We live during unpredictable times. These are days of worry and stress for our family’s well-being, our community’s safety and development, our state’s ability to pull itself out of the financial ditch, and for our country’s dignity and democracy. We also live under the dark cloud of fear because of two itchy fingered leaders with atomic bomb buttons on their desks. During these times we also are challenged to maintain hope and motivation to work toward progressive change. Although history is

“But is it true ? I only read nonfiction.” Sometimes I get this response when recommending poetry or novels. The prejudice against imaginative writing has a long history, from Plato’s banishment of poets in The Republic to the Puritan mistrust of any representation not from Scripture. This prejudice lives on in predominantly Anglo nations, where novelists and poets enjoy significantly less exposure on daily news cycles than do their counterparts in other cultures. Of course, literary art does

There’s something about the New Year that makes us think the world is going to be a better place and that our lives and relationships will improve, as well. A recent research project on long-term relationships taught me a few things about enhancing the chances that a romantic relationship grows stronger over time. And when satisfying social bonding occurs, our lives actually do get better. Folks in long-term relationships shared their secrets for getting a slice of “happily ever after,” and

I experience every morning differently. Sometimes I struggle to sleep in for a few more moments, but sometimes I wake up early. Sometimes I make an extravagant breakfast, but sometimes I skip the meal altogether. Consistency might act as a staple in some people’s lives, but my mind changes constantly. More specifically, my indecisiveness has led me to change my college major three times … from Business, to Hospitality, and then to English, I finally landed on the right career path. But is it

Even though the days are lengthening and my horses will begin shedding by the end of January, we are at the beginning of the bleak time. The ratchet up to Christmas is over. Lights pushing against dark nights in the countryside will come down. Our decorations will return to boxes. We no longer look for a white Christmas. Snow becomes hard work and a risky drive. There isn’t much to look forward to between now and when crocuses bloom. But it’s the season of Epiphany, touched off by the kings

For Americans a critical -- likely irreversible -- decision looms: What should be our role internationally? Certainly not the world's policeman, but should we disengage and retreat from leadership? The question deserves debate, but the danger is that the decision will be rendered moot. Both our diplomatic and military effectiveness are being degraded. Experts distinguish between "soft" and "hard" power. With only some exaggeration, we can say that the threat for us is no power. The State

Imagine this: You are in the room you were assigned; nearby is a woman asking you questions. There is a problem she is trying to solve. The problem is you. For some reason, you panic every time the dinner bell rings in the care center where you live. You can’t explain. You live in a fog, thanks to dementia, or Alzheimer’s, or some form of serious memory loss. Somewhere there’s pages and pages of data on you, but today the woman holds your “story.” It’s a quick read that highlights important

“All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth…” Remember that song? I do. Oh, if it were only that simple. What do I want for Christmas? I want civility, kindness, compassionate relationships with our world partners. I want a leader who brings people together over solutions, not creates divides so wide, sometimes even families can’t reach across to each other. I want our country to stand on the world stage and fight global warming, reduce systemic poverty, and be a source for ideas that end

One of the most significant, yet subtle, astronomical events of the year occurred last Thursday, Dec. 21. For the six months from June 21 to Dec. 21, the days got shorter and the angle of the sun above the horizon got lower. These circumstances led to a gradual cooling of temperatures. Think how frightening these changes must have been to our ancestors thousands of years ago. The Sun -- the source of all of our warmth and light -- seemed to be abandoning us. Would the trend continue until the

The day after Christmas and, if you celebrated this holiday, you may be breathing a sigh of relief that the frenzy is finally over, or you may be feeling that post-present let down – especially since it’s a Tuesday, and you may have go back to work. Today is also Boxing Day, largely a Commonwealth observance that I used to think was related to boxing up those presents that didn’t fit or were just downright hideous for a store return or charity donation. A bit of research revealed that this day’s