Rusty

January 8, 2016

A very young cowboy disregarded his wife’s wishes. While she was at the theatre seeing the movie Brooklyn, I made a quick trip to the pet store. It was hard not to feel sorry for the various pets behind bars looking out with pleading eyes. There was one dog that really caught my eye. I […]

Silly

January 7, 2016

“Enough mom. Isn’t it about time you moved beyond this stage? You know…the one where you, like many of your friends, get this strange kick out of dressing us in silly hats. I mean really….who makes these and can we just collect them and make a quick trip to Goodwill?”

Silence

January 7, 2016

“We listen too much to the telephone and we listen too little to nature. The wind is one of my sounds. A lonely sound, perhaps, but soothing. Everybody should have his personal sounds to listen for — sounds that will make him exhilarated and alive, or quiet and calm. As a matter of fact, one […]

Hope

January 7, 2016

Roger had been down in the dumps for the past few weeks. His best friend had passed away unexpectedly and work was a bore. Sometimes, long walks were the only thing that would clear his mind. Yesterday, he found his favorite spot and it seemed that he was given a message….that all would be all […]

Footprints

January 6, 2016

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people stay a while and leave footprints in our hearts and we are never the same. Anonymous

Tennis etiquette

January 6, 2016

Ellen had been sidelined for over a month with feisty neck pain. Initially, it was a delight to see her running again and ripping her two handed backhand like before. Her coach and playing partners were very impressed. What we didn’t expect….or appreciate, was when she’d clap her racquet and say ‘woo hoo’ after winning […]

Dad

January 6, 2016

What Makes A Dad God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle’s flight, The joy of a morning in […]

The right words

January 6, 2016

A very young man hurriedly slipped on slacks, sweater, and shoes this morning and headed out the door. There was no time for breakfast but…..no worries…..for nourished he’d shortly be by the words of Shane Farmer. “Far too many of us greatly underestimate the impact and influence we have on those we meet each day. […]

Best friends

January 6, 2016

Oh, the comfort, The inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person. Having neither to weigh out thoughts Nor words But pouring them all right out, just as they are, Chaff and grain together ; Certain that a faithful hand Will take them and sift them; Keeping what is worth keeping and, With the breath […]

There is more

January 5, 2016

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 […]

Easy does it

January 5, 2016

Now I don’t know about you but here’s hoping Karen has a sound heart and non slip shoes.

Serenity

January 5, 2016

Keep close to Nature’s heart…break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. John Muir

Dreamland

January 5, 2016

People who say they sleep like a baby usually don’t have one. Leo J. Burke

Shine

January 5, 2016

We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining – they just shine. Dwight L. Moody

Beauty

January 5, 2016

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.” – John Keats

The Glow

January 3, 2016

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” Helen Keller

Heaven sent

January 3, 2016

Before you were born, We dreamed of you….we imagined you….we prayed for you. Now that you are here, We hope for you….we pray for you….we thank God for you. Anonymous

Hide and Seek

January 3, 2016

‘You humans are so arrogant at times. It’s long past time that you acknowledge the fact that it was us sea otters who invented hide and seek.’ Photo by Laura Vais

Morning Pages

January 3, 2016

Well….a new year is here and another birthday too. Sixty-nine and all is well. The cup is full to overflowing still with barely a thought about the normal maladies that come with the territory. A very happy young cowboy puts on a favorite hat and watches yet another sunset. With eyes closed and a deep […]

Buzzer Beater

January 2, 2016

Ok Kids…..if ya want to be ‘wowed,’ just do a search of Elmira Best Basketball Comeback Ever. Cwaaaaazzzyy!!