"Be an opener of doors” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson We are often our worst enemy. Plagued with uncertainty, we question the possibility of what lies beyond a threshold we have yet to cross or even imagine. What stops us is usually the overblown fear of some imagined beast. If we are … [Read more...]

Those who don’t believe in magic, will never find it. Roald Dahl Rudy, our gardener, looked at me perplexed as we both kneeled in the garden. Weed or flower? He asked, his English as broken as my Spanish. I shook my head yes, then no. He smiled, then shook his head in … [Read more...]

He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper. Edmund Burke Opinions are abundant. Given room, but some necessary boundary, opinions help shape a road worth traveling. Listening, if we consciously take the time, is an … [Read more...]

“When all the details fit in perfectly, something is probably wrong with the story.” ― Charles Baxter, Burning Down the House: Essays on Fiction As humans we try to fashion the road to perfection. We are souls, actually, who seek perfect lines and symmetrical fits that come … [Read more...]

“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or … [Read more...]

"...love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." Kahil Gibran I came home from vacation secretly guarding myself from the fact that one of our dogs was ailing and likely would not rebound. We have had many basset hounds in our lives, and a few unfortunately … [Read more...]

Don’t hunt for trouble, but look for success. You’ll find what you look for, But don’t look for distress. If you see but your shadow, Remember, I say The sun is still shining But you’re in the way. When you think about a seed, it can be rather tenacious. Buried in hardened soil, … [Read more...]

This one goal—choosing a step and sticking with it—changes everything. Scott Reed I ran on many errands today, but one particular one to a craft store gave me pause. It was a pretty ordinary activity in which I was buying paints and buttons. I gave it no particular thought but … [Read more...]