My annual ritual on Independence Day (July 4 here in the US) is to celebrate independence from something meaningful. Past years I tried spending a day being independent from worry, from judging others, and from clinging to expectations. (For last year's piece on my No Expectations holiday, click here.) As I've been promoting You, Jane … Continue reading Independence Celebrations
life
Summer Arrives
For those of us in the northern hemisphere, summer arrived this past weekend. Depending on where you were, it might have appeared in the form of storms, floods, lightning, wind, heat and humidity, or gentle sunshine and delicate breezes. Here it is, nonetheless, and we mark another turning point in another year in our sojourn … Continue reading Summer Arrives
Memories Day
On Memorial Day we are asked to pause and remember those who lost their lives in service. I spent last weekend with a man who has lost much of his memory. As a member of ROTC and the Los Angeles police force in his younger days, his service credentials are well established. His mind is … Continue reading Memories Day
Opening Day: Baseball Lessons for Life
I am quietly celebrating the first day of baseball season. (By "quietly," of course, I mean yelling with joy at each Mariner hit, run, and great defensive play as they blow their opening game wide open in the ninth inning. It's now 10 to 3, M's over the Angels, and that's why I'm hoarse.) "Opening … Continue reading Opening Day: Baseball Lessons for Life
How things happen
This month, my contribution to The Writers' Vineyard is about the curious ways things come about, at least in my writing life. How about yours - do you live according to plan, or do things just happen? Here's a teaser. Each spring offers these opportunities to take the universe up on its invitation to pursue … Continue reading How things happen
Spring Turbulence
Over the last weeks, here in the valley, our weather mirrors the turbulence of all change. We've had snow, sun, wind, rain; days turn from cold to warm to cold again in a heartbeat. We're on the cusp. The calendar counts the official transition to spring today, but it's clear we're still en route. Don't … Continue reading Spring Turbulence
Speak love
Thought for Valentine's day: "Love ain't better left unspoken" (M. Fountain, Wounds). Speak love into being today.
The importance of sport, or, it’s only a game
Regular readers, friends, and family know I am not much of a football fan. My game is baseball. I adore watching all levels, from community kids playing Babe Ruth to serious young women throwing heat (underhand!) in college softball to the terrific Apple Sox of the college league to the majors. As I write this, … Continue reading The importance of sport, or, it’s only a game
Rise: Hannah Lokos on Fictional Lessons for Life
For the latest Fictional Lesson for an All Too Real Life, Hannah Lokos joins me. Hannah is a sleep-deprived biology major college student who became a published author at age 19. Her novel, Labyrinth of Lies, is chock full of adventure, romance, and unexpected twists, and is available for purchase on Amazon. When Liz graciously offered to … Continue reading Rise: Hannah Lokos on Fictional Lessons for Life
Or do it anyway.
In honor of our annual celebration of MLK Jr's contributions, I read through some of his more famous quotes. This one spoke to me today. “Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict … Continue reading Or do it anyway.
Elizabeth Fountain, Author 