Sometimes, you have to "lose" something in order to find something else. News of an expanding war is distressing to many of us military vets and retirees who served during the Iraq War and 9/11 and have studied wars through history. The "what's-happening-now?!" question lives too much in our brains. The "what-happens-next?" question follows closely … Continue reading Losing “The War,” Finding Nature
Human-animal interactions are complex! At least for us humans; maybe not for the animals. I've been observing this dynamic close-up -- and participating in it, too -- and it's raised some questions in me. At what point does a wild animal become a pet? When is it a bad idea to support wild animals and … Continue reading Dogs & Deer + Humans = ?
Life brings stress. It's a natural and even healthy part of being human. We do weight-bearing exercise to stress (strengthen) our bones. We do mental exercise to stress (expand) our brains. But, lately, that societal stress...whew. It's showing up almost everywhere, isn't it? It's important to get relief. To find the "wow." (The good kind.) … Continue reading Winter + Wildlife = Wow
Most full-time locals are tired of it by now -- they've been dealing with it since November. But I'm a "seasonal resident" (albeit one who visits in all seasons). And a "remigrant" (one who moved away and came back.) My northern winter started at the end of January. And I love it! Here on the … Continue reading Winter on the 46th Parallel
We knew the storm was coming. We had plenty of notice. So first, I skied. Then, I excavated. Play first, then work. In retirement, it works better for me that way. As the storm-with-no-name (as of today) struck the Washington DC area with both snow and ice, I tackled the inside job I've been avoiding … Continue reading A Life Exposed – Pt. 1 (The Wall)
Ditch the clutter! But only when you're ready. Clutter can clog a house, an office, a car or a mind. But, like anything else, it's not all bad. Clutter serves a purpose. It can bring comfort, jog memories, remind us that we exist, or conceal an issue we aren't ready to address. When we recognize … Continue reading Clearing The Clutter
Snowy woods are magical. Yes, it's cold. You have to dress for it. And it's worth the extra effort, because...the stillness. You can hear yourself think! (Or, not. Sometimes not thinking is the point.) American poet Robert Frost must have known this when he wrote "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." (See him recite … Continue reading Woods on a Snowy Evening
It's called a pilgrimage for a reason. One month ago today, we started to walk El Camino in Spain. Yesterday, I shared my reflections with friends at church. Every pilgrim has their story. This is mine. This slide show (in PDF form) is meant for those of you who look under things, those who have … Continue reading “The Way:” A Spiritual Perspective
What happens when you reach the end of the earth? Do you fall off? Back in the day when people thought the world was flat, they must have wondered. Us? We stood on the rocks and felt the wind whip our hair. The day after arriving on foot in Santiago de Compostela (after walking 80 … Continue reading The End of the Earth?
Medieval walls. Church bells. Saint's bones. Pilgrims bearing backpacks. Tourists bearing purses. Shops - and more shops - selling mementos. All this greets you when you arrive in this small city in Galicia, Spain. But when you arrive as a pilgrim and make your way to the cathedral, your only thought is, "I made it!" Lots … Continue reading This Is It: Santiago de Compostela
For Many Moons 