This page is an easy way to find my blog posts that are about life, philosophy, and things that bug me. You know, none of that ranch, pet, and nature stuff.
Nightmare Time
Hmm, since I decided to just flow along with all the disasters and challenges of our times, my subconscious has been staging a rebellion in the form of really bad dreams and insomnia. These are things that I’m lucky enough to not suffer from, normally. I had a dream so scary about my mother disappearing … Continue reading “Nightmare Time”
It’s Always Something
People my age will remember early Saturday Night Live shows with Gilda Radner playing the irascible Roseanne Rosannadanna (not Emily Litella, as I said in my first draft). She’d end her confused monologues with the memorable phrase, “It’s always something.” She was absolutely right, once you start thinking about things. Right now a lot of … Continue reading “It’s Always Something”
Assuming Good Intentions in a Divisive World
One of the guiding principles of my life is to assume that people have good intentions in what they do and say. That means that people are doing the best the can with what they know, and given their life experiences/culture. I’ve found that doing this allows me to easily straighten out misunderstandings, to listen … Continue reading “Assuming Good Intentions in a Divisive World”
Not All Doom and Gloom
Yesterday I was talking to my therapist (a thing I do, because I think it’s good for you). I started describing all the things that are making this a rather stressful time. I went on and on. I ended up with quite a hefty list of things that combine to make me, perhaps, not at … Continue reading “Not All Doom and Gloom”
Time Is on My Side, ‘Cause I Have Clocks
I really like to know what time it is. I was monitoring myself in the background today and realized how often I check the time. In fact, I almost panicked when the time wasn’t on my arm during a meeting, when I couldn’t see the time on the computer screen. My watch was charging. The … Continue reading “Time Is on My Side, ‘Cause I Have Clocks”
You Know You’re Feeling Overwhelmed When…
I admit it. I am overwhelmed. I hit my wall and it hurt. Actually, what hurts appears to be a sinus infection on the left side of my head. I hope I can nip it in the bud without antibiotics, since I am not fond of those. But yeah, yesterday, as things kept coming in … Continue reading “You Know You’re Feeling Overwhelmed When…”
I Got Nothing of Substance
Well, here I am. It’s my designated blogging opportunity, and honest. Nothing to say. But my goal is to write every day, so I’ll write. What’s up with me? I’m in Austin, enjoying a Flash Flood Warning, listening to Anita watch Facebook (people who live alone talk to a lot of inanimate objects and pets, … Continue reading “I Got Nothing of Substance”
Labor Day Musings
Yep, it’s Labor Day here in the good ole USA, where we honor the working people who contribute so much, by giving them a day of rest. Well, we honor SOME of them, anyway. I have the day off at my “white-collar” full-time managerial position in a software company, where I get 3 weeks of … Continue reading “Labor Day Musings”
Who Are Your “Friends,” I Wonder?
I probably mean who are MY friends. I’m not talking about my inner circle of friends and family, which is a small number, like with most people. I mean the larger group of folks I care about, respect, and am interested in hearing from. Thanks to my career on the internet, I know and have … Continue reading “Who Are Your “Friends,” I Wonder?”
