Holding On
It’s still dark and gloomy and freezing outside. It feels too bitterly cold to do anything. So we do nothing. It feels wonderful once you realize you’re doing the work of holding on until warmer days. Perhaps we’ll make tea and watch sports. Perhaps we’ll read. Perhaps!
And the Snow Did Come
The potted plum now supports a mound of winter snow in 1 degree weather. The roots stay warm, wrapped in burlap. I love how the shadow of the oak tree behind the fence offers a glimpse of what this plum tree might one day become: strong and towering in her own way, within her own […]
Impulsive Spending
Ash said something yesterday that really had me thinking. He mentioned how much we’re advised to avoid impulse spending. We’re taught to think carefully and wisely about managing our financial resources. But is money our only or even our most precious resource? Ash then talked about not impulsively spending other resources like time or energy. […]
Assume Nothing About Younger People
As a professor, you tend to think you know this younger generation of 18-22 years old. You might think, for example, that young people know everything about technology since people call this age group “digital natives.” It’s not true. I’m learning that just because a younger person understands TikTok or Instagram doesn’t mean they automatically […]
A Little Grammar Lesson: Make the Noun an Adjective
Today I taught my classes something I never learned in school. And it’s something I’m now applying to every sentence I write. It’s a great trick! It’s called the adjectival noun–or when you turn a noun (person, place, thing) into an adjective (describing word) in order to condense a sentence and make it more precise. […]
News from the Urologist: Drink Even More Water
I met with my urologist today. Because he saved me from the worst pain ever in the emergency room with emergency surgery and then successfully surgically removed the enormous kidney stone later, he ranks high on my list of favorite people. He reminded me that people are chronically dehydrated. And he told me that, for […]
Immediately, Immediately, Immediately!
I decided to read the book of Mark now that I’ve finished Matthew. I wanted to spend more time with Jesus in the gospels! Mark was the traveling companion of Peter and reports on everything Peter tells him, so we get a unique point of view in this short gospel account. In the first chapter […]
Back to Snowflake Photography
Years ago, my dad gave me a great digital camera with settings for macro-photography. I loved finding the smallest things I could photograph. Ever since the camera stopped working, I wondered when I’d return to taking photos of marvelous tiny things. With my new phone, I now can. Snowflake photos are back!
I Love a Creek in Winter
A Little Turn
If you’re sagging a bit today, grab your journal and write down all the things in your life that bring you joy. If you can’t think of anything, consider what could bring you joy if you just tried it. Maybe you need a new hobby or a new routine. What about trying to grow something, […]