**With thanks to Michael, Emilie’s husband and UU minister, for today’s Sunday Inspiration. I saw this quote a couple of weeks ago, and it stuck in my head. I can’t remember where I saw it or even who said it. But the words are so wise. Yes, the world is our teacher — IF we…

Buying Girl Scout cookies this week I was reminded what a great organization this is, despite warnings in the press that somehow this one and others like it are encouraging our girls to think for themselves. Personally I support all girls and women thinking for ourselves and not letting men do the thinking for us,…

The rest of this quote from Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird is: “It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” Harper Lee died yesterday at the age of 89, but her character, Atticus Finch, will hopefully never die. He was one of…

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.  So what is this day all about? For many it’s an opportunity for some special attention, and for others it can be painful and lonely. Remember Erich Fromm? The Art of Love was one of my favorite books in college because he had such a deep understanding of the dynamics of…

Yes, Mardi Gras is almost here! Fat Tuesday is only two days away, and if I was still living in New Orleans that would be all everyone was talking about. Carnival Season actually begins on Twelfth Night and ends on Mardi Gras day with Lent closing the partying down after midnight. The excitement and parties…

I’m returning today from a week-long Caribbean cruise with my husband and three couples who have become good friends. I so much enjoyed the tropical beauty, the delicious food, the entertainment, and the peace and quiet. But best of all was the joy of being with my friends. Perhaps a useful definition of friendship is enjoying a…

I’m leaving today  on a 7 day Caribbean cruise, so you can understand why I’m so moved by these words of Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I grew up in Florida, so the ocean–or in my case, the gulf–has always been an important part of my life. I find water not just beautiful but transcendent and inspirational. I love…

Last Sunday it was golf balls, and this Sunday it’s jellybeans. The theme is similar: how are we going to choose to spend our time on what’s important in our lives. You might call it JellyBean time. This creative video reminded me that time on this earth is short, and if we don’t pay attention…

Last Sunday I encouraged you (and me) to block out time in the coming year for what’s important. But first we  have to answer this question: What’s important? This is the perfect story to help do that. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began,…

So how are those New Year’s resolutions coming on Day 3? I shared my writing resolutions for the new year here at my blog on Wednesday.  The problem with resolutions in my mind is that they are too abstract, idealistic, and impractical. My philosophy when it comes to resolutions is the same I have for…