Cousin Reunion

A few days ago I went to a cousin reunion.  There were only four of us meeting in a city two and a half days journey from two of the cousins and half a day’s trip from the other two.   This event has triggered thoughts about life, death, and legacy. Life, in that it…

A Pain in the Neck

My neck is killing me.  Ok, so not killing me literally.  Ever had a stiff neck that wouldn’t go away?  Better check your posture.  A couple of months ago my massage therapist recommended that I work on my posture.  Yep, I knew I needed to improve that.  However, it sure isn’t a one-time decision to…

Tomatoes and Sons

My friend is in her 70’s, but her enthusiasm for life is inspiring.  She planted 300 tomato plants again this Spring.  If the preceding years are any indication, she and her husband will harvest and sell 6,000 pounds of tomatoes from their home on a busy two lane road in rural Oregon. But entrepreneurship isn’t…

What I learned from (the first) 6 months in an RV

  We have hit the six-month mark of living in our RV trailer while my husband builds our little retirement house 3,000 miles from our last house.  Another 6 months or more to go.  The first four months we were privileged to park our trailer in our daughter’s yard.  She spoiled us by sharing one…

Asking for It

If you want  it, ask for it.  With respect and directness.  Depending on your personality, you may, like me, fall into the trap of needing something, but not asking.   I’m not honest about my need because I’m unwilling to risk confrontation.  I’m a coward.  However, stuffing desires can lead to inner resentment and bitterness.  Other…

Last Lap

  Almost August.  One last lap of Summer.  How are you doing?  You wanted to do something important this Summer.  Have you made progress?  You still have a chance to make it happen! Remember June and the ideas you had for what your summer could be?  Have you brought some of those ideas to fruition? …