I recently announced that "Release, Embrace, Anticipate" would be the theme for this year (referring to the Past, Present, Future) and then... (crickets) What happened? Did I accidentally release the present, embrace the past, and forgot all about the future? Well... maybe something like that. Sorry. Here's the scoop: Right after my last post, I … Continue reading Release, Embrace, Anticipate
Encouragement
Stop (Watching) the Clock!
A few observations: Every year for the past few years I keep hearing most everyone I know express eagerness for the prior/current year to be over, and the next year to begin. The belief/hope seems to be: New Year = Better Year. Every year for the past few years, the current year is rated worse … Continue reading Stop (Watching) the Clock!
Countdown Motivation
Have you heard a parent or teacher start counting down to warn children to do as they are told? Once they reach zero, there will be consequences! Here's my version, to get myself going. "And in tree... two... one..."
The Atom Between Red and Green
Quick! Consume this itty-bitty science-filled quote — like a smart pill! — and then we'll talk about something more fun: goals! (It might help if you hold your breath until it's over; you'll read faster.) All the green in the planted world consists of these whole, rounded chloroplasts wending their way in water. If you … Continue reading The Atom Between Red and Green
Happy New(-ish) Year!
Twenty-Twenty-One: Yay, it's over! Done. Twenty-Twenty-Two: Welcome. Cheers to you! Fingers crossed, the upcoming year goes great. Let's start right — (What? Uh-oh, already late...) ~ Camp Host Chad Didn't we just do this? Oh yeah, it's a tradition!
How Stanley Found Me
In How I Found Livingston by Henry Morton Stanley, journalist Stanley recounts his epic search across Africa, looking for the missing explorer, Dr. David Livingston. I started reading the book (over 700 pages) at least 15 years ago as research on available books circa 1872 that a person living then might have read. Somewhere around … Continue reading How Stanley Found Me
Pictograph Cave State Park: Upside-Down World
In the cinematic masterpiece You've Got Mail, the character played by Tom Hanks explains the appeal of The Godfather. A sample: The Godfather answers all of life's questions. What to pack for a trip? "Leave the gun, take the cannolis." ~ character of Joe Fox, You've Got Mail, screenplay by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron … Continue reading Pictograph Cave State Park: Upside-Down World
Christmas Cheer
I promised to tell you about a Campfire Tales tradition. A few years ago, on a river cruise down the Danube during December, I discovered the joy of gluhwein at the Christkindlmarkt. (Translations: mulled wine; Christmas Market.) Once home, I sought out a recipe (this one, I think it was) and now I make it … Continue reading Christmas Cheer