Sure, There’s Fun in There, Somewhere
The last few days have not been in the realm of “fun” for me, for the most part. Just because I CAN do things doesn’t mean they aren’t stressful and tiring. I knew I had to change my team and work in a different way than before, so I did, but between actually doing it, … Continue reading “Sure, There’s Fun in There, Somewhere”
The Wonder of Babies
Maybe you know this, and maybe you don’t, but back in the early days of the internet, I was a semi-famous web designer, specializing in sites for people working with breastfeeding mothers and babies. Now, THAT was a career I never would have foreseen (besides not knowing there would BE a World Wide Web, I … Continue reading “The Wonder of Babies”
Testing Our Resilience
Last night I read a good article in the current Psychology Today about resilience (this link is to their article defining resilience). Since the current issue doesn’t appear in the archives (lucky me, for being a subscriber), I can’t link you to it, but I will as soon as it’s available. But I can summarize … Continue reading “Testing Our Resilience”
What I’m NOT Doing between Now and November
Lately, a lot of my friends and other contacts have been publicly inviting people who disagree with their choice of candidates, platforms, or political parties to “unfriend me now!” I can empathize with what prompts such declarations. You get tired of being called ignorant, or sheep, or whatever, by people you thought cared for you, … Continue reading “What I’m NOT Doing between Now and November”
My Brain-o-meter Is Reading FULL
Usually, I enjoy taking a blogging break each day, because it gives me a chance to stop thinking about work and stuff, and instead focus on fun or fascinating (to me) things. This week, my mind has been so full of other things that there’s just no room for fun. Well, maybe there’s a LITTLE … Continue reading “My Brain-o-meter Is Reading FULL”
Times Are Still A-Changing
Like I talked about earlier in the week, I need time to process change. Sometimes, though, you just don’t get that luxury. This is one of those times. Yesterday, that one hour when I wasn’t in meetings wasn’t enough time to process, because then I was busy trying to get all the other work I … Continue reading “Times Are Still A-Changing”
Fun or Else
Starting today, I’m gonna have fun all day long OR ELSE. That means, even at work! So what if I had Zoom meetings at 10,11,12,1,3, and 4 today? Fun times shall occur at 2 pm. It’s 2:30. I’m blogging. Thankfully, I consider blogging fun. To start that fun off right, I made myself Zoom backgrounds … Continue reading “Fun or Else”
Accepting Change Is Not My Best Skill
Let’s see. What I’m trying to say here is that I have a hard time maintaining a poker face when my world takes a sudden shift, and I have an equally hard time rapidly processing sudden changes when I’m told about them. This isn’t a problem if I’m reading about something, all alone in my … Continue reading “Accepting Change Is Not My Best Skill”
I Misunderstand Commitments
Sometimes, when you’re walking on a hot day and trying to ignore the pain in your legs from climbing hills (you can tell I was in Austin), you get a sudden insight into how communication works and doesn’t work, and your life suddenly becomes better. Well, it happened at least once, and that was yesterday. … Continue reading “I Misunderstand Commitments”
Mask Etiquette Dilemma
I bit the bullet and got my hair cut today. The place I go made a lot of changes for safety, like a whole bunch of plexiglass, so I wasn’t too worried about going. I waited in my car until I was called in, then went over to the stylist’s station. I stated that I … Continue reading “Mask Etiquette Dilemma”
The Joy of Typos
This morning, Lee was reading over my recent posts, and he spotted a couple of typos. While I was fixing one, I found another. It’s great to have another set of eyes to look over things for you. One of the errors was pretty funny, in which I called Lee’s brother, Jim, his father. He’s … Continue reading “The Joy of Typos”
What Are You Trying to Say?
Sometimes I’m really grateful for blog comments, because they can get me thinking about things that are important to me. Recently, a comment was shared by Edith on my May 6 Toxic Negativity post. In addition to some lovely personal sharing, she made this point: I’d be interested to hear more about what you get … Continue reading “What Are You Trying to Say?”
Nontoxic Equanimity
Having written posts on toxic negativity and positivity in the past, I was really happy to hear the last part of an NPR presentation on toxic positivity this morning. I wanted to hear it, so I searched and couldn’t find it. I was bummed, because I liked the fact that the therapist being interviewed talked … Continue reading “Nontoxic Equanimity”
The Dreaded Negativity Spiral
In her newsletter today, Nataly Kogan of Happier Now, shared this tidbit that spoke to me: Here’s the question I ask myself that helps me to immediately pause my negative thought spiral when I get caught in one: Is this way of thinking helpful? The answer is always no. Every single time. It’s amazing how simple … Continue reading “The Dreaded Negativity Spiral”
Happiness Is New Life
As I was reading my morning news/opinion pieces, I was reminded by the Rev. Jim Rigby that it’s important to remember that there’s good stuff going on today. Go to his Facebook page to see his ten reasons to be grateful today. What struck me was this: What a shame it would be if we … Continue reading “Happiness Is New Life”
Zoom Zoom
Are you tired of people going on and on about their online meetings? Me, too, but I still have things to say about it. In the past few days I’ve had a number of talks with friends and colleagues (mostly on Zoom) about how the pandemic and issues around it have changed their interactions with … Continue reading “Zoom Zoom”
Balancing Your Dreams with Their Dreams
Yow, there are a lot of ways today’s post can go, because I’ve been busy trying to come up with ways to be safe, treat others well, meet my own needs, and meet the needs of others. That’s a lot, combined with concerns about work and world events. But, most of us are in the … Continue reading “Balancing Your Dreams with Their Dreams”
Lessons from Mom. Thoughts from Me.
