I am sitting in my office alone. The parent who was supposed to call at 5 requested a last-minute change to 5:45. I have no computer with me, just my phone, several pieces of blank white paper, and a pencil. I rarely find myself with forty-five unscheduled minutes, particularly on Wednesdays and Thursdays when our…
Tag: life
Shifting Worrying to Thoughts of Things I Love
Lately, I’ve discovered that I need some new coping skills. Between the constant news about yet another distressing national or international concern and juggling a few too many plates in the air, I have found myself worrying much more than usual. I also feel a bit overwhelmed at the many details that seem to demand…
Winds
The winds of my life have been persistent, like the winds in Texas can sometimes be. Constant, blowing your hair in your face, pushing your car door shut, sending that needed piece of paper in your hand skittering down the street as you chase after it. Not devastating winds, not tornadic whirlwinds or bend-you-double-with-their-force winds,…
Happy Return of my Lost Phone
Last Thursday, Ray and I took the Amtrak train into LA from Ventura to work at the church, clearing out and cleaning the kitchen. The caterer, Scott, who had been renting the kitchen, fell on hard times due to a literal fall, a trip to the hospital, and the contraction of a life-threatening infection while…
Life on the Quirky Side
When my husband is bored or ready to leave or fed up with what someone is saying, he whistles. It is the same tune every time – a series of notes that go up and then go down – and he is not particularly aware that he is sending off this signal. When I comment…
Alan W. Watts: The Secret of Life
This is the real secret of life—to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” -Alan W. Watts. I believe this quote from Alan W. Watts is the absolute truth. The operative words are “engaged,” “here and now,” and “play.”…
The Road to Normal: Worth Repeating
I wrote this piece a while back, but it still rings true. I decided to share it with you tonight. Here’s to normal, however you may define that word in your particular, unique, and wonderful life. Len My husband said to me today, “Thank you for being so normal.” I replied, “Thank you back.” Not…
It’s a Vonnegut Kind of Night
“Go into the arts. I’m not kidding. The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the…
What I’ve Always Wanted: An Inconclusive List in No Particular Order
I’ve always wanted to be fluent in Spanish and Italian. I’ve always wanted to go on trips to many countries worldwide. I’ve always wanted a simple and nicely tailored wardrobe with at least two cashmere sweaters. I’ve always wanted to learn how to drive a motorcycle. I’ve always wanted a happy and fulfilling marriage that…
To Type or Not to Type
I am an excellent typist. I mean I can zip around a keyboard like nobody’s business. This is all thanks to learning to type on a typewriter in high school. We had actual typing classes back then and I can type without once looking down at my fingers. Yep, I am pretty good at that….
20 Minutes a Day 