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Welcome to familywisdom.com, a website dedicated to informing and inspiring couples and families. Each week you will find a new article, story or essay about parenting, marriage or life. Suggestions for articles and questions to Ellen Terich are welcome. You can contact her at e.terich1@verizon.net |
PARENTING | MARRIAGE |
LIFE
PARENTINGCHILDREN AND MENTAL HEALTH: SHOULD WE BE MEDICATING SO MANY CHILDREN? 10/03/2007A television show prompts me to discuss the diagnosis of children with bipolar disorder and the increasing use of powerful psychiatric drugs with small children. BEST AND WORST 07/19/2007 A simple dinner time ritual helps chldren learn to solve problems and deal with uncomfortable situations. THE LESSONS OF SUMMER 06/22/2007 School has its lesson plans, but there are lessons to be learned in the summer when children are away from school. The culture of school is very different from the culture of home, and children must learn to navigate through them both. The transition, however, is tough. A PARTY FOR GRACE 06/08/2007 Grace turned four last Saturday, and got to be the star, which is a rare occurrence for her these days. LESSON FROM MADDIE: DEALING WITH TANTRUMS 06/01/2007 When it comes to tantrums, we parents sometimes reinforce the very thing we are trying to eliminate. Here's how to avoid that pitfall. REFLECTIONS ON MOTHER'S DAY 05/03/2007 Mother's Day was once a day when mothers united against war. Today, in spite of the commercialization which accompanies all holidays in the United States, Mother's Day should be a day when we honor the women who receive so little recognition for the monumental sacrifices they make and the broken hearts that often accompany their sacrifices. IN THE MIDDLE 04/23/2007 It isn't easy to become the middle child. It also isn't easy to be the mother of a middle child. NEW WORLDS FOR SEAN AND MADDIE 03/26/2007 Learning to talk and learning to read are important milestones in every child's life. NOW HE IS SIX! 01/25/2007 Sean is now six years old and that has implications for everyone, including his grandparents. A DAY WITH THE MILLERS 01/04/2007 Spending a day with one's granchildren is magical. To be loved unconditionally by small children is the elixer for what ails. LESSON FROM MADELINE: LEAVING THE GARDEN OF EDEN 11/21/2006 The creation story is an apt metaphor for leaving infancy behind and entering the world of temptation and frustration. KINDERGARTEN FOR SEAN: THE BEGINNING OF AN ADVENTURE IS ALSO THE END OF A SWEET CHAPTER IN SEAN'S LIFE 09/08/2006 When a child starts kindergarten, he is on his way to joyful self-sufficiency. His mother, on the other hand, must endure the bittersweet pangs of letting go. LESSON FROM MADELINE: BE SAFE, BE GOOD, BE HAPPY 07/18/2006 Three guidelines for children: Be safe, be good, be happy, in that order. SWIMMING LESSONS 06/30/2006 Summer is a time for both children and mothers to show courage. LESSON FROM SEAN: GRAPPLING WITH GOOD AND EVIL 06/09/2006 The Six Star Wars episodes are fascinating tales of good, evil, power and redemption. Five year old Sean is spellbound, and is learning much about life. MOTHERS OF ONE; MOTHERS OF MANY 03/19/2006 Mothers who have one child often envy mothers with many and vice versa. Each scenario has its own drawbacks and rewards. WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO FRAZZLED MOMS 03/03/2006 Raising more than one child can at times be overwhelming. Motherhood is tough but grandmothers can come to the rescue in more ways than one. THE CHALLENGE OF STEPPARENTING 02/17/2006 Being a stepparent isn't easy. Neither is being a stepchild or a biological parent in a blended family. Generous servings of patience and understanding are required. RAISING A FIRST CHILD AS IF IT WAS YOUR THIRD 02/04/2006 Parenting would be less stressful and much more enjoyable if we could learn to be as relaxed raising our first child as we have to be in raising our third. LESSON FROM SEAN: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES 01/18/2006 Sean is turning five and is a very different child than he was one year ago. We are all very happy to see his birthday. A NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY 11/12/2005 When a new baby is born, if she is lucky she doesn't just enter a small nuclear family, but joins a much larger extended family that will protect, nurture and surround her with love for her entire life. LESSON FROM SEAN: OVERWHELMED BY EMOTIONS 10/16/2005 When a child who is usually a