Today I am babbling about freedom, rights and responsibilities from a personal perspective. I’m 62 years and 4 months old. That’s the age my mother died. It took her a long time to do it, but she finally left her world of pain. She died of lung cancer (spread all around), caused by a lifetime … Continue reading “Lessons from Mom. Thoughts from Me.”
Feeling Centered: An Elusive Goal
The last few weeks, I really felt like I’d lost my center. That’s one reason, I think, that I was letting things other people did or said affect me more than usual. Deep down, I wasn’t coming from my customary perspective of acceptance of my own worth, dignity, and humanity. I’d lost sight of my … Continue reading “Feeling Centered: An Elusive Goal”
What Have You Made Better?
One thing you can always count on me and my spouse, Lee, for is that we are looking to do better in the world, do better for each other, and do better for ourselves. Lately, Lee has been listening to dozens and dozens of podcasts, and is especially fond of the Daily Stoic. It applies … Continue reading “What Have You Made Better?”
I Get to…
Lee has been talking about how he’s reframing sentences that start with, “I’ve got to…” with the alternative of, “I get to.” sometimes a simple change like that works! I’m trying it right now! Earlier I’d asked Lee if he wanted to pick me up some lunch, and join me, since I didn’t see anything … Continue reading “I Get to…”
We’re Doing the Best We Can!
In my recent post about core values, I mentioned the guiding principles I try to live by: Treat others how you’d like to be treated Assume good intentions Love yourself They go along with the core values I figured out that drive me: kindness and making a difference. It’s important to revisit your intentions, because … Continue reading “We’re Doing the Best We Can!”
My Poor Nails!
Just a quick funny story (to me). Historical background: I bit my nails until I was 14. Nothing could stop me; I was an anxious child, and this was one of my soothing behaviors. I really had me some ugly hands. But, a week before high school started, I got it in my head that … Continue reading “My Poor Nails!”
What Are Your Core Values?
You just get to pick TWO! I’ve been reading Dare to Lead, a book by my favorite self-help author, Brené Brown (it’s the book I reviewed the horrible workbook for back in March). It was my suggestion for our work book club at Planview. What’s annoying is that I keep leaving the book in Austin, … Continue reading “What Are Your Core Values?”
Asking for Input in Troubled Times
While I do try to remain upbeat, some days are easier than other. And the daily grind is challenging. I don’t know anyone who disagrees with that right now! Every day I hear grim statistics about COVID-19. Every day I read about people who “don’t believe in” the virus. Every day I see people scurrying … Continue reading “Asking for Input in Troubled Times”
Getting Over Things
[Edited to be calmer, July 2020.] I learned a thing from screwing up yesterday. One is that the alleged thing I did wrong wasn’t what bothered me. I’m over that, and have apologized and moved on. What aggravates me is that people didn’t let me know there was an issue; rather they told my family … Continue reading “Getting Over Things”
Screwing Up
It happens. Happened to me. I was trying to be a good friend, but didn’t use good judgment. Did it go unnoticed? Nothing goes unnoticed today, and by the end of the day, numerous people had reported to my spouse that I had made a mistake. Small town living at its finest. That kind of … Continue reading “Screwing Up”
Quick Enneagram Update
As I talked about recently, I have been looking into the Enneagram to see what insights it could give me into how I could function better as a person and interact with others. Two of the types came close to describing me, 2 (helper) and 9 (peacemaker). I eventually decided I was a 9 after … Continue reading “Quick Enneagram Update”
Can You Learn to Be Positive during a Pandemic?
Some people say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and I am definitely an old[er]…person. I’ve always thought of myself as a realist, in that I see the beauty and good in the world, but I don’t deny the sadness, sorrow, injustice and pain that’s around me, either. Life is suffering, after all, … Continue reading “Can You Learn to Be Positive during a Pandemic?”
