I am a gardener. My kids got me started years ago with a few tomato and pepper plants in a small strip of ground; we have evolved to large raised beds that generate hundreds of pounds of produce annually. Over time we have battled flooding (thus the raised beds), drought (we now have a watering system), … Read more
Immersion in a foreign culture refreshes the way I view the world. First, the “different-ness” of life in another country or region opens up new awareness; then, my newly expanded lens causes me to review habits and beliefs that were previously “invisible” to me. Through the lens of learning, I share with you my most powerful life lessons from my family’s recent trip to Italy:
I have seen no green in my yard since the snows started in the third week of December. As the ENORMOUS piles are now melting away, spring is popping up all over. This little montage captures some of what is emerging in my yard — notice how in two of the shots you can see … Read more
My eldest child, Kelly (a regular reader of this blog), has been bugging me since I started it, asking, “when are you gonna write a column about ME?” For a long time I put her off by pointing out that this is my professional blog, not personal. Well, since I recently wrote about BOTH of … Read more
Last week I was privileged to attend Kent State University’s annual Student Awards night. At this event the university recognizes the accomplishments of its many student leaders and student organizations; it also serves as the transition point for all Undergraduate Student Government (USG) positions. During the past school year our youngest son, Jared, was a … Read more
I recently re-discovered a fabulous article originally published by Harvard Business School’s Working Knowledge site, way back in June. It’s a research-based report on the concept of spending and Happiness. Selected excerpts from the article: Can money buy you happiness? Yes—so long as you spend the money on someone else. According to new research, giving … Read more
So, I’m out of coffee beans at home. I wander into my regular Starbucks location for coffee, and decide to pick up a pound of… something. But I’m looking at six different possibilities. What’s the difference? I’m so confused. This is the same feeling I get when I’m standing in the wine aisle. How can … Read more