Category: Connect

What Thumper’s Father Said

In the classic Disney movie, Bambi, Thumper comments on Bambi’s clumsy first steps, “He doesn’t walk very good, does he?” Thumper’s mother jumps in: “Thumper, what did your father tell you?” A chastened Thumper—and a chastened me, when my mom reminded me of this scene throughout my childhood—quotes: If you can’t say something nice, don’t … Continue reading What Thumper’s Father Said

NYC, There’s Something About Ya’

The Best Weekend! I told my family that, for my BIG birthday, I wanted to wake up with my loves in a place we’d never adventured together before. We discussed the pros and cons of various locations and landed on: New York City. How does a nature-loving, bookish homebody—easily overwhelmed and edgy in crowded cities … Continue reading NYC, There’s Something About Ya’

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

It’s my birthday month, and I’m celebrating a milestone: a half-century of my life. Years ago, I roller skated to Kool and the Gang’s song, Celebrate: There's a party goin' on right here A celebration to last throughout the years So bring your good times, and your laughter too We gonna celebrate your party with … Continue reading Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

33 Ways to De-Funk Your Day

If you're anything like me, occasionally you find yourself in a funk. Not a physical, I-need-a-shower kinda funk; and not a Play that Funky Music, White Boy getcha movin’ kinda funk. Just an I’m in a funk kind of way. Here are some ideas for dealing with it: Practice gratitude: make a list of 3-10 … Continue reading 33 Ways to De-Funk Your Day

Sprinkle Kindness Everywhere

Someone left a rock dead center on the sign-in counter at the gym. Painted white with black letters reading “Sprinkle Kindness Everywhere” amidst colorful polka dots, it's so out of place it caught my attention. It reminded me of painted rocks I saw while on vacation in Pacific Grove. Someone(s) had painted stones to resemble … Continue reading Sprinkle Kindness Everywhere

Give Good Gifts

My nephew came to visit and brought me a gift from my sister. She thought I needed some encouragement, so she put together the best care package ever. Gifts are her love language, not mine. Time and good company are really all I need to feel loved. But this gift…! She packed a small box … Continue reading Give Good Gifts

Learning from Babies

Q15 lost his passport coming home from Mexico over spring break. He claims he gave it to Guy, Guy doesn’t remember ever receiving it, neither can find it. We need a replacement since Q leaves on a Scouting canoe trip in Canada next week. Within a certain window of time and requiring both parents meant … Continue reading Learning from Babies

Boomerang

For Mother's Day, I received two bouquets of flowers: one from my in-laws and another from my kids. I posted pictures on social media because I have a thing for flowers. The next day, my neighbor and her young daughter stood on my doorstep holding a beautiful bouquet of homegrown roses. Mom had shown my … Continue reading Boomerang

Mexico, Here We Come

'Twas the week before the Mexico trip, and all through our house Every creature was stirring, including a mouse! Seriously, it's been a week... Guy has been leading house building trips to Mexico for at least 18 years and participating in them regularly since he was a high school student. But this will be the … Continue reading Mexico, Here We Come

Sabbath 1

As we enter Lent, the season in the Church calendar in which we focus on Jesus Christ's sacrifice for love of us, we begin a wild and wandering conversation about Sabbath. What does Sabbath mean to you? Sabbath, #4 of the 10 Commandments, seems to be the one the Church feels free to omit. To … Continue reading Sabbath 1