Choices
September 26, 2026
A boat’s engine has propellers that rotate around a central hub. The disturbed water is forced backwards and the boat surges forward. The rudder is engaged to make the boat go in the desired direction. Some might say that people have much in common with boats. We too, have disturbing issues that must be pushed […]
The Window Seat
September 26, 2026
“We’ve reached our cruising altitude of 37,OOO ft. and you’re free to move about the cabin. Our arrival time at LAX is 2:37 p.m. so enjoy the flight. We are expecting a smooth trip but, just in case we encounter unexpected turbulence, please keep your seat belts fastened.” Passengers nearby are reading or working on […]
Fast friends
September 26, 2026
Moon walked on court today expecting a private lesson and was surprised to see Cathy. I had a hunch these two would hit if off and a new friendship was born in an hour. The two thumbs up you see means… 1. We’re going to work together on the ball machine this week. 2. We […]
Magnificent
September 26, 2026
An amazing performance by two terrific artists. Hearing this never gets old. Tap arrow to see/hear.
The present is a gift
September 26, 2026
‘If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is to be present in the present. Gratefully.’ Maya Angelou
The Tennis Dilemma
September 26, 2026
Your doubles team won the first set easily 6-2. Twenty minutes later you are down 4-1 in the second. What happened? An all too common human tendency…..we relax and take our foot off the gas pedal and hit the cruise control button. Simultaneously, opponents dig in and fight like junkyard dogs. Put the two together […]
Wise beyond their years
September 26, 2026
“Children are capable of great things, not just in the future but now. Children can be a source of hope and even strength. They can inspire us with their kindness; they can make us see beauty where we noticed only the mundane. They can make us stop and think; they can push us to do […]
Two sides of the coin
September 26, 2026
I felt compelled to take this photo yesterday…for those who relish these special relationships and for the others who wish they had one like this.
Eleanor
September 26, 2026
She’s a little pixie…this 8 year old. Eleanor seems to possess an innate respect for good form on the tennis court. Recently, we tried to expand her skills on the two handed backhand. I showed her how to hold the racquet choked up in her significant other hand (Welby Van Horn) and to toss the […]
A Diamond in the Rough
September 26, 2026
How amazing that some people fly under the radar when they are sooooo gifted. Just click on arrow and scroll to see/hear.
The Toughest Draw
September 25, 2026
We were the host site for a six state tournament held a number of years ago. Returning from lunch on quarterfinals day, I asked the site coordinator if everything was running smoothly. Expecting the customary reply of ‘yes, we’re right on time,’ I was surprised when he pulled me aside beyond the earshot of spectators […]
Self Compassion
September 25, 2026
Accept who you are……smile at the you who’s in the mirror….I dare you to. Or….if you’d like, make the silliest face ever and then go out and live like the little kid you used to be…..content with the miracle of today…..not getting stuck in the past or fretting about the future.
The Hourglass and Trifles
September 25, 2026
In a perfect world, with age comes wisdom. The more mature the person the more she sees trifles as small speed bumps that needn’t be catastrophized into mighty roadblocks. Monday is the best day to pause……and remember that trifles are inevitable…deal with it. Who knows…….if you succeed on Monday in keeping things in perspective, it […]
Window of Tolerance
September 25, 2026
A horse is beset by hundreds of flies on a summer afternoon in the pasture. As best she can, she swishes her tail lazily at one after another to shoo them away. These little annoyances (trifles) don’t ignite an agitated response from the mare because she knows that this is just part of the game. […]
The Prayer Pager
September 25, 2026
He was successful and forty-something when throat cancer paid an unwelcome visit Think again if you believe this story has a sorry ending No, it’s about hope and faith and the power of people coming together in times of crisis Someone at his church started the ball rolling and it picked up speed like an […]
There is more
September 25, 2026
A recent birthday prompted reflection about the good fortune of all birthdays. A young brother only celebrated four of them. Three other siblings no longer have cakes and candles. Two parents and two in laws have ridden off into the sunset. And maybe that is why these photographs of sunrises and their sisters cast a […]
The Silly Ball
September 25, 2026
“It’s the ball, silly. It’s not about the opponent or the score or the questionable call on the previous point. It’s not about your reputation, your ranking, or your record. It’s certainly not about the crowd or anyone’s expectations. It’s just the silly, yellow ball and your determination to stay in the present and […]
Dear Jennifer
September 25, 2026
I wish I could take the prayers of all the people who love you and paste them on your bedroom wall That they would lift you up before you fall Oh, that I might take a picture of you when you’re at your very best I’d enlarge it and surround it with lights so you […]
What You’re Saying