Filed under Words of Wisdom …

Birds of Worry

That the birds of worry and care fly over your head, this you cannot change, but that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent. Chinese Proverb I really like this quote.  It evokes a bold image that so vividly, and, in a way, comically expresses a truth about being human: we are, … Continue reading →

Simply Stated

I want to take the opportunity to introduce a new page on Simple Pleasures.  Simply Stated is a collection of some of my favorite quotations and poems,  accompanied by beautiful photographs reflecting the sentiments expressed.  Since many of the quotations or poems have been featured in my blog posts, I’ve included a link with each … Continue reading →

Listening To Our Children

A while back during one of my visits to the recycling center, I came across a sweet little book.   Always Kiss Me Good Night: Instructions on Raising the Perfect Parent by 147 Kids Who Knowis a compilation of elementary school-aged children’s answers to the question: “If I could tell my parents how to raise me, … Continue reading →

Growing Older, Living Better

Youth is not a time of life—it is a state of mind Last weekend my husband and I attended a birthday party for a friend who was turning 60.  A milestone year, most would agree, although I’m not sure if any one year is more significant than another.  As we wished Brad “happy birthday”, our … Continue reading →

Greeting A New Year and Each New Day

It’s New Year’s Eve and I am thinking about what that means to me.  To be honest, as I grow older, I am coming to realize that holidays are like a double-edged sword.  While there is a joyful, celebratory side to look forward to, holidays seem to come with a lot of stress and anxiety.  … Continue reading →

From Secret Santa: Dear Annette…

Recently I posted my letter to my Secret Santa on this blog (See Dear Secret Santa).  I had told my Secret Santa that the reason I was a little late in making my Christmas Wish List known was because, when it came down to it, I really didn’t want for anything; that I really had … Continue reading →

A Simple Meditation to Guide Your Day

Setting the Tone When I was in either kindergarten or first grade, I learned a simple prayer.  For a child attending a Catholic parochial school, prayer was as much a part of my daily school routine as saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  This prayer was so simple and easy to remember, that it came home … Continue reading →

Music Inspiring Change

Music is one of life’s simple pleasures.  It soothes, it excites, it uplifts.  Sometimes it defines what we’re feeling.  And when music moves us to think and act, it goes beyond bringing pleasure; it inspires. This afternoon, as I was driving home from work, I was listening to a song that I have heard and … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving: Appreciating Emerson’s Message

Thanksgiving For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends. ~ By Ralph Waldo Emerson This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving poems.  In four short lines, Emerson covers the bases: if our basic needs are being … Continue reading →