want my ex-wife back. I made mistakes and I am sorry. What should I do?

~ John

Dear John,

As a mother, I understand the importance of self-reflection and growth in relationships. If you are truly remorseful and wanting your ex-wife back, it is essential to first acknowledge your mistakes and take responsibility for your actions. Show her through your words and actions that you have changed and are committed to improving yourself. Listen to her concerns and feelings without judgment and be patient as trust is rebuilt. Remember, relationships require effort from both parties and it is important to communicate openly and honestly. In the end she needs to feel safe and appreciated. She needs to know that you won’t hurt her in this same way again. Your apology needs to be honest and real and then you need to follow through by consistently making choices that are in the best interests of your relationship. Help her to fall in love with you again…knowing that it is a choice on her part to return and her decision needs to be respected either way.

Good luck on your journey to reconciliation.

~ Ann

Dear Ann,

I’m moving to a new place soon. Will the move I’m making improve my life?

~ Amanda

Dear Amanda,

As you embark on this new chapter in your life, remember to always trust your instincts and stay true to yourself. It's perfectly normal to feel nervous or unsure about moving to a new home, but have faith in your ability to adapt and thrive in this new environment. Take the time to explore your new surroundings and get to know your neighbors, as building a sense of community will help you feel more at home. Remember that happiness is a choice, and it's up to you to create a positive and fulfilling life for yourself. Stay strong, stay resilient, and above all, stay true to the amazing woman that you are. Trust in yourself, and happiness will surely follow.

Wishing you all the best on your path ahead.

~ Ann

Submit Your question

This page is dedicated to the memory of Ashley’s mother, Ann. Born in Merseyside England in 1939, Ann learned to Read Palms, Tea Leaves, & Playing Cards from her mother, grandmother, & great aunts in England in the 1940's. She then passed those skills on to her daughter throughout the 1970's & 80's.

Ann was a mother of four, had three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She lived the final years of her life in a nursing home in Northern British Columbia. While there, Ann enjoyed reading Tea Leaves for other residents during afternoon tea. Ann’s Fortune Telling skills became so popular with residents and staff that she was set up with a permanent Tea Leaf Reading Station next to the gift shop where eager advice seekers would stand in line to get their fortunes told for $20.

Ann on her wedding day in 1961. Gone but not forgotten. May she rest in peace.

P.S. My mother would have loved this.