“This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” What is it about this little children’s church song that lingers? Is it just the catchy tune? I don’t think so. I think it’s the simplicity of the message that resonates. When we watch these tiny, precious humans singing this familiar refrain we long … More little light that’s mine
Do you have that friend that can be relied upon to have just the right excuse all the time? Maybe it’s your cousin or in-law or someone else in your family. Always with the best intentions, but it never seems to be the right time for whatever it is that you want to do with … More bow tie lie
just maybe when we take the time to dig in the dirt, we will capture an opportunity to grow … More grow
This weekend I had the opportunity to meet a fascinating man. Lazaro Ruda is a wildlife photographer. Lazaro taught me ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau wrote, “People protect what they love.” Lazaro loves the ocean and its creatures. His art declares this love and, as a result, expands our appreciation of these gifts from the sea. … More open sea
When sorrow is your constant companion darkness has its own beauty. Glimmers of light appreciated differently than can be experienced in a cloud free, cerulean sky. We are taught to fear the dark. To watch leery for dangers that lurk in the night. Alone in darkness is frightening. Fear we believe in. We live in. … More chase joy
“First her feet were plunged into hot water, and her toenails clipped short.”* A 10th century court dancer, Yao Yang, mesmerized China’s Emperor Li Yu by dancing on her toes inside a 6-foot golden lotus. Yao Yang bound her feet into the shape of a new moon. Emperor Li Yu smitten with Yang, the national … More blame God
For the past few years, I’ve taken the opportunity to reflect during the last weeks of December. With the robust colors of the holiday season whirling by I speculate on a single word to encapsulate my goal for the 12 months ahead. I am driven by nature, the fact that I select action verbs is … More rest awhile
My friend stopped looking in the mirror as she became addicted to narcotics. It wasn’t being an alcoholic that broke her. It was the combination of valium, percocet, and opiates washed down with vodka cocktails. The mixer changing to fit the time of day. Orange juice more appropriate for the am tumbler. I walked beside … More Sinking Deep
Those three words freak me out. The phrase used in a prison to announce the death row inmate’s walk to the execution chamber. If you’re old enough, this may bring to mind a soulful Sean Penn advancing down a cold, grey hall while Susan Sarandon, as the dedicated nun, grieves. At work years ago, I … More Dead Man Walking
Values shift. What once was indisposable becomes irrelevant as circumstances change. When I was in the car accident, I grew anxious when it seemed I would be hospitalized during the Thanksgiving holiday. I was despondent at the thought I’d be in the hospital on Christmas Day. I could not fathom being away from my small … More you are more
purelyjoyous living 