When I first moved west, I was taken by the beautiful rocks all over the place. As a unique gift to my parents back in Pennsylvania, I found a smooth stone with streaks of gold and blue and green. I wrapped it up in a white, silk cloth, put it in a gold box and …
Just when things couldn’t get more frustrating this morning, Augie, my clumsy guardian angel, shows up. He’s weird enough looking already, but now he has on this freaky mask he claims was made in heaven. Usually, Augie is always patting me on the back – like a high school …
Some of the best medicine is so easy to administer. I needed to pick up some medicine at my local pharmacy. There were three older adults in the pick-up line, all doing a good job practicing social distancing. However, their heads were down, with grim looks on their faces. …
Dear Mom and Dad, The country is going through a tough time. I’m sorry both of you aren’t here to provide a helping hand. However, I had a dream last night that was pretty cool. We were at your farm, sitting in the hay loft. Mom, you said, “Quit talking so much, …
Staying home alone has its advantages. I made my short list. 1. I read more. 2. I study and appreciate the art we have around the house more. 3. I play with my dogs more. They show off to me. I show off to them. 4. I’m more mindful of what I’m doing while I’m …
This post has to be super short. It’s about “microhabits,” a tip straight from Harvard Business Review. Often when I try to make a big change in my behavior, I fail. I run out of gas, or time or motivation. Now I’m thinking smaller. Much smaller. Here is my first …
My face is missing me. Until I was instructed not to touch my nose, my eyes or my mouth with my hands, I never thought I was the kind of guy who played around with his face like a first base coach giving instructions to his baserunners. Now I can’t help myself. I need …
(Jody Beth, Nigel, Sammy and Zeke are all White Swiss Shepherds who keep me sane.) Jody Beth: “Hey guys, I think Don’s going crazy. He’s spending too much time with us. He should go to work.” Sammy: “Yeah. Sometimes he just sits there on our food bench mumbling …
Thank goodness I’m an optimist. It helps me see kindness and opportunity where others see fear, panic and chaos. Our whole world is facing the coronavirus challenge. For me, it’s best to be updated briefly on the international crisis once a day. Then, I shut off the …
What’s wrong with me? Attempting to pick up little nuggets that will serve me in my elder years, I’ve purchased yet another self-help book. I have so many hardbound guidebooks to serenity, I can set them up like dominoes. Just a nudge, and one book will fall on the next one …