As we in the U.S. celebrated the anniversary of adopting the Declaration of Independence from the government of King George III of Great Britain, I read these words from David Cole, national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. They resonated with the original "just causes" listed in the Declaration, and they resonated with … Continue reading Independence day and hope
hope
Words, Emotion, Peace
50 years ago this week, we lost a leader in the movement to make our country, and our world, more humane.
The passion of compassion
In honor of spring holidays this week, or last, or next, or any time we celebrate compassion and love.
Dignity for all
Art by Shepard Fairey, made available as part of the We The People Project
What kind of community do we want to create?
I wrote this letter to the editor, with specific references to my town. Maybe it's about your town, too.
The miracle
I believe our most audacious hope and challenge is to approach one another with loving kindness. Even those with whom we have deep disagreements. Especially, perhaps, those with whom we have deep disagreements. I'm not good at it yet, though; I have a long way to go. Because today all I can feel is sadness for so … Continue reading The miracle
Hope
Written in the middle of a rough week, thoughts I've wanted to share for a while, on our most audacious task and our strongest hope.
More love, less hate
My monthly contribution to the Writers Vineyard is less about writing and more about a simple lesson we already know well: More love, less hate. Here's an excerpt: As I listened to news coverage of the bombings at the Boston Marathon, and the investigation and pursuit of suspects that followed, forgiveness wasn’t uppermost in my … Continue reading More love, less hate
Here’s to the helpers
Ascribed by multiple sources to Fred Rogers, this message is worth sharing at the end of a difficult week in our world: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" Helpers … Continue reading Here’s to the helpers
While I was indoors…
While I was inside a hotel conference center for four days trying to find a home for the novel, some other important stuff was going on in the world. Those days saw some of the most beautiful summer weather the Seattle area has seen since, well, it feels like since the last century. Early August … Continue reading While I was indoors…
Elizabeth Fountain, Author 