Last week I danced with Manatees. Lord have mercy, it was good. I was in Manasota Key, Florida, my annual gathering with my friends of 35 years. Manatees are unafraid of humans and are curious. They are gentle, docile and…
Early this morning I drove from Gardnerville, NV through the Carson Valley to the Reno Airport. The drive framed by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, including the snow laden peaks that cradle Lake Tahoe. There is no urgency and it is…
GK Chesterton tells the story of a teenage boy granted one wish by a genie. “Do you wish to be huge or tiny?” We are all swayed by the appeal of being big, strong and powerful. So, the boy chose…
During a noon-hour rush on a steamy July day, two men were jockeying their way through the crowd on a New York City avenue. They practically shouted as they tried to hear one other above the din. One man, a native New…
I love the uplifting story Sue Monk Kidd tells about her grandfather. My grandfather was a lawyer, a judge, and a farmer. He was frequently busy and conquesting, but I remember also that he sometimes entered the golden moments of wu wei. He and I…
A small art gallery near Lake Galway in Ireland holds an exhibition with local art. A poet of no small renown drops by to view it. As he finishes his perusing, a local farmer arrives. Once a year, the farmer…
In 1819, a blind soldier named James Holman, was invalided out of the British Navy. His reaction? He promptly set out to "see" the world. He traveled alone, except for one brief stint with a deaf man. James spoke none of the languages he encountered, and moved about by public transit. When he…
Toad said, “My list tells me that we will go for a walk.” “All right,” said Frog. “I am ready.” Frog and Toad went on a long walk. Then Toad took the list from his pocket again. He crossed out: Take a…
A farmer once came to see the Buddha, to seek advice, to get help with his problems. The farmer had many problems and he told the Buddha, in great detail, all about how they made his life very difficult. The weather…
So, what are your plans for the Holidays? It seems to be the standard question to begin conversation. I didn’t know plans were required. But I give it a go. I’ll enjoy Pumpkin pie for breakfast for as long as…