delight begins to misbehave, it is important to discern what is behind the behavior. Often it is some overwhelming feelings that the child is acting out. A TERRIBLE THING REVISITED 08/10/2005 As the mother of a slain soldier keeps vigil outside the president's Texas ranch, I remember my thoughts and feelings before the start of the war, and am reminded of the terrible toll war takes not only on the men and women who are fighting, but also on their mothers. A reposting of a February, 2003 article. LESSON FROM SEAN: THE IMPORTANCE OF DIGNITY 07/25/2005 Dignity and self-esteem are not the same. While self-esteem is a modern concept that supposedly develops over time from parental messages and a sense of achievement, dignity is something inborn in children that they protect from very early in their lives. PRINCESS GRACIE TURNS TWO 06/08/2005 Children grow so fast that on their birthdays grandparents can't help but reflect on the passage of time, but small children also teach us that the most important thing is to enjoy the moment. A DIFFERENT SIDE OF MOTHERHOOD 05/05/2005 On mother's day we honor the saintly qualities of our mothers. There is a different side to motherhood that leaves mothers feeling very human and often guilty. LESSON FROM SEAN: "I'M JUST RIGHT" 04/23/2005 Children may be narcissists, believing they are the center of the universe, but their narcissism hides a fragile self-esteem and an endless quest for identity. It is best to help them feel they are "just right." WATCHING SEAN NOT PLAY SOCCER 03/23/2005 Raising a stubborn child takes patience and perspective. What is frustrating in a four year old may turn out to be a positive trait when he grows up. A RETIRED PARENT 03/14/2005 As parents we need to love, set limits, and ultimately let go of our children. The letting go is by far the most difficult and painful. LESSON FROM SEAN: CONQUERING FEAR 02/07/2005 A trip to see the dinosaurs at the museum gave Sean an opportunity to overcome his fear. "ARE YA HAPPY, MOMMY?" 01/27/2005 Among the most important things parents teach children are how to recognize and manage feelings, as well as how to think. A SEASON OF WATER 01/11/2005 Being cooped up with preschoolers during five days of rain is not easy. But it could be so much worse. LESSON FROM SEAN: KNOWING YOU ARE LOVED 12/12/2004 Sean refused to make his mother a Christmas gift at preschool because it involved getting messy. He had a surprising reply to the teacher when she tried coaxing him into it. MEMO TO PARENTS: TURN OFF THE TELEVISION 11/18/2004 Parents who complain about what is on television would do a better service for their children by simply turning it off. HELLO SCHOOL! 10/19/2004 The start of the school year is a time of adventure, discovery and new beginnings. ON MOMS AND ELECTIONS 10/10/2004 Motherhood is the hardest job there is and politicians love to pander to "moms," but do any of them ever propose helpful policies or even healthier attitudes towards mothers? ONE SIZE FITS ALL PARENTING? 09/27/2004 Parenting doesn't always require consistency. Sometimes it requires flexibility, and always it requires paying close attention to the kind of child you are parenting. VERBAL SPARRING WITH A THREE YEAR OLD 07/26/2004 When children reach the age of three and a half, they use language as a tool to outsmart parents. Smart parents don't fall into the trap of arguing with them. THE SIMPLE ART OF LISTENING 07/05/2004 Listening is the most important tool in any relationship. It doesn't require special training to do well - just a little mental effort. HEAF BOATS AND HEMONADE 06/27/2004 Being a grandparent means having a second chance to enjoy being with children, doing those things you wish you had done when you were a parent. SELF-ESTEEM IS NOT ENOUGH 06/19/2004 Psychologists say people need healthy self-esteem, but the world needs people with self-esteem as well as the capacity to care for others. THE BEST PARENTS: DISCIPLINARIANS OR NURTURERS 06/13/2004 The best parents do a little of both, regardless of what they say they do. BIRTHDAY WISHES 06/02/2004 Time for a few birthday wishes on a little girl's first birthday. INVISIBLE STRING 05/12/2004 The hearts of mothers and their children are connected by an invisible string, which sometimes, tragically, cannot bring them back together. THE JOY AND PAIN OF MOTHERS 04/26/2004 One day a year isn't enough to show our love to our mothers. BOYS AND GIRLS, TRAINS AND DOLLS 04/17/2004 Are boys and girls innately different, are the differences learned, or does it even