Anxiety, You Are My Weird Friend
Goodness knows, we are living in unprecedented times of stress. But, they are also times of opportunity for positive change. I’ve actually been feeling encouraged by some events in the past week or two. Even my most pessimistic coworker had to grudgingly admit that that there ARE positive trends (though he stuck firmly to his … Continue reading “Anxiety, You Are My Weird Friend”
Are We OK? Okay? Heading Down a Path to Okay-hood
It’s fascinating when things happen in different parts of your life that coalesce into one collection of insights. Right now it’s been “okay-hood” and how to cope when advice overwhelms me. One area in which this happens for me is the issues I’d been having with Apache and his sudden backsliding in behavior. I’ve appreciated … Continue reading “Are We OK? Okay? Heading Down a Path to Okay-hood”
Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t
Subititle: ME ME ME ME ME but not ME Yeesh. Thing number one is that I am acutely aware that the deaths of black people at the hands of law enforcement is not all about me and my problems with it. So skip that lecture; I already read it here. I want to say I’m … Continue reading “Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t”
Brave Suna, Part 2B: Public Bravery
Since we’ve added a very appropriate new focus of concern for the people of the country where I live, I’ve found it harder and harder to concentrate and more and more difficult to see the positive in things. This is the other area where I need to be brave. Let’s hope the horse stuff helps … Continue reading “Brave Suna, Part 2B: Public Bravery”
Brave Suna, Part 2: What Does It Look Like?
This is a two-part part 2. Looks like it will be two posts. The Horse Part Like a good optimist should, I got on that horse again today. I was a little concerned about my attitude, not because of Apache, but because I’d been reading Facebook and becoming more and more sad/angry/disgusted/insert other negative emotion … Continue reading “Brave Suna, Part 2: What Does It Look Like?”
Musical Mysteries: Sounds in the Head
Talking Appliances This morning, Lee and I were chatting about the things that make noise in our bedroom. The main “culprit” is our beautiful ceiling fan. In the last year or so it’s started making noises. And often it sounds like it’s “talking.” It says things like “wilderness wilderness” and “this is Fred this is … Continue reading “Musical Mysteries: Sounds in the Head”
It Would Be Funny If It Weren’t So Sad: Divisiveness Over Pandemics and Crafts
I’ve written before about how human cultures cannot resist creating in-groups and out-groups, us vs. them, and all that. The Behave book I read recently had a whole chapter about it. It talked about how half the humans are “wired” to react to life in one way and the other half in another, roughly corresponding … Continue reading “It Would Be Funny If It Weren’t So Sad: Divisiveness Over Pandemics and Crafts”
Non-Toxic Positivity and Maintaining Community
One of the things that has been making life easier for me the past few months has been keeping in touch with people I care about. I’ve been writing letters back and forth to my unofficial daughter-in-law, Rollie, which has been a great way to talk about things we don’t put on social media. I’ve … Continue reading “Non-Toxic Positivity and Maintaining Community”
Can People You Disagree with Be Smart?
I don’t know about you, but I’m growing really tired of reading, “Wake up, America!” I’m totally over calling people who do or do not wear masks or go to restaurants “stupid.” It sure feels to me like all of us are being manipulated to find even more ridiculous ways to divide up our citizens … Continue reading “Can People You Disagree with Be Smart?”
Toxic Negativity: Much Less Controversial
My post yesterday about toxic positivity led to a couple of really good discussions, both in person and in chat. I can’t tell you how great it feels to know that I can start conversations that lead to greater understanding and new insights. So, thanks to all of you who gave me input yesterday. One … Continue reading “Toxic Negativity: Much Less Controversial”
What’s This about Toxic Positivity?
I live around people who focus a lot on the good in their lives and strive to present themselves as happy. I respect that very much and love them for it. Everyone in my household has a gratitude practice, and two of them write about it in their journals every day. These are all very … Continue reading “What’s This about Toxic Positivity?”
Can Your Words Hurt You?
