Today is December the 17th, and we approach Christmas. I think about the Christmas story a lot this time of year. I was raised an evangelical Christian believer in the South, so the text of the Bible is in my DNA. I was marinated in the words of the Bible for the first 30…
The front page of the NY Times had a graphic yesterday that rendered me speechless. The President of the United States was pictured standing behind a lectern on the front porch of the White House. The building was decorated in magnificent array of holiday green and illuminated splendor. The president was speaking: “We want…
The Brits have a term for members of Parliament who are on opposite sides of an issue. Each calls the other his/her “loyal opponent.” There is something profoundly civilized about the phrase. Individuals may disagree, even passionately—but remain within the bounds of a shared humanity. Our philosophy discussion group has met weekly for many…
The sky to the East is glowing, cloudless. There is a frigid gusting wind. The temperature is around 15 degrees. In an hour or so, I’ll be working outside, the first experience of this season of winter work. Do I look forward to the experience? No. But the work has to get done, and…
Lake Geneva has been a refuge for many years. When life just gets “too much” a forty five minute drive on route 12 brings me to a lake that is consistently beautiful, season by season. The town of Lake Geneva, is associated with the mansions built in the early 20th century by the wealthy/prestigious…
For most of my adult life, I have endeavored to avoid politics. The minutiae of administering institutions, the order of society has held no attraction for me. However beginning with the first Iraq war, and then Afghanistan, I’ve felt compelled to pay attention. I’ve attempted to hire several veterans who were emotionally effected by…
Saturday morning and the first snow of winter lies as a diaphanus sheet upon the ground. Technically winter begins with the solstice of December 21st. No matter– cold, ice, hibernation, rest, reflection is the natural way, the rhythm dictated by Nature. I welcome the coming season. There is no clear-cut beginning and end to…
A Christmas tree is the central feature of house decorations. Many years ago we’d go to a local tree lot, carefully select the “perfect” tree, tie it to the roof of the car— home we’d go. I did enjoy the scent of pine in the house, but decided that the labor-intensive ritual, that always…
The first Tuesday in the first month of winter is demonstrably cold. Patrons arrive at Starbucks with heavy coats, collars turned up. The wind races from the north, some gusts at 30 mph under a gray lowering sky. The temperature is in the low thirties. This feels much colder since — until now, I’ve…
Happened to hear this song on the radio. Like a moth to a flame, the lyric and tune are mesmerizing. I am not the only one so affected. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in 1966, the song became iconic of deeply rooted resistance to the Vietnam War. Fifty one years later we…
