"Children are happy because they don’t have a file in their minds called 'All The Things That Could Go Wrong'” – Marianne Williamson "Above all, never let age extinguish the fire of your inner child.” – S. Ajna There's a new, highly sought-after writer in Boise. He's got a fresh voice, a unique style, and … Continue reading On Getting Out of Your Own Way, and Making Space on the Shelf
The difference between those organizing at the local level to shape democracy and those raging ineffectually about democratic backsliding — myself included — reminds me of the old line about war: Amateurs talk strategy; professionals talk logistics. Right now, Trumpists are talking logistics. ~Ezra Klein, Steve Bannon Is On To Something I am the very … Continue reading On How To Save Time, Gain Control, and Focus Your Energy – Using One Piece of Paper
If you are waiting for someone else to advocate for you, you’re doing it wrong. ~ Dawn Chapman, Just Moms STL “Ma’am, I’m unloading a lot of information on you," said the voice on the phone. "Do you have any questions?” She looked over at her daughter, quiet in the hush of an afternoon nap. … Continue reading The Accidental Environmentalists: Just Moms
If you think you are too small to make a difference you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito. ~ African Proverb They hatched their plan to save the Affordable Care Act late one night over leftover birthday cake. It was June 2017. Trump was president, and the GOP held majorities in both the House … Continue reading Small In Stature But Big In Impact: The Little Lobbyists
Polite people get poisoned. ~Lois Gibbs Average people and the average community can change the world. You can do it just based on common sense, determination, persistence and patience. ~Lois Gibbs She was just a mom, really. A homemaker with a high school diploma, taking care of her two children in a working-class neighborhood in … Continue reading When You Go Alone, You Lose: Lois Gibbs, the Mother of Superfund
Over time, my efforts helped incite others to action. You kick a few pebbles, you turn a few stones, and eventually you have an avalanche. ~Candace Lightner In 1980, a grief-stricken mother sat down at her kitchen table and picked up her telephone. Just days before, her 13-year-old daughter had been killed by a drunk … Continue reading Transforming Tragedy Into Action: Candace Lightner
Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right. ~Oprah The next few weeks promise to be busy. We're starting a new year (thank God), and there will be reflections to have and resolutions to make. (More on that below.) But before I introduce a month-long series of what I hope will … Continue reading On A New Year, Soccer Mom Seditionists, and Renewed Focus
False hope can lead to intemperate choices and flawed decision making. True hope takes into account the real threats that exist and seeks to navigate the best path around them. ~Jerome Groopman Hope itself is always genuine. It's only what it's placed in that can prove to be false. ~Karen Maitland Hope is not passive. … Continue reading On Hope, Reality, and the Danger of “Hopium”
Smile, breathe, and go slowly. ~Thich Nhat Hanh Well, friends – today's been a day. Every once in a great while the day gets away from me, and this day involved not just one – but two! – cats at the vet (they're fine... our bank account, not so much) ... and the kiddo's schoolwork ... … Continue reading On Taking a Breath and Taking a Beat
Persistence can grind an iron beam into a needle. ~Chinese proverb Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination … Continue reading On Perseverance, Gradeschool Math… and Just Doing the Thing.
Small Deeds Done 