Yes. I am sure of it. Why am I so sure? Well, things you say in public forums, such as Facebook groups and pages, Twitter, etc., can be read by anyone. “Anyone” includes potential employers, people doing background checks, etc. I now commence to lecture people who probably won’t read this. Bear with me. It … Continue reading “Can Your Words Hurt You?”
Crawling Away from Negativity: The Positivity Challenge
This topic did not come from me; rather it came from a very enjoyable email newsletter I read every day, which you might also like. It’s called The Well-Tended Life, and it’s by Kerri Wilt, a motivational speaker-type person. Kerri talks about how much the current times have been weighing everyone down, herself included. I … Continue reading “Crawling Away from Negativity: The Positivity Challenge”
Pandemic Pouting
Honestly and truly, I have been doing my best to be a good citizen (or sheep, depending on who’s perspective you’re taking) about this whole COVID-19 issue. I really haven’t gone anywhere other than back and forth from the ranch to the office, I’ve Zoomed with people I want to talk to, I’ve dutifully sat … Continue reading “Pandemic Pouting”
What? I Should Look at the Calendar More Often
Aha! I’ve been so busy dealing with the state of the world and the state of my job that I forgot to look at the calendar to see that I totally missed our “blog-a-versary” on April 11! While I’ve been blogging a LONG time, off and on, it’s just TWO YEARS for The Hermits’ Rest … Continue reading “What? I Should Look at the Calendar More Often”
Ups, Downs, and In-Betweens
Life is rolling along here in scenically rural Milam County, Texas. And its population is getting sicker. There are only 25,000-ish people in this county, so our ten COVID-19 cases are a lot. It was NOT good news to find out yesterday that one person who got sick worked at the local Dairy Queen. We’ve … Continue reading “Ups, Downs, and In-Betweens”
Don’t Put a Paintbrush in My Hand when I Have No Agenda
Today I toddled off to the Pope Residence to see how I could help Chris. I knew I had to paint another coat on the second floor porch door and use paint thinner to get the rest of the paint off the stained glass over the front door. I got the door done but really … Continue reading “Don’t Put a Paintbrush in My Hand when I Have No Agenda”
There’s Always Something to Be Grateful For
Yes, today’s word is gratitude. You knew that one was coming, right. Those of us working on our attitudes are told by all our self-help books, tapes to keep gratitude journals, because it actually makes us feel better at a brain chemistry level. I know my spouse does it every day and it’s been really … Continue reading “There’s Always Something to Be Grateful For”
Calgon, Where Are You? Can We Transcend This Madness?
Today’s will be a short blog, if you can imagine that. Things have sort of taken a downward turn in my non-pandemic life, so I will need to deal with that. I have lots of support, and I was really moved yesterday when the support I needed came from so many parts of my life, … Continue reading “Calgon, Where Are You? Can We Transcend This Madness?”
Bloom Where You’re Planted
Those of you who haven’t been quarantined your whole lives have probably heard this saying before. It’s the first thing that popped into my head when I saw that today’s UU Lent word is bloom. It being spring in glorious central Texas, you see blossoms everywhere. They look especially vibrant this year, since it’s been … Continue reading “Bloom Where You’re Planted”
Don’t Cry Now
Yeah. Don’t listen to that advice. It is perfectly appropriate to cry now. It’s just that when I saw that today’s UU Lent prompt was cry, the first thing I thought of was this Linda Rondstadt song. I don’t cry anymore. Right around the time I started feeling better about myself, I stopped crying almost … Continue reading “Don’t Cry Now”
I Forgive You. Forgive Me.
Admission: I’m not feeling too great today, and this UU Lent prompt, forgiveness, didn’t help. I shall now indulge in some wallowing in self pity. You know, sometimes you just have to do it for a while, pick yourself up, and get going again. I promise, I’ll get going again. So forgive this post. I … Continue reading “I Forgive You. Forgive Me.”