matter? RELAX: IT'S ONLY TOILET TRAINING 02/14/2004 Toddlers can make parents feel like failures, especially when those parents are trying to toilet train them. LESSON FROM SEAN: FINDING A LITTLE COURAGE 02/03/2004 Thomas the Tank Engine and mom help a little boy face his fear. LESSON FROM GRACE: NEVER GIVE UP 01/06/2004 Grace's pauses and persistence inspire me. A FABLE FOR SEAN 11/25/2003 When a two year old is having difficulty coping with a new house and a new baby sister, it's time for a story. GRAMMY'S HOUSE 10/26/2003 A visit to a grandparent's house is a time to explore and collect lifelong memories. LESSON FROM GRACE: THE IMPORTANCE OF RITUALS 10/13/2003 A baby girl's christening is one of many rituals that help us celebrate and share with each other as members of the human family. LESSON FROM SEAN: LEARNING ABOUT FEELINGS 10/06/2003 Two of the most important tasks of parents are to teach their children to understand and manage their own feelings and to respect the feelings of others. LESSON FROM SEAN: BEING TWO 09/16/2003 A two year old is a joyful, adventurous being who can teach us a lot about life if only we stop characterizing him as "terrible." PARENTING BY INSTINCT 08/28/2003 Five suggestions for raising children. PARENTING TIME VS. MARRIAGE TIME 08/14/2003 Should you always put your marriage first, even after you have children? The answer is more complicated than "yes" or "no." A HOT DOG FOR BREAKFAST 08/06/2003 An unconventional suggestion for picky eaters - hot dogs for breakfast, pancakes for lunch. NEW PARENT WOES 08/01/2003 When a new baby joins the family, there are unexpected strains on the marriage. A little understanding is called for. BEES AND QUICKSAND 07/25/2003 A mystery in the garden reminds me of how many times parents must solve the mystery of a child's behavior. LESSON FROM SEAN: GROWING UP 06/11/2003 When a new baby sibling is born, a child has an opportunity to grow up and learn to cope. Parents and grandparents can do a lot to help. THOUGHTS ON THE BIRTH OF A GRANDDAUGHTER 06/04/2003 The birth of a granddaughter is a joyous time, and a time for wishes from her grandmother. REFLECTIONS OF A NEW GRANDMOTHER 06/01/2003 The day a first grandchild is born is a time for joy and remembering. A STORY FOR MOTHER'S DAY 05/04/2003 As Mother's Day, 2003 comes around, I remember something my mother and a neighbor did that helped me to be both a better daughter and a better mother. TIME FOR A NEW LESSON FROM SEAN 04/01/2003 Every child is different and a mother's intuition is often the best guide to know what to do. TEACHING CHILDREN TO UNDERSTAND OR REACT 03/27/2003 When children are confronted with bullies, teaching self-defense is appropriate, but so is teaching them to understand their adversaries. CHILDREN AND THE ULTIMATE REALITY TV 03/17/2003 War appears imminent and the ultimate reality television will invade our living rooms. Children don't need to be exposed to this. A TERRIBLE THING 03/09/2003 All mothers know something that even the wisest of generals do not know: war is hell most of all for mothers. YOU CAN LEAD A PICKY EATER TO THE DINNER TABLE... 01/18/2003 You can lead a picky eater to the dinner table but you can't make him eat. However, there are a few things you may be able to do to help. FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS 01/10/2003 Everyone knows the importance of the father-son relationship, but the father-daughter relationship is just as significant. PREVENTING DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN 11/07/2002 Many children may be vulnerable to depression, but there are ways parents can make it less likely to occur. PROTECTING THE INNOCENCE OF CHILDREN 10/17/2002 We live in dangerous times, but as parents it is our job to keep our children from living in constant terror. A MOTHER'S HEART 10/06/2002 I have come to believe that a mother's heart breaks a little every day. A THIRD LESSON FROM SEAN 09/17/2002 Two important lessons: You shouldn't take what doesn't belong to you and it's good to know when you have enough. ASSAULT ON THE DINNER TABLE 08/21/2002 Many things interfere with our family time today, but one thing that we can do something about is a ringing telephone. EDUCATED MOTHERS 07/25/2002 A woman's education is never wasted, even when she leaves the labor market and stays home to raise children. RAISING GOOD CHILDREN 07/11/2002 The techniques of ignoring, time-out and consequences are popular tools of discipline with today's parents. They are often ineffective and never sufficient. TEN