Butterfly with a torn wing pollinating flowers

Bounty of Beauty

No matter how ugly life gets, a bounty of beauty is nearby. You need not look further than out a window. Better yet, step outside and be inspired by how seamlessly nature exists. When we pause and observe the beauty of our surroundings, we can witness unexpected joy. Reminders of the farse of perfection can…

old country road mailboxes

In the Mail

Technology is great, but one thing that can’t be improved upon is a good, old-fashioned note. Remember the excitement you felt as a kid when something just for you came in the mail? It could be junk mail, but it had your name on it, indicating it was meant for only you. Eventually, seeing your…

Baseball teammates hive-fiving each other

Emotional Enemies

Gratitude and guilt are emotional enemies. So are joy and jealousy. These emotional enemies make playing the game of life difficult to enjoy. They are competitors of one another. These conflicting feelings show up when people who know each other want the same thing, but only one receives it. Take friends applying for the same…

Young boy throwing a tempertantrum

Just Give It To Me

The delayed flight from Denver to Boston made all the passengers impatient for take-off. Everyone, including the pilot, was anxious to get in the air and arrive at the destination somewhat on time. There were complaints about insufficient space to put carry-on luggage, confusion with reservations, and seat assignments. The usual bitching that goes along…

Childhood

Not A Kid Anymore

Walking passed an elementary school the other day, I overheard part of a conversation between two young girls. Matter of factly, the first girl said, “I’m not a kid anymore. My childhood is over.” To which her friend replied, “No, it’s not! You still have three more years!” I’m guessing the girls were wrapping up…

Oreos and Love

Oreo cookies in our house are more than a cookie. Those little round cream-filled treats are a small and special sign of my affection for my girls. Since they were little, Oreos have been a favorite of theirs. They love being surprised by what flavor they’ll find in the jar. The originals are a solid…

Fish seen snorkeling

Snorkeling Through Life

Snorkeling in the ocean fascinates me, not just the visual beauty of marine life, but the whole experience. In the underwater world there is a vibrancy that comes to life. There is so much to experience right below the surface without having to dive deep. Living with as much awe out of the ocean as…

Hazards Exist ski sign

Hazards Exist

“Hazards Exist” signs warn of obstacles on ski runs, but life is no different with its unforeseeable challenges. The “Hazards Exist” signs make me laugh to be honest. As though posting a sign at the top of a mountain will prevent skiers from attempting to ski down the mountain. Of course they’re hidden obstacles! Challenges…