Our gifts of choice have become donations to the other’s favorite charity. I’m happy to say that our children have picked up this choice too and now there is far less holiday hassle and less wrapping paper in the recycle bin after Christmas. If you’re like us and don’t need another piece of jewelry, shirt, or sweater then a family Holiday Donation Exchange may be the best choice.
This is my prayer for Thanksgiving, and for every day that follows. It comprised from a series of quotes from author Melody Beattie. She is known primarily for her self-help books on the issue of codependence. She has overcome many hurdles in her life, and I find her perspective on giving thanks and gratitude especially meaningful. Will you join me?
Labels do matter. I need them when I open my pantry, otherwise I don’t know what’s in the box or jar. When I buy a shirt, I need to know the fabric, how to care for it, and its size. But what labels belong on me? You already know I am a married, white male with children and grandchildren. A quick voter registration search shows my political party. FaceBook and LinkedIn give you my birthday, my education, and my relatives. I don’t hide this, nor should I need to …
I and many of my friends are not happy today. The old Chinese curse comes to mind, “May you live in interesting times.” And there’s no doubt about it; things are about to get very interesting. We need to get on with it, roll up our sleeves, pull on our boots, and go to work. It won’t be easy.
Charlotte’s TED talks were Friday, October 28, 2016 at the Dale F. Halton Theater. Over 1000 people came together under one theme – EXPLORE. The agenda is simple – to make great ideas accessible and spark conversations, in more than 110 languages. TED’s only purpose is to start the dialogue, it’s up to the listener to create the action …
There are things I count on as always being there. Close to the top of my shortlist are my work boots. They’re comfortable and do their job without any fuss. They are always there for me, like old friends. My boots don’t get used everyday and sometimes I assume they will be just as ready to go as they were the last time I wore them. I don’t think of them as being tired or wearing out. That’s why it was such a surprise when the sole came off …
I had visited Newfoundland 25 years ago, but on a different mission. Then I was neither the traveler nor the tourist, but “the businessman” who had come for the fish, or more precisely, for access to the fish and the profits to be made. This time, it was my turn to be the tourist with National Geographic as my guide …
Society quickly moved into the digital age we now enjoy – or hate. Tom Petaccia is my friend, my webmaster, and my chief advisor on all things “technology-ish.” Recently, I asked Tom what he thinks the most important things he, and his Nerd friends, want us Non-Nerds to know. Here are his answers …
I wasn’t expecting to see a young barefooted boy, carrying a black pond net and white plastic bucket, suddenly appear during my morning visit to the park .. Every child in our city should have access to nature. Thanks to the many parks scattered everywhere in our county, there are many opportunities for almost everyone to find adventures outdoors …
Can a massage be more than just relaxing – can it be an investment in sustained good health? Massage therapy improved my body’s ability to recuperate during that period of intense training. I don’t train as hard as I once did, but I continue to see Sara Vavra for massage sessions. Like Robin Sharma suggests, it’s an investment in my health and makes me feel better both while I am having it, and for days, sometimes weeks, afterwards.