SUGGESTIONS 07/03/2002 Ten recommendations for parents of teenagers from a mother who survived. ANOTHER LESSON FROM SEAN 06/24/2002 Once again, the development and behavior of a child gives us all something to think about. A TRIBUTE TO FATHERS 06/11/2002 The heroes of September 11th teach us a lot about the virtues of fatherhood. THINGS I WISH I KNEW... 05/21/2002 Simple words of encouragement from a mother and grandmother to new parents. Lessons From Sean 04/08/2002 Handling a child's temper tantrums is difficult. Giving in to them may have undesired consequences down the road. MARRIAGELESSON FROM MADELINE; SEPARATION ANXIETY AND RELATIONSHIPS 10/24/2006Successfully navigating the stage of separation anxiety is actually a good preparation for marriage, for the adjustment to the marital relationship, like the successful resolution of separation anxiety, involves living with amvivalent feelings towards those imperfect people you love. FATHERS, SONS, AND HUSBANDS 03/31/2006 My sons have a wonderful father who, by his example, has taught them much about love and marriage. Their own relationships bear witness to that. MAKING LOVE, NOT WAR. PART TWO: "YOU'RE RIGHT." 02/21/2005 When in the midst of an argument, before we dismiss what our spouse is saying, we would be wise to hear the truth in what our partner is saying and then preface our statements with "You're right." THE IMPORTANCE AND POWER OF FAMILIES 08/31/2004 Families have a profound influence on us even after we leave home. Recognizing and embracing that is a good idea. THOUGHTS ON VACATIONS 08/18/2004 Are separate vacations a good idea or a problem for couples? PREPARING FOR THE BIG DAY 07/12/2004 Some pre-wedding advice for the bride and groom. MARRIAGE COUNSELING: BENEFITS AND HAZARDS 04/05/2004 When couples are having trouble and want to find a marriage counselor, it is important for them to know that many counselors are poorly trained and not very helpful. MARRIAGE, MEN AND MOTHERHOOD 03/11/2004 A famous radio personality who calls herself "doctor" tells a pregnant mother to buck up and take care of her husband, and I say "enough!" Young pregnant mothers need to be taken care of too. MAKING LOVE, NOT WAR. PART ONE: LISTENING 01/28/2004 Men often have difficulty letting their wives influence them. And women, as a result, are often angry. There's a way to break the cycle and it isn't that difficult. MARRIAGE, LIKE LIFE, IS DIFFICULT 01/16/2004 There is no one formula for a good marriage, regardless of what the experts say. But there is one truth: it takes effort. FROM SIBLING RIVALRY TO MARITAL HAPPINESS 08/20/2003 If more parents helped their children learn to resolve differences, more spouses would know how to get along. GOLDEN COUPLES' ADVICE TO THE NEWLY MARRIED 07/14/2003 The golden couples tell younger couples what they have learned about creating a successful marriage. GOLDEN COUPLES AND MARITAL CONFLICT 07/01/2003 Some couples say "never go to bed angry," some say "sleep on it," but all of them say that handling conflict in marriage is an art. LOVE AND THE GOLDEN COUPLES 06/24/2003 Can couples really remain in love for fity years or more? The golden couples say yes. GOLDEN COUPLES 06/18/2003 Couples married for more than 50 years have much wisdom to impart. THE PRICE OF LOVE 04/12/2003 When romantic feelings fade in a marriage, it doesn't have to spell the end of the relationship. In fact, romantic feelings almost always fade a bit, but love remains if you are willing to pay the price to keep it alive. Love isn't free. LESSONS FROM THE ROSE 02/13/2003 On Valentine's day, the symbol of love gives us something to think about. THE GIFT OF LISTENING 10/29/2002 Listening can be difficult in the midst of conflict, but if married men and women listened more, many marriages would be rejuvenated. RESOLVING MARITAL CONFLICT WITH RESPECT AND HONESTY 08/06/2002 Many experts offer advice on resolving marital conflicts but cultivating the simple practices of respect and honesty work wonders. EXPECTATIONS IN MARRIAGE 06/05/2002 Sorting out the realistic and unrealistic expectations about marriage. LOVE AND LILACS 04/24/2002 Simple gifts of love and attention can renew relationships. MARRIAGE AND THE FOUR TYPES OF GIVING 04/09/2002 There is more than one way to give in marriage. To be happily married, spouses must learn to give to, give up, give in and forgive. LIFETRAGEDY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD 11/13/2007A tragedy happened just down the street. What does it say about all of us? What does it