Patriotism (noun): devotion to and vigorous support for one's country Here we are, just days before the Fourth of July. Flags. Fireworks. Parades with smiling politicians and candy-throwers. But there are cracks beneath that cheerful veneer. You've seen the stories, haven't you? The treatment of asylum-seekers at the border, and at the "detention facilities" they're … Continue reading How to be a patriot in 2019
"[L]ook for magic moments. ... [T]hink of the things that are magic moments that happen to you, like sunsets and sunrises, rainbows, beautiful birds, music and people’s lovely comments to you. All of those are magic moments and they are free for all. Be sure to keep your eye open for them." Julia Hawkins, 103-year-old … Continue reading In Pursuit of Magic
When I found I had crossed that line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything; the sun came like gold through trees, and over the fields, and I felt like I was in Heaven. ~Harriet Tubman She stood at just five feet, … Continue reading There’s Power in Everyone. There’s Power in You.
It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies; yet our present numbers are sufficient to repel the force of all the world. ~Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776) Have you ever seen a redwood tree? They’re majestic and towering – scraping the sky while standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow redwoods in what … Continue reading We Stand Taller … When We Hold Hands
Nothing is so contagious as example, and we never do any great good or evil that does not produce its like. ~Francois de la Rochefoucauld [D]on't ever underestimate the importance that you can have. Because history has shown us courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own. ~Michelle Obama … Continue reading Doing Good Is Contagious
The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start. ~John Bingham ("The Penguin") I'm what you would call an "adult onset" athlete. Sure, when I was a kid I was active - in sports, swimming, exploring the outdoors. But once college and law school hit I became essentially … Continue reading The Miracle is that You Had the Courage To Start
If you're going through hell, keep going. ~Winston Churchill Fair warning - I got about one hour of sleep last night. I woke up in a cold sweat, literally swinging my arms to fight the imaginary people who were trying to force me and the other faceless women around me into submission. It was a … Continue reading We went back, didn’t we? Are You Surprised?
