Author Archives: John Swinburn

Six months have passed since we had the opportunity to create a year, 2014, in which everything changed for the better. We need not admit failure and wait for January 1 to give us another opportunity. The number we attach to … Continue reading →

Humans rarely have a front row seat to Nature’s wonders.  No, that’s not true; we rarely take the time to watch from our front row seat.  But when we do, when we watch and absorb what we see, we have … Continue reading →

I’m writing this before I go to bed on June 28. Perhaps I should label this June 28: Late in the Day Thoughts. But I won’t. I’ll just post the June 29 thought early. People are capable of unfathomable goodness. Yes, … Continue reading →

Despite an annoying morning, filled with expensive news and unpleasant understanding, yesterday turned out OK. I could have allowed my mood to succumb to the messages…and for awhile I did…but the better option was to let the early ugliness turn into a … Continue reading →

There is a flower under every rock, a beautiful flower.  Find it.  Cultivate it.

Commit to being happy.  It works wonders.

It is said that a person learns from his or her mistakes, gathering knowledge along the way. I am afraid my head may explode, because there must be a limit to how much knowledge my head can hold.

When you are able to be alone with yourself.  When you are able to freely and honestly examine your thoughts without judgment.  When you can dispassionately assess your life without pride or condemnation.  Then, and only then, will you really … Continue reading →

At the right time, a smile is a beacon in the storm, a safe port that offers shelter from a raging sea.  We all should be that beacon, that safe port.  All it takes is a smile.

When the morning whispers softly to awaken me, I arise and slip slowly into the day. There is no need nor any reason to rush; the day arrives at its own pace.

Look for ways to engage people.  Look for reasons to enjoy their company.  Give them reasons to enjoy yours. It is work, but it can be pleasurable work.

That moment, that spectacular moment last night when I saw four deer beneath my window, is seared into my memory.  But memories never last.  Nor do the feelings of gratitude and awe.  One day, all those memories and all that … Continue reading →

Anthropogenic.  Now there’s a word for you.  It means, basically, “resulting from human activity or caused by humans.”  Another, less formal…though not exclusive…definition might be: “all the bad that has happened since the dawn of man.”  That is, of course, … Continue reading →

Every now and then, I remember events and circumstances that haven’t occurred yet. It’s the same as when I recall who I’m going to be tomorrow.

Today, I’m thinking about the lyrics of a tune sung by Roger Miller, Animal of Man. Here are the lyrics; below them is link to a YouTube video of the tune. His footprints can be found on the graves of … Continue reading →

The difference between rage and rapture is simply a matter of direction.