“Your words have power and energy — causing a ripple effect in your body and the world around you. Speak with kindness and generosity.” -GratitudeHabitat.com I’ve learned as an author how important words are in our lives. Not only in books, but in everything we say and write there is a power and energy that…

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness — it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” – Brene Brown Lately I’ve found these words to be so true. As we travel from our home in Chautauqua, New York, to our home in Sarasota, Florida, we’re visiting all…

Are you frustrated and depressed with all the terrible news and suffering in the world? Are you ready for hope and inspiration? I certainly am. I’m desperate for good news about kindness and generosity — which I try to share with you as often here as possible. Recently I found this story about the Forest…

“When you go through tragedy, you can either let it destroy you and you become bitter and never let it go, or you can let it make you stronger and let it make you grow…” -Evanescence There has been far too much suffering in our nation these past few weeks with fires raging in the…

Witnessing the devastation and suffering in Texas has been difficult. The tragic consequences of Hurricane Harvey have reminded me of the terrible destruction of Hurricane Katrina where so many of our friends lived — and where we lived before the storm. I have cried tears for all the many victims of this historic flood, but…

Eat food Not too much Mostly plants — Michael Pollan The theme of last week — the last of the  Chautauqua season — was one of my favorite subjects: food. “At the Table: Our Changing Relationship With Food” had fascinating lectures, a food festival every day, and inspiring revelations about how to eat better. Here…

In memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Charlottesville and Barcelona:  “The world is equally balanced between good and evil, and your next act will tip the scale.” -Maimonides

“I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he would conquers that fear.” -Nelson Mandela It’s been a scary week, not only in our world but here at Chautauqua Institution where The Nature of Fear has been the…

“A life full of laughter is a life well spent.” -Sophie Scott When we celebrated my husband’s Big Birthday last weekend, the moments I enjoyed most were hearing the laugher of our four children and four grandchildren as everyone shared stories on our porch. The joy of laughter is one of the greatest of blessings…

As you may know by now, I’m fascinated about what makes good relationships, not just personally but professionally, since I like to write about how people overcome obstacles in their relationships. I ran across an article recently that added to my wisdom, and I wanted to share it with you. Happy Couples Focus On Each…