I have hated the concept of a border wall since I first heard about it a few years ago. In my mind, it’s an ugly symbol that says we don’t want you, you’re not welcome here, and we don’t care about your problems. This is contrary to how I’ve always viewed the United States, not to mention my own Christian values. Then I moved to Arizona, and the environmental issues, and the voice of Arizonans further stoked my disappointment in the construction of the wall. A majority of them do not want it. Continue Reading
Holiday Traditions
“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” ― Gustav Mahler Earlier this month, I opened my old address book and sent out a couple dozen Christmas cards. Even though I stay in touch with lots of people through social media, this is a holiday tradition I love, and I always include a brief personal note. It’s not about the card, but rather the connection I enjoy preserving. The holidays are filled with traditions. Some we anticipate with great excitement like the Continue Reading
The Eight Phases of Moving
Today, I filled up the back of the car and dropped off a load of donations at our charitable resale shop. Phew! That’s the last of it, I am sure. Except I said that last week when I dropped off a batch of can’t find room for you stuff. And the week before that for items that didn’t make the cut. I am almost convinced that we have made as many trips to the resale shop here as we did in Lansing, before the move. All of this has made me ponder the many phases of a move, whether it’s across Continue Reading
Breaking up is hard to do
Why is it so hard to let go of stuff? I’m in the midst of preparing for a move across the country which will result in some major lifestyle changes as well. Example? Good-bye snow boots, hello flip-flops. The move is scheduled for mid-July and fortunately, I started packing weeks ago. Some stuff is easy, and the decision between packing, recycling, donating or tossing is simple. But it’s also easy to get hung up on decisions. And second guess. And wrangle your hands. And lose sleep. Why? Continue Reading