Contact the Author | sample_mail@mail.com
I find fulfillment these days through the written word, signature moments. Stories shared, a smile escaping, sometimes getting a like or a heartfelt comment. Recognition in a broader sense currently eludes me, no awards, few book sales, a relatively unknown author.
Is this enough? Enough being defined as “occurring in such quantity, quality, or scope as to fully meet demands, needs or expectations.” A point of contentment, happiness, feeling self-worth. It seems we decide what is enough.
“Sir, would you…..
Work and social groups have their prescribed attire, judged by appearance, acceptable limits. After some time, we morph into these personas, costumed in a brave face. Eventually, the masquerade becomes too much. Looking in the mirror, we no longer recognize ourselves. Uncomfortable in our own skin. Unmasked.
And something shifts, a brush with fate igniting a spark. Challenging us, pushing the envelope. Change assuming the path of least resistance. Our most important questions no longer content to wait, free to…..
Both of my parents passed away in the month of April, my mother preceding my father by a little more than one year. The burial ceremony spare, the grave unmarked, covered with clumps of dirt and mud. It’s a messy affair, quiet and disquieting, memories clouded. Uncomfortably numb.
One year later, we gather again for the unveiling, pain eased by time. Tradition guiding us, marking impermanence, placing a granite monument etched with the bare essentials, name, dates, religious lineage. Our…..
Space and time provide life’s fabric, texture and tone. Found in the air we breathe, the thoughts swirling in our minds, the rhythmic beat of our hearts. Unique in our own way, striving to assert our independence, claim our power, yearning to feel important. Pushing away.
And yet there’s an equally powerful force pulling us together, subsuming our ego, admitting to frailty, wanting to feel needed, needing to feel wanted. And when we acknowledge the shared humanity, accept ourselves, we…..
There are many famous quotes, widely known, sometimes popular. Some of my favorite quotes are from one of two authors – Anonymous and Unknown. Anonymous defined as “of unknown authorship or origin” and Unknown being “something that requires discovery, identification or clarification.”
So most weeks a word or event inspires me to uncover something waiting to be found. An indelible imprint, hiding in plain sight. Wisdom from an unknown source.
“First they will ask why you are doing…..
I like to think of myself as a problem solver, taking problems head on. No nonsense, say what you think, take action.
And then there are situations that are elusive, prickly as a sticker in a rose bush, feeling the weight of the world draping over our shoulders. We are not in control. Too overwhelming to look at, eyes averting, a sideways glance. Don’t just act, sit there, pause, reflect, consider every angle, look at things from multiple perspectives. And…..
A young colt runs free, heedless of any sense of direction.
Our life begins cautiously, eyes opening, limbs stretching, finding balance. Awareness sets in, now grasping for purpose. Sometimes losing our way. At times it feels as if our lives are in shatters. Depression.
And then somehow the story turns inside out. Sweeping away the pieces, unspoken words slipping out, a toe testing the waters, affirming ourselves, eyes sparkling, an irrepressible smile. Joy.
A stallion runs free, filled with a…..
Our world is an uncertain place. At times, the earth quakes, the sky rains, winds howl, fire consumes. Desperate in the face of destruction, life spins out of control. Other times we wreak havoc on ourselves. Wars fought between nations, religions, races and sexes. School shootings. Sexual predators. Suicide bombers. Anger, anguish. Black lives matter. Me too.
Overwhelmed, our instincts respond. Life and death. Fight or flight. Withdraw or engage. Finding our breath. Searching for reason. Finding our voice. Everyone…..
Like many things in life, the stock market goes up and down. But generally, over time, the market tends to go up. It’s what happens in between that makes my job interesting.
A couple of weeks ago, good news became bad news. Jobs reported aplenty, the news began to stream, worries cascading, interest rates started going up, stocks will crash! Volatility spikes. Symbols flashing red, funds imploding. A roller coaster ride viewed from the comfort of my chair.
Slowly things…..
After many years, the engagement band became misshapen, buckling under the test of time. You see, while gold is strong, it’s also malleable. The restorative process involves cutting it open, igniting a flame’s heat, and then beading in droplets of gold, soldering the band back together. A delicate operation, it takes a bit longer than promised. Needing more strength, fortifying the back. Initially too loose, wanting it to fit snugly, the ring reclaims its place. Renewed and secure, the diamond…..
