The following is a true story, shared by a friend.  It is also my story and yours.  We often think we have left the past behind only to have it jump up and come to life in the most unexpected of times. This story reflects how the imprint of a childhood experience can have a [...]

This week I had overnight guests.  I was the bed and breakfast for the night. These friends are walking, not biking, The Katy Trail across Missouri.  The Katy Trail is a 225 mile (365 km) bike path stretching across most of the state. Over half of it follows Lewis and Clark’s path up the Missouri [...]

Sometimes things that happen to us in our childhood leave invisible marks that cannot be seen on our skin, but leave an indelible image in our hearts and minds.  We may carry the experience around with us and vow never to be hurt again.  Our awareness of the incident and the decision may be buried [...]

I think we often overlook the significance of simple, loving support in times of family crisis, or any of any other kind of stressful situations. Many of us consider ourselves strong, self-sufficient and resilient.  We can handle whatever comes our way – alone. Yet the toll emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually is great. Until you [...]

This is my WISH for you:  COMFORT on difficult days; SMILES when sadness intrudes; RAINBOWS to follow the clouds; LAUGHTER to kiss your lips; HUGS when spirits sag; SUNSETS to warm your heart; FRIENDSHIPS to brighten your being; BEAUTY for your eyes to see; FAITH so that you can believe; CONFIDENCE for when you doubt; [...]

“Maybe some people don’t realize the impact they are making or have made on other people’s lives.  We are just being us, but it has special meanings that the giver doesn’t even know.  We are filling an empty space and making a change or a difference in someone else’s life.  It may be small or [...]

Once upon a time there was a child grew up believing that she was not loved or lovable. She had food, clothing, housing and family all around her, yet felt all alone and very lonely. She describes herself as a little girl lost. I wonder how many other little girls – or little boys – [...]

These may at first seem like strange bed fellows, but I’ll bet most of you have felt both of these at the same time. It’s a weird combination of “Wow, Great, Way Cool!” and “Now what have I done?”

What simple things do you love? Sometimes there are such ordinary, everyday parts of our lives that we don’t fully appreciate how much they mean. Recently I returned from a business trip in a big city in the Southwest. For a week, I saw nothing but tall buildings, concrete, and sand and stone. There were [...]

God, hold my hand! A co-worker is facing some health concerns and is really afraid. As she talked about her fears she commented that she knew she would be well again – but she didn’t know how long the healing would take and the financial toll. Then she said, “I’ve asked God to hold my [...]

I’ve been watching two close friends move through work challenges. There has been frustration, anger, disgust, anxiety, exhaustion, hostility, and exasperation with situations that don’t change, but in fact becomes more dictatorial and harassing every day. They have had enough and the stress shows in tone of voice, facial expression, the way they walk or [...]

The phone rang and a voice I had not heard for many years spoke up and indentified himself as a high school friend. We caught up on the history of our lives – family, work, travel, etc. – which lasted about 5 minutes. For the next 30 minutes this person talked about himself- when I [...]

Who told us we should never be angry? It’s not a nice feeling and nice people are never angry!! If you believe that let me sell you some swamp land in a desert. Sometimes we have a right to be angry – circumstances, people or re-occurring situations are not healthy and in our best interest. [...]

Some people are like sunshine, they leave a trail of light, warmth and happiness wherever they go. Even when they have left a room, their energy is still felt as a warm glow and pleasant memory – putting a smile or silly grin on your face by just remembering the time shared with them.

Molly was once very shy and when people came in the house she would hide out. Not any more. I have encouraged her to come out of hiding and when company comes, I often say, “Molly, you have company.” Our company often asks, “Where’s Molly?”

Three little words, only eight letters, made up of consonants and vowels. Yet these words are the most sought after words in the English language. They are also the words that can significantly change the life of the speaker and the listener. Saying them and hearing them melts the most frozen of hearts. Sometimes we [...]

It’s been a while since I’ve put a blog on this web site — I was having a dry spell. This is the same thing as a time out. A period where one stops to reflect, to consider future options, or to do some healing without the pressure of deadlines. I was doing all of [...]

Feelings – rolling through your awareness, calm or edgy, changing with each minute of the day. They can be warm, loving, peaceful, or happy. Then again, sometimes they create quite a storm. The last few weeks, I’ve been through tornado alley. I was the tornado , whirling around in my world, creating havoc for myself [...]

I had the opportunity today to celebrate the 85th birthday of one of my dear friends. Even though this person is 85 in years, she is not 85 in attitudes and behaviors, even when pains and health conditions limit activities.

“I love you” — three magic words – that everyone needs and wants to hear. Some people say them with ease and some people have a very hard time saying those words. There are some who never say them and some who say them all the time. The questions are: Do you say them? Who [...]