Confessions of an Over-confessor
Dudes. The UU Lent word for this first day of a new month is confession. There’s one thing I do enough of already in this blog is confess to my past mistakes, errors, and goof-ups. I don’t share everything, but I hope people can learn from my mistakes and it will be helpful. Confession is … Continue reading “Confessions of an Over-confessor”
Reaching Out/Reaching Up
I was surprised to see reach as the UU Lent word of the day, but then I realized it’s really appropriate for me, and probably for many of us right now. Reaching Out For me “reach out” is most important. It’s no longer optional to reach out to friends and family, but mandatory. With so … Continue reading “Reaching Out/Reaching Up”
I’ve Had a Rough Relationship with Love
Oh, who hasn’t had a rough relationship with love? (Not a surprising UU Lent word, is it?) If you haven’t, count yourself as fortunate and give yourself a big hug. Wait, everyone else, also give yourselves big hugs. And now for some brutal honesty. My issue, like so many of us, has been with romantic … Continue reading “I’ve Had a Rough Relationship with Love”
Birds and Bees, and a Weird Morning
It’s not even noon, but it’s already been a weird day. I got to the Hermit Haus for work, and was just making my coffee when the lights went out. Well, most of them did. For some reason, my red lamp and the light over the kitchen sink kept glowing, eerily. So, Kathleen and I … Continue reading “Birds and Bees, and a Weird Morning”
Who Do YOU Trust? Or What?
The cynicism I’m developing from watching national government representatives continue in-fighting and saying really horrifying things (I am now expendable, oh boy!) has just heightened my mistrust of all of them. Let’s work together, everybody. Oh my. When I started thinking about trust, today’s word for UU Lent, my first thought was “trust no one,” … Continue reading “Who Do YOU Trust? Or What?”
FIRE Brings Hope
The UU Lent word for today is fire. It came on a good day, because a fiery ball of light appeared in the sky for the first time in a LONG time, or at least it seems. Seeing the sun this morning made me hopeful. I have read that it’s harder for some viruses to … Continue reading “FIRE Brings Hope”
Who’s Struggling?
If you’re not struggling, at least a little bit right now, I salute you! Tell me your secrets, on this Monday of isolation. For once, the UU Lent word of the day, struggle, seems mighty appropriate. I like being at home, and I like being in my little basement office full of cheerful colors and … Continue reading “Who’s Struggling?”
I Don’t Want to Write about Justice
Nope. Don’t want to write about the next extra-PC concept the UU Lent folks brought forth, justice. My Instagram says it all. I got a rock. I’ve never seen a lot of justice out in the world. Luckily I do see small amounts of mercy, which I find more important, anyway. Creepy people do well. … Continue reading “I Don’t Want to Write about Justice”
Remorse Is Complicated and Unhealthy
When I saw that remorse was the UU Lent word to think about today, I got a sinking feeling. There’s something I’m familiar with and that I’ve really had to grapple with a lot. Remorse is a distressing emotion experienced by a person who regrets actions which they deem to be shameful, hurtful, or wrong. … Continue reading “Remorse Is Complicated and Unhealthy”
Music to My Ears
Throw me an easy one, UU Lent! I could blog for hours about music. Luckily I’m visiting relatives and don’t have hours. I keep getting distracted by wildlife, anyway (another post). Music has always been important to me (as for many of us). I sang my whole life, mostly choral music, which I took to … Continue reading “Music to My Ears”
Wisdom: Did We Make a Wise Decision?
The salesperson we dealt with yesterday, the relentlessly flattering Kathy (she kept telling us how smart we were), convinced us to stay an extra day here in Myrtle Beach. So, we pushed our trip out a day. Hmm…that brings me to the UU Lent word of the day, wisdom. There is no doubt in Lee’s … Continue reading “Wisdom: Did We Make a Wise Decision?”
Every Single Day Takes Courage
We have courage for the UU Lent word today. I think we’re all more courageous than we know. Life is challenging. Sometimes we wonder if it’s the most challenging time to be alive, like ever, but no, I think it’s always been hard to be human. It’s always taken courage to face each day. Before … Continue reading “Every Single Day Takes Courage”
Count Me In
Oh goodness. Today is Sunday, so the UU Lent word is extra UU: inclusion. This is, I suppose, to incite us privileged cisgender white womyn to give a pious lecture about including our rainbow of friends in all aspects of society. Politics! The Board room! Your church! Your neighborhood! Okay. So, go do that. Inclusion … Continue reading “Count Me In”
Uncomfortable with Silence
The fascinating UU Lent prompts continue to take me down rabbit holes of thought. Silence is the word of today. I chuckled a bit when I walked into the office this morning to see absolutely no one in my entire area of cubicles. That led to quite a bit of silence, other than the ever-present … Continue reading “Uncomfortable with Silence”
Deep Stuff about Dust?
