“No one is afraid of yesterday.” ~Renata Adler, American author I wrestled with those six words even as I typed them for today’s blog post. Wrestle with them still. Am I afraid of yesterday? No. But I am afraid of … the lingering effects of some of the choices I made oh-so-many yesterdays ago. I am afraid of … …
In Others’ Words: Kindness
“Kind words are the music of the world.” ~F.W. Faber, British hymn writer To think of my words as music … that gives me pause. When I speak, what am I adding to the melody others hear? Are my words kind–adding a gentle beauty to the world? Or do harsh words create a discordant ugliness? Scripture warns words can …
In Others’ Words: Small Things
“Be faithful in the small things, because it is in them that your strength lies.” ~Mother Teresa, founder of Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta Such a simple quote. All of fifteen words. And then, the question: What are the small things? If you’re going to be faithful, if these things are your strength … what are these oh-so-vital small things? …
In Others’ Words: Humility
“Life is a long lesson in humility.” ~James M. Barrie, Scottish author There’s a choice to be made as I grow up–and yes, grow older. Am I going to be all about me, me, me? Am I going to push myself to the front of the line, to the center of the stage–doing whatever it takes to ensure the focus, …
In Others’ Words: Questions
“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” ~Dr. Suess, American writer I call my friend Doug “Wise Guy.” He offers me counsel that often cuts through my “why can’t I figure this out” questions with profoundly simple answers. I clutter the truth with too many “what ifs.” He sifts through my many questions–sometimes I think he ignores …
In Others’ Words: Improvement or Enjoyment?
“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” ~E. B. White, American writer And there you have it: Life choice distilled down into one 20-word sentence. Is your life other-focused or you-focused? Or is it a constant arrival at the …
In Others’ Words: Fun
“Fun is about as good a habit as there is.” ~Jimmy Buffet, singer & songwriter I know someone who once made this New Year’s resolution: He was going to have more fun. Loved it! I loved it so much I made the same resolution the next year. One of the fun things I did that year: When my kiddos decided …
In Others’ Words: Home
Photo by John Skiba Photography “My home is not a place, it is people.” ~ Lois McMaster Bujold, American author I had a definitive definition of home for many years–and it was most definitely a place. Then I married my husband, who was in the Air Force. My idea of home had to change. Uncle Sam determined where home was …
In Others’ Words: Life
“A new dress doesn’t get you anywhere; it’s the life you’re living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later.” ~Diana Vreeland, fashion columnist I like to go shopping for new clothes. I like finding something–a cute top, a fun dress–that makes me feel good when I wear …
In Others’ Words: Balance
I’m mulling over blog topics last night with my husband. Our conversation went like this: Me: Maybe I’ll post about how writing affects the family. My husband: That would be a great idea! OK, then. Glad he had an opinion. My writing life–my professional life–frustrates my family at times. Not all the time. At least, I don’t think so. Of …