Whoa! This quote from Levi Lusko stopped me in my tracks. Seriously NO PUN INTENDED. After a full year of writing and posting nearly every day I’ve been thinking about dialing back in the new year. Putting a pause button on my daily desire to share a bit of what’s on my mind with anyone … Continue reading Applying the Brake →

What will I give today? I can give a smile to a stranger—it is free. Add some genuine human warmth to that smile (aka empathy) and the single scoop cone has just been upgraded to a sundae. What can I give? Though there are days and times that giving monetarily to some cause or some … Continue reading Gifted →

Much of the time I find myself wanting something now though it’s time and place in my life is still yet to come. It’s ahead of me. There it is in my future but not yet in my current reality. I can see it. It isn’t that far away actually. But though I can see … Continue reading The Wait →

O, maidenhair fern, won’t you live a little longer this time? With such a name and with such delicate lacy leaflets (or are they fronds) what’s not to love about a maidenhair fern? The thing is, for a non-plant care specialist such as myself, they have been difficult to keep alive. When purchasing this one … Continue reading This Time? →

An old window in a shuttered church located in Shelby County, Texas. Our “Day” family forbear’s name was the first listed among the other founders who established this congregation in 1856. To walk the grounds and see it with my own eyes created such an unusual sense of familial connection to the past. One that … Continue reading Sunday Refections →

A shell of their former self. That’s what we might think or even say about someone who has been devastated by a life experience beyond their capacity to contain it or deal with it. There is inestimable value in sustaining our friendships with those who have journeyed through life’s highs and lows—those who have navigated … Continue reading Just A Shell? →

I’ve only seen the short stubby little dandelions that sprout up in awkward places on the lawn. Always as unwanted visitors. Does anyone other than an herbalist actually cultivate them? Intentionally grow a nice little patch of them just because they’re a cheery little species? • I think not. We employ gardeners to dig them … Continue reading Blowing in the Wind →

A colleague of mine is walking through a difficult, soul stretching season right now. A hospitalized family member is in pretty bad shape. Chances are they won’t make it long enough to receive the transplant that is needed to survive. Future plans are being examined from every side and new angles are being contemplated. “If … Continue reading The Power →

Three days without the internet—three very long days and nights not being connected to social media, to streaming music or movie service, no form of news outlet, weather service, or even, “hey Siri, find me a recipe for ginger kohlrabi soup.” Emails haven’t sent or loaded . . . (except while at Starbucks). My computer … Continue reading Down For the Count →

On my walk to the far end of campus I noticed a lone student standing on the ridge facing the small canyon. He stood motionless as if staring at something very far away. By the time I was returning to my building some time had passed and as I approached the same ridge there he … Continue reading Contemplation →