My son has taken up beekeeping. And while I’m not inclined to join him in his new hobby, I am enthused about keeping “bes.” That’s not a misspelling. Here’s what I mean. “Say what you want and BE who you are, because those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter.” I’d love…

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers out there, and all who have mothered or been mothered. For your Mother’s Day pleasure, I’m sharing a brief video that will bring you the gift of laughter and tears. Enjoy! I certainly did.

“I believe every child is born with the Why Chromosome, which pushes us to ask questions about the nature of the universe. And as we grow older those questions become deeper and deeper. As a child the word why was certainly a provocative part of my vocabulary. But throughout my younger life — in church,…

We celebrated Earth Day yesterday at our local state park and enjoyed myriad birds and fellow humans. (Alas the bobcats and alligators stayed out of sight.) This quote by Albert Einstein is such a welcome  reminder to celebrate and protect our precious planet and its inhabitants all year long. As the photo says: Pass It On.

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong, because someday in your life, you will have been all of these.” –George Washington Carver

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, never, have enough.” -Oprah We spent 13 years in the Washington D.C. area before moving to Florida, and this time of year I miss the resplendent cherry trees that are blooming now, not…

“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming.” -Pablo Neruda Spring has sprung here in Florida — actually a few weeks ago — and I hope that you are least well on your way to the warmth and vitality of this season. Our lanai is filled with pots of cherry…

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of the Irish out there, as well as those who are Irish in spirit. Since my Mother’s maiden name was Kelley, I’m certainly blessed with substantial Irish genes, and at this time of the year they love to come out and dance a jig or two. The photo above…

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.” -Carlos Castenada

“New Orleans is unlike any city in America. Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture — even the local superstitions. It’s a sensory experience on all levels and there’s a story lurking around every corner.” — Ruta Sepetys Did you know that Mardi Gras — or Fat Tuesday as it’s…