The world can be a crazy place. Sometimes it helps to step back and list a few of the things you’re grateful for. I’m making it a habit each week to list three blessings. Here’s what I’m grateful for this week, August 24-30.
What I’m grateful for:
—Putting your all into it. Whether you’re working your fingers to the bone; giving your blood, sweat, and tears; keeping your nose to the grindstone; or going the extra mile Monday in the U.S. is for you. We celebrate the contributions of American workers on Labor Day.
—Putting out the fire. The wildfires in Los Angeles filled the news in January. As a kid I read about the Great Fire of London in 1666 that burned down 13,000 houses and the Great Fire of Chicago that started in a barn and killed more than 300 people in 1871. For those reasons and more, I’ve always been grateful for the men and women firefighters and ambulance crews who protect our communities. They’re going into the fire, when others are running to get away.
—Great art. I’m grateful for artists who inspire me. Here’s two.
“And I am going to paint the Solar Systems on the backs of her hands, so she has to learn the entire universe before she can say ‘Oh, I know that like the back of my hand’
And she’s going to learn that this life will hit you, hard, in the face, wait for you to get back up, just so it can kick you in the stomach, but getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.” –Sarah Kay
Sarah Kay – If I should have a daughter
“We quote Shakespeare all the time perhaps without knowing it, but you only have to go to those plays and be in any kind of those situations being in love or being jealous or being angry or whatever and you will find that there is a way of him summing up that is completely sufficient for what your emotion is.” — Judi Dench
Judi Dench on Shakespeare
What gave me a smile?
It’s that time of the year again. College football starts en mass this weekend. The NFL isn’t far behind. The Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl champions, will host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night. I’m an Eagles fan. Of course, I want them to beat the hated Cowboys!
There will be 285 NFL games between September 4, 2025, and the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026.
Who’s ready for some football?
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Writing from the Heart with Brian 
Thanks for Judy Dench quoting Shakespeare. I love her.
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Such a great role model and artist! Love her.
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Timing is interesting. A few years ago, I forwarded Sarah Kay’s Ted Talk to a friend. Last weekend, she sent me an email that she watched it again after a long time. I’d forgotten about it and watched it again myself as well. Even though I rewatched it the other day, I got another dose after seeing it on your blog this morning. Spoken word is so cool.
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Oh that’s funny. I always love coming back to her Ted Talk. Definitely an inspiration. And yes, something about her reading it versus just seeing it on a page. I feel the same way about Taylor Mali’s poem, “What teachers make” It just hits differently.
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Thanks for sharing Sarah Kay, Brian. Never heard her before. Those were such beautiful poems, and a very inspiring talk.
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I discovered her a few years ago and fell in love with this poem. So much there. Every time I listen to this video I feel like it gets me thinking about another idea or thing to write about. Thanks Jessica.
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thanks for introducing me to Sarah Kay, she’s wonderful
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She’s awesome. Love her optimism.
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I’m definitely going to have to watch and read more of Sarah Kay’s work. I’ve never heard of her before but she had me in tears and shaking with emotion. What a talent. Thank you for sharing!
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I stumbled across her Ted Talk a number of years ago. I love returning to it. I feel like I pick up something different each time I listen to it. I’m glad you like it.
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Beautiful, Brian! Workers, firefighters, artists and football. What a perfect mashup! I love Sarah Kay’s words. Powerful!!
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Love that her poems are so simple, but so powerful.
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I haven’t seen anything with Judi Dench in a while but she is a treasure! So thank you for sharing. Enjoy your Labour Day long weekend, Brian.
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Yes, love what she brings to every role and interview! Thanks Ab. Happy Labour day to you too. I just googled it – never knew that labour day originated in Canada and then came to the US. Cool. Have a great long weekend.
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And to think the Great Chicago Fire is all the fault of a cow! (Or so the legend goes, but I think that’s pretty much been debunked. In any case, I wonder if Mrs. O’Leary enjoyed a flame-broiled burger that night?
YES, I am ready for some football. Let’s go, Broncos!!
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Broncos seem to be everyone’s sleeper pick. People excited to see what Sean Payton will do with another year under his belt there. Cool to see.
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Powerful post, Brian! This line is so profound:
“They’re going into the fire, when others are running to get away.” The L.A. fires seem like yesterday, but that they occurred in January was even more horrifying. People rang in the new year with hope and optimism, only to be confronted with tragic loss…
I love Judy Dench, and football has already begun to ‘interrupt this marriage.’ 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
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I’m always amazed by emergency personnel. I know many have some level of training and gear but still amazing courage!!!
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I feel the same way, Brian. I wasn’t born to work in the medical field, so I have great respect for those who do in any capacity. 🙂
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Your three each week are deeply powerful, and this post is especially so – firefighters and artists.
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Oh thank you Jennie! Just the things I notice!
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You’re welcome, Brian. You notice what matters!
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