Practical Ways to Cultivate Awareness and Gratitude in Daily Life, Part 2

May 14, 2015

Cultivating awareness can be taken as an activity pursued in solitude for no greater purpose than that of enriching ourselves, as a kind of ego-centric navel-gazing activity. However, this is certainly not the goal. As we become more “aware” and exude gratitude for a multitude of blessings that have been showered upon us, we can … More Practical Ways to Cultivate Awareness and Gratitude in Daily Life, Part 2

Dog, Ducks, Chicks, EVISCERATION, and Making a MESS of Myself on Television!

May 12, 2015

Life happens, even when we’re not looking. I’m learning to roll with it and enjoy the ride. Here are two rather epic examples that came with the worst timing imaginable. They impacted two of the most important events of my young career as a writer/author/weirdo. Two hours before my book launching party at a local … More Dog, Ducks, Chicks, EVISCERATION, and Making a MESS of Myself on Television!

Mother’s Day in the midst of a healing relationship

May 10, 2015

I’ve stopped buying my mom things. With a house already filled with stuff, she really doesn’t need anything. I also live 400 miles away from her. For years Mother’s Day brought guilt and anxiety. What does it look like today? I’d say this is a time of transition. The writing of my book and the … More Mother’s Day in the midst of a healing relationship

Practical Ways to Cultivate Awareness and Gratitude in Daily Life, Part 1

May 7, 2015

Awareness and gratitude are a chicken and egg situation. Which comes first? Are they one and the same? Being fully aware of the world around you, having knowledge of it, and experiencing it in all it’s subtle shades and endless variety is something that comes gradually as our perception becomes more and more capable of … More Practical Ways to Cultivate Awareness and Gratitude in Daily Life, Part 1

The Incomparable Advantages of Biking to School or Work

April 29, 2015

These past couple days I have had the privilege of escorting these cheerful children to school by bike. Here are 10 thoughts that just might change your life! 1. Commuting by bike is cooler and more socially accepted now than it has been in probably a century. While riding the paved bike path toward the … More The Incomparable Advantages of Biking to School or Work

Teachers are the salt of the earth, secret messages from arachnids, and gratitude for every layer of life.

April 27, 2015

The view from the mountaintop is stunning, but the hard slog of getting there is what allows us to really appreciate it. So much hard work is required, the path can seem to drag on interminably, eventually we catch glimpses of the landscape which build anticipation, and finally the panorama opens up in all directions. … More Teachers are the salt of the earth, secret messages from arachnids, and gratitude for every layer of life.

It’s Earth Day! Thoughts Gleaned from Squalor and Hoarding.

April 22, 2015

Compulsive hoarding, and the squalor that comes with it, often rides in tandem with a lack of self-respect or awareness. If you had a healthy self-worth, would you live, eat, sleep, and make love in these conditions? Sorry if this is somewhat graphic, but think about the most basic things you take for granted every … More It’s Earth Day! Thoughts Gleaned from Squalor and Hoarding.

Tales From the Pedaling Book Peddler, Part 3 – Unearthing Gold of Immeasurable Value

April 20, 2015

Every single trip spent delivering books by bike is meaningful. Powerful even. Well, in this case I was delivering a thank you note to the Mayor’s office. He purchased my book and carved out 15 minutes of his day to visit with me recently. The hourlong round-trip required to personally deliver a handwritten note to … More Tales From the Pedaling Book Peddler, Part 3 – Unearthing Gold of Immeasurable Value

10 Instant Benefits of Manual Labor and Chores

April 14, 2015

Work is incredibly valuable. I’m not talking about sitting at a desk pushing papers, tapping away at a computer, or chatting on the phone, either. Regardless of individual temperament, we all need to be regularly engaged in useful manual labor. Preferably such labor will carry us into the great outdoors as well. The other morning … More 10 Instant Benefits of Manual Labor and Chores