"Step Away From The Screen" (Less Time Online)

"Observations from the Summer"

I am sitting here at a park writing some notes about an upcoming event I've been working on, finding peace in my view of a small lake and serene forest. A half hour later I'm so engrossed in my thoughts that the slamming of a car door close by makes me jump unexpectedly and look up. It takes a few minutes for my eyes to adjust to what I'm seeing, since it's not exactly "normal" by today's standards, and then I realize I'm delighted to just sit and observe.

58 Hours: Finding Peace Right Here

Friday, October 12th 8:39am

My vacation-at-home is starting. All the dogs and cats have been fed and taken care of and I'm camped out on the couch with beautiful, fresh fall air blowing in through the windows. Later on the pollen will resurface I'm sure but for now, coasting on the heels of last night's storm, the breeze feels clean and crisp and I haven't sneezed once.

"If Life Begins to Seem Unfair"

If you should find that things in life seem to anger you

or cause bitterness and resentment, make changes.

Value and Respect: Appreciation for Artists

I was a little bummed out yesterday when I found one of my photos taken and used on another site, carefully cropped and edited just enough to remove the name from the image. A government agency page, no less, had blurred out the watermark on one side and chopped the image on the other.

37th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend: October 6th - 7th, 2018

While I've been aware of this memorial service held annually to honor those gave all in the line of duty, I had not realized that some portions of the ceremonies are now viewable online. With all the activities and observances taking place in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the public can join in by watching live, showing support on social media and learning more about the the 37th Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Visiting the website for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation I learned this it is not just a memorial ceremony but an entire weekend for the survivors and families.