In line with my series last month on hope and optimism, I’m going to occasionally list out things that I’ve come across that give me hope. I’m thinking of making it a regular feature. We’ll see. Anyway, here’s ten things that bring me hope this week: Image by Wolfgang by Pexels. —People watching. Oh, we’re... Continue Reading →
Changing with the times
When I was younger, I was wound pretty tight, struggling to keep all the bouncing balls at work and home from falling. There were times when I managed it well and, then other times, not so well. I like to think that I've changed. For example, three years ago, our youngest son was driving with... Continue Reading →
Choosing Hope #6: A bright future
(The last in a week-long series on hope and optimism for the future.) Life has a way of bringing struggle and challenge — who hasn't felt overwhelmed by the mountain we have to climb — but it also means any number of opportunities. We often just need to open our eyes. The challenge then comes... Continue Reading →
Choosing Hope #4: Hope for when things go bad
(Fourth in a week-long series on hope and optimism for the future.) Some days it’s hard to see the good. I'm not talking about trying to be "sickeningly sweet and optimistic." No, no, I'm talking about being realistic, but still seeing the good that comes up in life. We've all had those days. You try... Continue Reading →
Choosing Hope #2: Seeing the big picture
(Second in a week-long series on hope and optimism for the future.) The guy on the radio was talking about how the world has "gone to hell in a hand basket." He was clamoring against the rise of organized sports, participation trophies, and "woke" and over-involved parents. He talked glowingly about the seventies and eighties... Continue Reading →
Choosing Hope #1: Where’s the optimism?
(First in a week-long series on hope and optimism for the future.) When I was in elementary school, the teacher would turn on a projector and pull down the screen in the front of the class and we’d watch grainy film clips of Astronaut Neil Armstrong taking his first steps on the moon and saying,... Continue Reading →
And they lived happily ever after
Two people start dating. They’re happy, they enjoy each other’s company. They introduce each other to their friends and family. Time goes by and it feels right and the guy gets down on one knee and proposes. They walk down the aisle, they say they're I do’s, they drink and dance at the reception. They mix... Continue Reading →
The House at Pooh Corner
English author A.A. Milne came up with the idea for Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in 1921 after he watched his son Christopher Robin play with his stuffed animals and saw him give them various voices and character traits. Christopher’s stuffed bear, originally named Edward, was renamed Winnie-the-Pooh after they visited the London Zoo and fell in... Continue Reading →
The best day
A rainy chill has come in the middle of the night. It's not overly cold, but still cold enough and it’s one of those mornings when you run quickly to the bathroom to do your business and then back again to get back under the warm covers. The sheets and comforter on the bed are... Continue Reading →

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