There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.
George Santayana
Enjoying the interval. That’s the part most of us miss. We are too busy worrying about what might be around the corner!
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Today is the birth date of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. He is remembered for many things: Leading the country during the Civil War, taking a stand against slavery, and delivering powerful speeches that students still memorize are just a few of history’s notations.
What is not as well known is the devotion and love Lincoln and his wife had for each other. We toss the word “soulmate” around a lot and it is understandable why – everyone hopes to find their own soulmate and have a love that lasts a lifetime and beyond.
Mary Todd Lincoln was …read more
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Thought of the Day:
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
Helen Keller
Thinking Outside the Box:
Kind of reminds a person of “no pain, no gain.” Or on a deeper level, “The Dark Night of the Soul.” The bottom line, according to Helen Keller, and countless philosophers before her, is that if we do not suffer, we stagnate. Small comfort in the middle of the suffering.
But looking at the nature of our difficulties, trials, and struggles from this point-of-view, allows us to look …read more
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Thought of the Day:
“Over 60 percent of American households have a dog as a pet.”
American Pet Products Manufacturers Association
Thinking Outside of the Box:
I didn’t know that dogs outnumbered cats by so many! In 2004, which is the last year the NPPMA has statistics for, 63% of American households had a dog. Only 34% had cats. Birds, reptiles and small animals all were in the single digits.
I was really surprised about cats. I am not sure if cats are not understood well by people, if cats that insist on going outside are not considered part of the …read more
Thought of the Day:
“As the season of believing seems to wind down let me gently remind you that many dreams still wait in the wings. Many authentic sparks must be fanned before passion performs her perfect work in you. Throw another log on the fire.”
Sarah Ban Breathnach
Thinking Outside of the Box:
Do you ever have problems with creativity? I do. We all do. Any author who tells you that they don’t, is lying. There are days when ideas just “t’ain’t” gonna happen. This whole week has felt that way; since Madelyn, my parrot passed away on …read more
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I had planned on writing this particular piece about Christmas – the whole “day after” thing. But something horrible happened on Christmas this year, and I feel a need to share it with you. I can’t think outside the box; I can’t hardly think at all. I just know that it was never how I anticipated spending my Christmas.
I have had an Amazon parrot since 1985. She was a wild-caught bird; that was back in the days when it was legal to do so and we really didn’t know any better. I tamed her and …read more
Thought of the Day:
“Life is made up of meetings and partings. That is the way of it. I’m sure that we shall never forget Tiny Tim, or this first parting that there was among us.”
Kermit the Frog – “The Muppet Christmas Carol”
Thinking Outside of the Box:
Christmas brings us such a mixed bag of feelings. The memories of the people who have left this world before us are vivid, and it seems that the holidays cause those memories to become more plentiful. For many people, it is the time of year they dread the most; those memories are more …read more
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Thought of the Day:
“We pass now quickly from each other’s sight; but I know full well that where beyond these passing scenes you shall be, there will be Heaven.”
Joshua L. Chamberlain
Thinking Outside of the Box:
Many people do not know about All Saints Day. It is the day to remember those who have gone before us, particularly those who have passed away within the last year or those closest to us. Love binds us together even across the divide of earth and heaven. But the fact is, we don’t know where Heaven is; it could be “up” in the sky, way …read more
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