say about our society? MY MIDSUMMER DREAM 07/02/2007 I've dreamed a long time about an Ashland family reunion. My sixtieth birthday provides just the opportunity. REALITY SHOW 03/18/2007 The best reality show of all is right outside my door. LESSON FROM A LAMPSHADE 03/04/2007 A shopping trip for a lampshade generates some thoughts about living a simpler life. THE PAIN OF PAIN, AND THE PAIN WE CREATE 02/09/2007 Sadness and loss come to all of us; we can feel it and move on, or wallow in it and make things worse. THE RAMIFICATIONS OF GREED 01/15/2007 A story in the local paper highlights the damage we can do to others when we get greedy. MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS 12/06/2006 Christmas in a small town in the Midwest, celebrated with friends and family, holds dear memories. LESSON FROM AN AMISH TRAGEDY 10/04/2006 The Amish react with acceptence and forgiveness when faced with a violent act against them. In this way, they end the cycle of violence. We could all learn from them. STOP ME BEFORE I SHOP AGAIN! 08/07/2006 Cleaning out the nest and having a garage sale got me thinking. Our consumer oriented society leads us to buy too many products we don't need and never use. It also clutters up our homes and our lives. GOOD ENOUGH 07/31/2006 The aches and pains of getting older aren't a lot of fun. Sometimes all we can hope for is to feel "good enough." TODAY, WE MAKE SPONGECAKE 05/19/2006 Grandparents sometimes impart amazing wisdom to their granchildren, and often it continues to impact others long after they are gone. THOUGHTS ON SPRING 04/14/2006 Gardening and life have a lot in common. NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: TURN OFF THE BROADCASTERS OF DISASTERS 01/04/2006 The reported increase in the amount of depression today could be related to the amount of death and disaster we are exposed to on television. MY CHRISTMAS LIST: 2005 12/09/2005 Universal health care, a new perspective on mental health, and a dedication to understanding through dialogue are all on my Christmas list this year. FACING DIFFICULT TIMES 11/27/2005 When a crisis occurs, adults have coping skills children don't. But no matter how frightening, a crisis is an opportunity for children to grow, and adults to help them. A GRANDMOTHER TAKES UP GARDENING 10/31/2005 When all the kids grow up and leave home, it may seem irrational to take up a hobby that involves caretaking, but gardening is different than parenting, and plants are unlike children. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT 09/28/2005 The hurricanes in the Gulf states give us an opportunity to be grateful for what we have and to contemplate what kind of a nation we are. KEEP SINGING 08/29/2005 No matter what happens in life, no matter how worried or sad we are, we should never stop singing. STOPPING SHOPPING: RESULTS OF THE MONTH LONG EXPERIMENT 08/05/2005 Here are the results of the month long experiment to curb impulsive spending along with some suggestions to remain a reasonable buyer. STOPPING SHOPPING 07/08/2005 I've devised a month long experiment to help me cure the virus of consumerism that infected me many years ago. If it works for me, I might recommend it to you. THINKING ABOUT FREEDOM THIS FOURTH OF JULY 07/02/2005 Freedom is glorious. But we are never as free as we might like to be. Because we are human beings who care for each other, there are limits to our freedoms. GRAMMY'S PARTY 06/17/2005 My birthday will be special this year not because it's my birthday but because my grandson thinks I should have a party. WORTH A TRY 05/25/2005 In marriage, parenting and all of our relationships, we could use a little wisdom from an eighty year old sage. "SHOP 'TILL YOU DROP": AMERICA'S DANGEROUS PASTIME 03/06/2005 Compulsive shopping is a growing problem in our consumer oriented culture. But there are remedies. SOBER THOUGHTS AS WE APPROACH THE NEW YEAR 12/30/2004 In the midst of the Holiday season, tragedy strikes and shocks us into remembering what really matters. MY CHRISTMAS LIST: 2004 12/20/2004 This year my list includes gifts for the world's children. THE GETTING SEASON 11/09/2004 The Christmas catalogs have arrived, threatening to turn Christmas into the getting season, instead of the giving season. JUST LIFE 09/20/2004 "There's no such thing as a normal life. There's just life." WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN, AND DOES, HURT YOU 09/08/2004 The dishonesty that is rampant today does more than hurt the individuals who are its victims. It is a threat to our