Oh goodness. What WERE the PC Practitioners over at the Unitarian Universalist Association (world’s most politically correct organization) thinking when they decided that dust was going to be one or the UU Lent words of the day? Were they thinking UU Lint? (And how many people also came up with that question today?) I’m sure … Continue reading “Deep Stuff about Dust?”
What Makes a Professional Editor/Writer Sweat? Unprofessional Editing/Writing
We all make mistakes, right? Well I’m about to admit to making a big mistake. I spent $8.99 on a “book” that is only a book by virtue of having pages, a cover, and some printing. I had good intentions! The work book club is going to read Dare to Lead, by my buddy Brené … Continue reading “What Makes a Professional Editor/Writer Sweat? Unprofessional Editing/Writing”
I’m a Harsh Judge of Creativity, or I Was
The UU Lent word for today is creativity. It didn’t require much creativity for them to think of that word, did it? I hope I can make my thoughts on this not only creative, but interesting, since only eleven people looked at yesterday’s masterpiece on sanctuary. I enjoyed writing it, anyway. First, yes, I think … Continue reading “I’m a Harsh Judge of Creativity, or I Was”
Where Do You Find Sanctuary?
Ah, the word for today is sanctuary on the UU Lent calendar. As I am sitting inside one of my personal sanctuaries as I type this, I didn’t have a hard time coming up with things to photograph for this concept. What I realized soon after starting to think about sanctuaries is that I truly … Continue reading “Where Do You Find Sanctuary?”
Risky Business
The Word of the Day in UU Lent is “risk.” Now, there’s a word I’m familiar and even mostly comfortable with. The photo I put on Instagram was this one, taken from the top of the stairs at the Pope Residence, and looking down, somewhat queasily. Risk can be messy, or create messes. Like all … Continue reading “Risky Business”
Should I Be Committed?
Hmm, I don’t think I’m referring to being institutionalized. I’ll let you know if I get to that point, though I sure hope I don’t. I know that is hard on everyone involved. No, today’s UULent word was “commitment,” and I surprised myself at where my mind went when I read that. At first, I … Continue reading “Should I Be Committed?”
The Darkness Fades: Spring Is Coming, I Think
It’s such a sunny, clear morning that the fog and gloom of the last week or so seems a distant memory. It’s got me thinking. I’m thinking and hoping the glorious sunset that I got to enjoy with the Austin neighbors seems to signal that maybe I and all my associates can start to crawl … Continue reading “The Darkness Fades: Spring Is Coming, I Think”
Why I Am “Too Busy”
You know what’s extra-extra nice? It’s nice that people care. And people do care about me! One way I know is that I am very frequently told I am too busy, or asked why I do so much. This is not new. Sensei Larry, who taught the kids karate, always called me “the Joiner,” because … Continue reading “Why I Am “Too Busy””
Holey, Holey Moley
Cameron, Texas is a town full of holes. Part of its fading small-town charm is that very few things are in tip-top shape, so holes are everywhere. Now, the true banes of my existence are the holes in County Road 140, where the Hermits’ Rest is located. As a matter of fact, I even made … Continue reading “Holey, Holey Moley”
Prejudice and Me
Extreme honesty alert! In any case, things I was reading today about other people’s biases gave me pause to think about my own. As hard as I’ve worked to overcome different kinds of prejudice, some seem almost hard wired. I have no scientific basis to go on, but my gut feeling is that these are … Continue reading “Prejudice and Me”
The Best Shirt EVER
Maybe I’m exaggerating, and maybe I’m not. However, today I am wearing a new shirt I got on Saturday that just gets better and better the more I wear it. I’m not usually this much excited about a shirt, I swear! There is no danger of me morphing into a fashion blogger or an “influencer” … Continue reading “The Best Shirt EVER”
Shopping Spree
One of the reasons I had so much fun yesterday is that I got to order a lot of the things for my new office. I also got a lot of news about the renovation, so that made my day fun to get through. The renovation team has decided that the floors in my future … Continue reading “Shopping Spree”
Book Report: Sunnyside Plaza
