My Mother’s Orange Tree

Once again, allow me to share one of my favorite family stories. . . On December 7th, 1941, my mother was at her friend Louise’s house.  They were picking the first oranges of the season when Louise’s mother came out to the yard to tell them the news that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. … Continue reading My Mother’s Orange Tree

Election Thoughts

When I was a child, I was lucky and I didn't know it.  No one close to me died.  When I became a teenager, my grandfather died, and I was absolutely shocked, completely blindsided.  I don’t know why.  Perhaps no one had prepared me.  But he was 88 years old, and few people lived to … Continue reading Election Thoughts

A Parable in Defense of Democracy

For decades there has been a debate about how government could and should raise money to pay for public services like schools and police protection, road maintenance and garbage disposal.  Progressives like myself have long argued that there should be some kind of a wealth tax because those with higher incomes and assets often pay … Continue reading A Parable in Defense of Democracy

Hopes on the 4th

Good morning.  I’m writing this the day after the U.S. Supreme Court released its bizarre and historically ungrounded opinion giving the former republican president and all future presidents immunity from criminal prosecution for any acts they are able to deem “official.”  Okay, pause.  Take a deep breath.   I would like to say something healing, … Continue reading Hopes on the 4th

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

This is an important week for our nation as our leaders in Washington D.C. negotiate the economic path we will follow in the coming years. We need to remember that, for better or worse, the U.S. is a world leader, and the decisions made here affect everyone everywhere. Please pray with me that Divine Energy … Continue reading Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Memorial Day Greetings

This Memorial Day I pray and affirm that we may come together to celebrate an enduring legacy of American compassion and courage. We honor the sacrifices of our parents and grandparents who died to protect our lives, our democracy, and our commitment to justice and equality. May we find strength and comfort in a united … Continue reading Memorial Day Greetings

Beginning

Beginning Written with my Thursday night group with the prompts:  tumbleweeds, fruit, this morning I could smell _______, no one seemed upset, just move one foot, stories I don’t want or need to hear again, things my mother told me, I was never meant to, raisins, eaten for protein, he began to chant, knowledge is power, … Continue reading Beginning

A New Year Prayer for Healing Division

I first wrote and published this piece several years ago when Barack Obama was president and John Boehner was speaker of the house, and we were in the midst of a federal government shut-down.  It was a time of great anxiety, partisanship and divisiveness.  Things being what they are, I decided the beginning of this … Continue reading A New Year Prayer for Healing Division

Wait

I need new glasses. I’ve needed new glasses for several months now, but I didn’t want to go for a vision exam until after I was vaccinated.  I finally called to make an appointment in April, and the first opening they had was June 28th.  Obviously I was not the only one who had waited. The day … Continue reading Wait

Happy Fourth of July!

I pray and affirm that the people of our country are compassionate and kind. We believe in fairness, democracy, and freedom for all. We are willing to work hard to create a community where all are welcome, safe, financially secure, and valued for their unique gifts and perspectives. I celebrate my home today, and look … Continue reading Happy Fourth of July!