SHELBURNE — How many tyrants were abused as toddlers, tweens, or teens? Historically, many. My friend, fellow poet, and former Governor, Madeleine Kunin, wisely noted years ago that the problem with cliches is the truth behind them. Misery loves company. Are there tyrants making you miserable? Write a poem. Place[Read More…]
Monthly Musings
Muse Not News
SHELBURNE — March madness has a whole new meaning for me this year. It has nothing to do with basketball. Listening to my muse is more constructive than taking in too much news. Even when I briefly check the day’s events, I’m listening for poetry. Rep. Becca Balint invites us[Read More…]
Fear or Forgiveness
SHELBURNE – Dr. Francis Collins in his recent book, “The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust,” says there are four significant criteria that can help us decide whether to trust an individual or an institution: integrity, competence, aligned values and humility. He depicts these graphically as four[Read More…]
January Joy
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…]
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…]