civil society. NEVER DEFEND YOURSELF EXCEPT IN A COURT OF LAW 08/04/2004 People often get defensive when someone they love is angry at them, but defensiveness neither solves the problem nor promotes understanding. A LESSON FROM THE PAST 05/27/2004 A television program about colonial America reminds us of the importance of creating community. LOVE, WORK, AND THE SEASON OF BEGINNINGS 05/19/2004 Summer is the time for ceremonies of new beginnings when families have a chance to offer their support and encouragement. IN PRAISE OF THE BROOM 03/28/2004 Leaf blowers may be a sign of mechanical ingenuity, but the broom can bring inner peace and neigborhood harmony. SPRING FEVER 03/21/2004 The older you get, the more you love Spring. A SNEAKY LITTLE HAPPY FACE 02/29/2004 There's no such thing as a free anything. Good to remember when you're on line or tempted by a telemarketer. LESSON FROM GRACE: NO TIME FOR SELF-PITY 02/24/2004 Sometimes small children show us the way to accept challenges. THIS YEAR'S CHRISTMAS LIST 12/22/2003 Once again there are some things I want for Christmas. TIME TRAVELING 12/13/2003 A vacation to a simpler place takes me back in time and refreshes my spirit. COOKIE SAM 11/11/2003 A child and his imaginary friend remind us to have fun. FIRST THINGS FIRST 11/04/2003 Words to live by: "first things first" and "enough is enough." MAKING A DIFFERENCE 10/19/2003 Little gestures of friendliness and concern can mean so much to people we don't know. They might even change the world. BEING AWARE AND PAYING ATTENTION 09/29/2003 People are not as aware and attentive as they used to be. It would help a lot if they were. It might even save a life. RED LIGHT VIOLATION PARTY 09/04/2003 We've gotten good at "looking out for number one." Perhaps it's time to look out for everyone else. HERMUDGEON 05/26/2003 Menopause doesn't have to be all bad! Sometimes it offers a chance to speak up and impact the world around you. SNAILS AND STRUGGLES 05/18/2003 Life may not be easy, but our best choice is to embrace the struggle and enjoy! CELL PHONE BLUES 05/12/2003 Sometimes I long for the sound of silence. Cell phones don't allow for that. LOOKING GOOD! 04/28/2003 A new television show tells women that how they dress is a sign of their self-esteem and inportance. Isn't how you live a better measure of that? A BETTER WORLD 04/21/2003 A simple flower that blooms for a brief period offers a meditation on the importance of timeliness in working for a better world. MIND OVER MATTER 03/03/2003 My mother's motto is confirmed by recent psychological research. However what researchers have proven in experiments was simply common sense to her. THINKING ABOUT THINKING 02/22/2003 The nightclub tragedies of the past week teach us that, in an emergency, we must do more than react. We need to think! ONE SMALL CHANGE 01/31/2003 One small change in our behavior is often all it takes to make a big difference in our own lives and the lives of others. PRUNING SEASON 12/30/2002 Pruning roses is a good escape from the post-Cristmas blahs. It is also a lesson about renewal. MY CHRISTMAS LIST 12/05/2002 The things I would like for Christmas I'm not likely to get unless a great number of people get busy. The good thing about the things I want is that if I get them, we all get them. A THANKSGIVING STORY 11/23/2002 Tragedy happens to everyone, but our responses to it can be very different. We can seek compensation or respond with compassion. HIDDEN TREASURES 11/16/2002 A trip to a butterfly sanctuary offers a meditation on life. REALITY CHECK 09/03/2002 As the anniversary of September 11th approaches, we should all remember that the unthinkable can happen and make sure we have our priorities in order. STRESS AND COURTESY 08/14/2002 We live in stressful times with increasing friction between individuals and groups. Courtesy is the grease that can reduce the friction and make things run more smoothly. A REMINDER FROM THE BACKYARD 07/17/2002 Hummingbirds and quails, residing briefly in my yard, remind me of the necessity of letting go. THE MELON MAN 06/17/2002 A simple act of generosity has far reaching and often unknown consequences. A TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE 06/01/2002 Memories of a simpler and safer time in America THRIPS 05/26/2002 Stealth insects damage roses the same way television can hurt us and our children. Thinking About Birthdays 05/14/2002 The best birthday presents don't come in packages. A Yard of Cement 05/03/2002 The stories our mothers tell us stay with us forever. |