SHELBURNE – The third candle in Advent wreaths is pink, not purple like the other three. Pink is traditionally associated with joy and celebration. After the anticipation of celebrating joy last month, I was unexpectedly without Internet service and connection with friends and family for two and a half days[Read More…]
Trish Alley
A Peek at Peace
SHELBURNE – How can you be or vote for something that you haven’t experienced? Call for a ceasefire in your internal dialogue and take a peek at peace. “Let There Be Peace on Earth” is one of my favorite songs. It was written by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller for[Read More…]
Generative Generosity
SHELBURNE – “One may not safely give unless one is open and ready to receive the gifts of others, whatever they might be,” wrote Robert Greenleaf in the May 1, 1976, issue of “Friends Journal: Quaker Thought and Life Today.” Democracy was the number-one issue for many who voted in[Read More…]
Listening For Love
SHELBURNE – Research shows that when we tune into the news, we are likely to hear what we want to hear. Why not listen for love? Monday, October 14, was a special day. David Simas delivered the 2024 Gentry Lecture, which was endowed by Stokes and Mary Jane Gentry, founders[Read More…]
Labor of Love
SHELBURNE – More fortunate than most, I’ve had my share of trials and troubles. My childhood yearning for love lingered well into my adulthood. I was in my mid-forties when I found words for my life’s purpose. I want to change the world’s operating system from one founded on fear[Read More…]
Feeling Flooded by News, Climate, Transitions
I am feeling flooded by political news, oppressive heat and humidity and nonprofit transitions. My heart goes out to the true flood victims. Mine is only metaphorical. I constantly hear about how divided the country is, and by many measures, we are. But when I step back and look at[Read More…]
Creative Aging
There are several versions of the concept of creative aging. One is related to sparking the artistic talents of elders. Others facilitate and share intergenerational stories. I want to make younger friends and write more. I deeply appreciate the wisdom and experience of elders. Dinner conversations can be fascinating here[Read More…]
June Jitters
SHELBURNE – The trials and tribulations of the times are giving me the June Jitters. Sitting on the edge of my seat puts too much weight on my sweaty, funky feet and keeps me more in my head than from healing my heart. Gathered recently for a pizza party, a[Read More…]
No Mow May
SHELBURNE – There are two sides to every story. When I walk out my front door, I am greeted by mud and mosquitoes. As I gaze out my office window, the new grass is decorated with dandelions, volunteer violets, and bees. I don’t make lawn decisions here, but I am[Read More…]
Monthly Musings
Grace Space SHELBURNE – It feels fitting that what for many was a once in a lifetime spatial experience happened in April, poetry month. In January, as I reflected on the upcoming total solar eclipse and the violence around the world, I wrote the following poem for PoemTown St. Johnsbury.[Read More…]
Monthly Musings – Wise Eyes
SHELBURNE – I find myself partially paying attention to the news these days, but I’ve noticed some favorite phrases of politicians and pundits. “Look” and “Just to be clear” are two of them, so I voted early and had cataract surgery. My ophthalmologist explained preop that my new lenses could[Read More…]
Monthly Musings
Medication or Meditation SHELBURNE – Children will tell you that school release is forever ago after recess or lunch. Many are itching to move. The kids arrived at Wonder & Wisdom after school with a lot of pent-up energy. We started with vigorous exercise or an energetic game before beginning[Read More…]
