Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly. ~Charles Addams Where to begin? After three years of living in chaos, it's hard to imagine having to endure anything more unsettling. But now we're not imagining it. We're living it, watching as the country literally shuts down to stave … Continue reading What We Do Now Matters
The Americans, on the contrary, are fond of explaining almost all the actions of their lives by the principle of interest rightly understood; they show with complacency how an enlightened regard for themselves constantly prompts them to assist each other, and inclines them willingly to sacrifice a portion of their time and property to the … Continue reading How we all do better: (Re)Learning the hard way
Strange how nearsighted being invisible can make you. ~JK Rowling, Harry Potter Last month I finally started reading Harry Potter with my son. It's been a long time. I still remember being a newly minted lawyer, wondering what all the fuss was about with this children's book - and then devouring the first of the … Continue reading Uncovering Your Hidden Greatness
Change is hard. And if you don’t fight for it, you can’t win. But change can happen. ~Elizabeth Warren Democrats win when we figure out what is right and we get out there and fight for it. I am not afraid, and for Democrats to win, you can’t be afraid either.~Elizabeth Warren I hung on … Continue reading Wonky Warriors Unite: The Case for Liz
To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. ~Audrey Hepburn Gardeners are some of the most optimistic people I know. And this is one of the dreamiest times of year, if you're a gardener. There's no heat to contend with. No plague of grasshoppers or aphids. No drought, no flooding rains. There are just … Continue reading Being As Hopeful As a Gardener
People think being alone makes you lonely, but I don't think that's true. Being surrounded by the wrong people is the loneliest thing in the world. ~Kim Culbertson A few weeks ago, I attended a state party committee meeting. They're always fun affairs, frankly, because it's a chance to see folks I haven't seen in … Continue reading You’re Never Alone
Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. ~Ovid Shorter words than normal, folks ... because this week I had the flu. Yes, the chills-fever-nausea-coughing-sneezing-aching-can'tsleep flu. Yes, I was stupid and should have gotten a flu shot. Yes, I'm watching my seven-year-old like he's a hand grenade with a pulled pin ready … Continue reading The Fevers of 2020
I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of the constitution. ~Thomas Jefferson For once, I have something in common with my two ultra-conservative Missouri Senators: I’m serving jury duty. It is annoying, going to jury duty. I had … Continue reading Jury Duty
Lightening makes no sound until it strikes. ~Martin Luther King, Jr. This past weekend we paused to remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who tirelessly fought for racial justice and so eloquently stated the case for freedom and equality that his words still send shivers down our spines. … Continue reading The Behind the Scenes Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Each of us has the moral capacity to make a difference in the lives of others. Your ordinary life lived well is extraordinary—even heroic. So live as God made you. Live for others, be the hero! ~Chris Edmonds I came across the story the other day, somewhere on social media. And sometimes a story just … Continue reading We are all.
Small Deeds Done 