> Articles by: Ann
Date registered: January 19, 2012
Apr
07
There are many basics in life that we cannot live without—food, water, sleep. All critical to keep functioning. But not listed is another staple of importance. Civility.
Apr
06
We have heard it many times…be happy with what you have. That statement is true when what we have includes some measure of comfort, security, and joy. Take any of those away and we can struggle to find the happiness that life affords. But curiously even when we have it, we can still be anxious …
Apr
05
This week controversy arose over The New York Times obituary of Yvonne Brill, a rocket scientist, whose write up started with “She made a mean beef stroganoff.” For all her accomplishments many feel this was downplaying her real work as a rocket scientist and pandering to the fact that she was a woman, a wife, …
Apr
04
I was told in teacher training to instruct students to reach or to pick up—not to grab. Grab left the residue of fiercely taking hold of something, adding a force that is unnecessary even if unintended. This thought has stayed with me, although, I am sure I am guilty of using grab sometimes…as in ‘grab …
Apr
03
Two and a half years ago this world lost a very special soul—a brother, a son, a friend, a renegade. His name was Scott and to me he was a wise and generous person. To me he was patient but determined to teach me how to garden by listening to the earth, respecting nature, and …
Apr
02
I recently ran into an old acquaintance. We knew one another from a past job. I recall him as being a friendly sort, funny and full of life. What I found on this chance meeting was an enraged soul. A man that had experienced tough, tough times—financially, personally, professionally. He was in trouble, but not …
Apr
01
I would hazard a guess that most any of us would not like to be played for the fool. Who amongst us enjoys the uncomfortable realization that someone got the better of us? More often than not, I lived a life that guarded against looking foolish or being caught with not knowing. Either it is …
Mar
31
As a kid I was always running around—through the woods, down to the neighbors, around the playground. Movement was not about exercise it was about pure pleasure. I did not think about needing to move, how to move, and of course I never considered the calories I might have burned. So why is it now …
Mar
30
We often say children are like sponges. They tend to soak up everything in their environment…sometimes even those things we wish they would not. But it is their nature to be curious, to be observant, and to lap up what is served up. As we leave childhood and go even further down the road are …
Mar
29
I write this while watching two bright yellow finches squabble at the feeder. I think they are upset that the food has run quite low. One just buzzed the window. It is so difficult some days to stay focused, to stay on task. There are so many distractions. Oh, here comes a squirrel to check …