I haven’t written a book report in a while. Why? I am reading two long books at the same time, which means neither one of them is finished. But, yippee-dippee, I small but significant little book has appeared, and I got so excited about it, that I got it the day it was published: Sunnyside … Continue reading “Book Report: Sunnyside Plaza”
Whoops, I Hit a Limit
For the past few weeks I knew I had been filling my time with too many things that take away energy and not enough things that build it back up. I know perfectly well what those things are, and usually I am able to keep a good balance, even with all my jobs, volunteer positions, … Continue reading “Whoops, I Hit a Limit”
How to Be a Superhero, or Not
Those of you who are my friends on Facebook may notice that I don’t share very many memes, but when I do, they tend to be from the Tiny Buddha page. Tiny Buddha was founded by Lori Deschene in 2009, and has always been a favorite source of content that is both uplifting and insightful. … Continue reading “How to Be a Superhero, or Not”
Great Little Things in a Little Texas Town
Happy Lunar New Year! Like I was talking about yesterday, I’m trying to take notice of little things that bring joy. I think it’s important, even when you know perfectly well that the bigger things require attention. I just don’t want the scary stuff consuming me, because that would paralyze me and I’d get nothing … Continue reading “Great Little Things in a Little Texas Town”
Why MUST I Blind People with My Brightness?
Since I hit the big 6-0 with a splat in 2018, I’ve gotten brighter and shinier. My hair has been flaming red, orange, pink, and all colors in between. I have quite a collection of sparkly shoes. I have shiny nails, shiny jewelry, bling-y tops, and some pretty interesting glasses. In some photos, I stick … Continue reading “Why MUST I Blind People with My Brightness?”
Why Did I Post Some Long Liberal Snowflake Thing on Facebook Today?
I’ve been quiet (for me) about political leanings since before the last US Presidential election. I find that people who call other people names don’t convince anyone to change their views. And I find that, depending on where you get your information, the same events can be interpreted in astonishingly different ways (Roshomon, anyone? Look … Continue reading “Why Did I Post Some Long Liberal Snowflake Thing on Facebook Today?”
Love, Peace, Happiness. The Big Letdown
Many times, I write about how the passage of time and the learning opportunities I’ve taken advantage of have led me to be more content. And it’s true. I’m handling life’s ups and downs fairly well right now. That doesn’t mean I don’t notice what’s wrong in the world, though. All day today, I’ve been … Continue reading “Love, Peace, Happiness. The Big Letdown”
Why This Non-gambler Gambled Last Night (Introverts, Harken!)
My dear spouse is the incoming president of the Cameron Rotary Club. Thus, it was sort of his duty to attend their big yearly fund-raiser, a casino night. We never went before due to a strong dislike of crowds and an equally strong dis-interest in gambling. Heck, we never gambled when we had to go … Continue reading “Why This Non-gambler Gambled Last Night (Introverts, Harken!)”
Passive Aggressive Facebook Posts Are for Doofuses and Doofi
Gee, Suna, what are you going to rant about today? Maybe you can complain about something, and by doing so, do the thing you are complaining about. We used to have a word for that in linguistics, but never mind. At least you are presenting both alternative pluralizations of doofus, to please your friends. You … Continue reading “Passive Aggressive Facebook Posts Are for Doofuses and Doofi”
Do I Have a Right to Say Anything on This Subject?
Hey, Suna, what subject might that be, I hear the chorus asking. Well, that subject is sort of two things, but both ways of thinking about the world that sadden me, because they eliminate so much potential people AND they are self perpetuating: the poverty mindset and entitlement. My friend Mandi has loads of personal … Continue reading “Do I Have a Right to Say Anything on This Subject?”
Name Calling Is for Doofuses
Look at that. I called people doofuses. Shame on me. That’s about the worst thing I like to fling around, though. In our current troubled times, I see (and read) a lot of nasty name-calling going on. I know it’s not new, because I’ve read some doozies in old letters to the editor, which were … Continue reading “Name Calling Is for Doofuses”
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