I Wish I Did This More
In the five years I’ve lived here, I’ve never gone to the Farmer’s Market that’s right down the road. But today, my neighbor reminds me that a local Italian sells fresh ravioli stuffed with delicious combinations of flavors: salmon, artichoke and asiago, portobello, pizza, goat cheese and beets, asparagus, and more. Ravioli calls my name. […]
In Only Five Minutes
I look up at the clock and realize I’ve haven’t posted my blog, and my personal deadline is 5:00 PM. There’s no real punishment for not blogging every day; nobody penalizes me, and most people just don’t care one way or another. But I care! I love having that moment of reflection just to ask […]
What Panic Shows Me
My friend reminds me today that if I feel panic, I’m out of step with God’s spirit. The word originates from the Greek god, Pan, thought to be the source of irrational fear. Panic drives a loss of self-control, a loss of order, and a loss of peace. It signals that I’ve let fear–real or […]
Or. . .It’s Art
I’m roasting enormous beets, and by the time I’ve unwrapped them from their foil pouches, my hands, the counter, and even the kitchen floor is covered with beet juice. I don’t clean it up right away. Something about this particular stain enchants; it’s so deeply red–almost purple-black–except when smeared to the lightest pink. I carefully […]
It Returns
My youngest comes to find me early this morning to report the terrible news: The tomato hornworms have returned. Tomato Hornworm These pests destroy my tomato plants, and they are so hard to find that it’s nearly impossible to remove them. They blend in so well. Tomato Hornworm Every summer, I think the same thought: […]
The Dawn, Every Day
My daughter plans a sunrise walk through the forest this morning. We wake at 5:00 AM and bring a flashlight, a breakfast, and sweatshirts. She wants to go alone–no friends, no sister, no father even. Just us. I don’t know why yet, but she does. I’ve never done anything like this before, especially with my […]
What Grows in Dreary Places
After a dreary few days of rain and cool weather, we return to the woods for a walk. I take my camera because after all this time, I finally know what to expect. The forest follows a predictable pattern: first rain, then a beautiful display of fungi. I can’t wait to see what I’ll find. […]
65 Ways to Act Like a Fool
I’m reading the book of Proverbs and taking notes on what it means to be a fool. My list grows long. (This is the shortened version below!) I have many ways to grow in wisdom. (The parts about eating, speaking, and sleeping too much always get me!) I start to realize how much I long […]
Unconditional Positive Regard
I learn from a former nurse about the concept of “unconditional positive regard” for every single patient. Something about the phrase resonates with me because it’s about believing the best about people and treating them with respect regardless of what the person says or does. It’s about giving equal chances and equal care. I know […]
Harvard Research Study Encourages Community Exercise: We’re Walking, We’re Walking
This morning I read the new Harvard research report about the dangers of inactivity. It’s clear: we all need to move more. But what excites me about the report is the praise of community exercise initiatives. Walking to school as a neighborhood, neighborhood fitness nights, and other community interventions actually work. The work best, the […]