Category Archives: Thoughts For the Day

Do not forget, whether they were the deeply wise words of Plato or the mumblings of a drunken sailor: “Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

“Want.” What is it that causes us to “want” something?  A bigger house, a new car, softer furniture, the latest Apple gadget, more friends? Is it an emotional need, a longing, a desire?  Is it unbridled greed? If we can … Continue reading →

Watching a television news announcement last night about the discovery of planet similar in size to earth that could be hospitable to life as we know it, I felt an incredible pang of sadness. The sadness arose from my acknowledgement … Continue reading →

Even the least significant aspects of life can be stunningly exciting, if given the opportunity to be seen for what they are. Everything, and I mean everything, is wondrous!

The discovery of what may be Saturn’s 63rd moon is evidence that the universe, or at least our solar system, is in flux.  And so, too, are we.

When nature offers opportunities to see spectacular events, like the blood moon I missed early this morning, there’s a deep sense of disappointment in failing to do what it takes to take advantage of the opportunity. It’s worth being jolted awake … Continue reading →

When faced with a long list of things to accomplish, I know it makes more sense to tackle the more difficult ones first.  But sometimes the lists are so overwhelming, I try to trick myself into developing a rhythm of … Continue reading →

Today is the 34th anniversary of my marriage to my favorite wife. We shall celebrate in some special way to mark this milestone.  I think we’re only about halfway through this marriage, I do. The longer I can make this … Continue reading →

One definition of the word ranch is: “a large farm used primarily to raise one kind of crop or animal.” A rancher is “a person who owns or works on a ranch.” No matter what technique I use to determine … Continue reading →

Anger can fester and grow into an impossible foe.  At this moment, I hope I can conquer the unbeatable foe.

If you’re conscious of the fact that a specific amount of time must pass before something occurs, you’re waiting for that occurrence. If you dismiss that consciousness and simply let things happen when they happen, you lose wait.

Be steadfast only on issues that truly matter. Adjust and adapt. Everyone, you included, will be the happier for it.

Scale has such an impact on perception.  I can imagine how different the tables and chairs in this room would appear to me if I were six inches tall.  They would seem to be massive works of stunning architecture, rather … Continue reading →

I was watching news on CNN a few nights ago and was struck by the number of people, both CNN staff and people being interviewed, with very distinct foreign language accents. Every one of them, quite obviously, is at least … Continue reading →

If I had children, they would have good manners, else they would have time in shackles to mull over their poor manners.

If I were like some people, I would complain about the birds that sing so loudly and so sweetly very early in the morning. But I’m not like those people.  And I won’t.  I worship the music those birds make. … Continue reading →

Thank you.  That’s really all I wanted to say.  And I mean it.

Prisms refract light in much the same way prisons refract life.

“You can lead a horticulture but you can’t make her think.” “I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.” The first quote is from Dorothy Parker.  The second one is sometimes said to be from … Continue reading →

The pressures associated with a household move are nothing in comparison to the pressures associated with starvation, war, famine, or social unrest. At least that’s what I’ve been told. So I shouldn’t complain.  But I will, nonetheless.  Won’t I?

It doesn’t matter that dogs may not actually be smiling at you, the fact that you THINK they are smiling at you is enough.

I read recently about how to recognize cues that one is under stress. The idea is to “check in on” one’s body to see if there are tightened muscles, clenched fists, furrowed brow, etc. When one identifies those cues, it’s … Continue reading →

Cynicism and skepticism are valuable attributes, but only when used in moderation.  When they assume the role of life-view, they become cages.

When the urge strikes to get the latest tech device, or any other luxury item for that matter, it’s helpful to take a few moments to try to assign a value between 1 and 10 to that item.  Then, use … Continue reading →

Keeping ones’ knives sharp ensures they will be ready when a sharp knife is the only tool that will do.