Of Trees and Flowers

Of Trees and Flowers

It Started with a Song Over 45 years ago, I wrote a song about trees. Trees have always moved me for some reason. One summer between years at college I worked for a landscaping company in Spokane, Washington. I was fascinated by the tall, stately pine trees that...
Hope is an Active Verb

Hope is an Active Verb

The beginning of a new year is usually a time when people make resolutions and plans for the year ahead. The turning of the calendar can give one a sense of new beginning, new opportunities, new hopes. I am one such person. I am actually one of those people who not...
Why I Vote

Why I Vote

DESCRIPTION: While there are many reasons to be discouraged about this fall’s elections and to not bother to vote, I offer three reasons I choose to vote: I am an internationalist; government’s job is to defend the poor, and  out of necessity I live and...
Small Things and Simple Pleasures

Small Things and Simple Pleasures

This past week my work was extremely stressful. I felt, as I often do these days, that my responsibilities far outstrip by capacities to meet them. I feel beholden to my colleagues, my students, my friends and family members. I worry. I pray, I meditate, I remind...