Lily was here. That’s what she wrote, with her finger, in the sugar-like sand of the west Florida beach. And she sat there, doodling, for a couple of hours. Alone, with only her trepidation. Yeah, that was the word. She … Read the rest
It’s not impossible. Although sometimes it can certainly feel that way. And you definitely don’t have to accept it if you don’t want it. So, think it over before you accept or reject your secret mission. Because the fate of … Read the rest
There are definitely some awesome digital tools nowadays. Especially for people who’d like to create and sell things like words and music. (hmm, can’t think of anybody like that right now…) And even “real job” people can create and sell … Read the rest
Another painful day of anxiety. And the effects, of it, range from silent crying to freaked-out scenes in public places to even assaults. Day after painful day after day. Oh, maybe I should clarify. I’m not talkin’ about me. Good … Read the rest
I’ll say it right up front. I’m for it. I believe it’s good to encourage yourself. Just as it’s good to encourage others. So, don’t misinterpret what I say about the following “psychological” advice. Because it’s easy to encourage yourself … Read the rest
Rest in peace. Three simple words. And probably a large percentage of people who say those words actually mean them. In other words, they aren’t just something to blurt out without any thought of the meaning. But there’s also a … Read the rest
Shh. Be quiet for a sec. Do you hear that? Yeah, there it is again. It’s getting louder. And it’s definitely Monday morning music. Wow. How cool is that?! Here it is, the second Monday of September 2024, and there’s … Read the rest
If you’re a fan, you might remember Cyndi Lauper singing “All Through The Night.” I don’t know how high it made it on the charts. But I know it was one of her hits. Here’s the chorus: We have no … Read the rest
Humans sure are stupid things. If you’re not a human, then you’re probably giggling to yourself, “You can say that again.” Ok, I will. Humans sure are stupid things. Now, I’m pretty sure you’re a human. Because as far as … Read the rest
Jimmy Buffet sang about how changes in latitude could maybe help with this problem. Hank Williams Jr wrote about it from another perspective. “It was an attitude adjustment, I guess it was his first time. An attitude adjustment, now he … Read the rest
I read a clip from an article about Billy Joel talking about his song, “Only The Good Die Young.” And it showed how your perspective can change as you get older. But, for way too many, even the new perspective … Read the rest
I write, with sincere care, about how much I want you to live in paradise forever. Because your Creator wants me to do that because HE wants you there. But my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s … Read the rest
Yeah, it’s true. Real scientists actually do still exist. But there are so many others I describe as “so-called scientists” that you won’t typically find the real ones on TV or radio. Thank goodness we have the internet for the … Read the rest
Ella loves bedtime stories. Big shocker, right? I mean, you’ve probably never heard of a little kid who loves bedtime stories. But, maybe what you didn’t know was how many kids enjoy books on iPad. And that’s Ella. “Read me … Read the rest
Ten years ago I snapped another picture of some sunflowers that overlooked a beautiful, expansive view on the Western slope of Colorado. When I got home and enlarged the snapshot on my computer, I noticed telephone lines right across my … Read the rest
I have hope within. But not for cliché things like “world peace” or “random acts of kindness” or how we can all “coexist.” No, my hope is for the Creator God of the universe to one day return to earth … Read the rest
Nations and empires fall because of it. Governments become tyrannical and then crumble because of it. And families are torn to shreds because of it. And it’s something you can’t detect with your five senses. But you WILL still suffer … Read the rest
She said, “Life is screaming at me.” And I thought to myself, “Hmm, I think there’s a song in that.” Elgielene and I had one of those “long distance romances” you’ve heard about. You know. The kind that never work … Read the rest
A long time ago isn’t worthy to be compared to a long time to come. Unless your future depends on you. Ok. I should probably explain that. Because, on the surface, it might sound like philosophical silliness. And I certainly … Read the rest
It’s truly your lucky day! Because, even though I didn’t think I’d ever share this secret again, I’m gonna show you the main ingredients you need in order to be master of the universe. And despite what you might have … Read the rest
Maybe you’re familiar with the expression, “It was a real red letter day.” But just in case you’re not, maybe you’ll find this next part interesting. Current usage of “red letter day” is like decaf coffee. You get the flavor. … Read the rest
I gotta share this story I just saw again today. Maybe you’ve seen some version of it. But it’s about what happened when a young cashier told an older woman “you should bring your grocery bags next time. Because plastic … Read the rest
Wild animals and other creatures breathe. But the breath of the wild things isn’t the same as the breath that goes in and out of you and me. And by “breath of the wild things” I don’t mean plain ol’ … Read the rest
Sure, you could say Tino loves music. If you’re trying to win the “understatement of the year” contest, you could say that. Or another “understatement of the year” could be… “He’s no quitter.” Boy oh boy, is THAT putting it … Read the rest
Over ten years ago I wrote about what it takes to be a healthy, happy human. And I said, “First, you have to be a human. Next, you need to be healthy and happy.” Sounds sensible enough. Right? And I … Read the rest
The anchors, the weather and sports reporters, the investigative reporters, and the editorialists all talked a blue streak night after night. So, it was ironic when Theo felt something like the stroke of a paintbrush across his heart. Because it … Read the rest
Mateo walked through the shin-deep snow on that cold February night in 1996. And one thought kept echoing through the dark chambers of his mind, “I can hear my heart, but I just can’t feel my life.” But he couldn’t … Read the rest
You’ve heard how there was no joy in Mudville when Mighty Casey struck out. Well, I assume you’ve heard that or read it. And I know what happens when you assume. So, maybe I should have given a spoiler alert. … Read the rest
So you see the title, Typhoon Tycoon, and you think to yourself, “Self. That’s obviously the most important thing I’ve got to read today. So, read it NOW!” Am I right? Yes? I knew it. Because who wouldn’t wanna know … Read the rest
OK kiddos from 3 to 103. I’ll just let you know, right up front, that I’m here for you. Because I know that you fit into one of these categories. You are the: Cream of the crop Top of the … Read the rest
Once upon an old West morning, in the little town of Glenwood Springs, the scent of freshly baked bread and coffee wafted through the air. And it woke up one of the most famous young doctors ever. He got up, … Read the rest
Kris and Themum woke up to a thunderstorm filled with bright flashes of lightning. Thank goodness they had taken extra time to secure their tents and position them for protection. Because the thunderstorm turned into what Uncle Paulo would describe … Read the rest
Finnar and Sami were what you might call “fast friends.” Well, I certainly would anyway. Because that’s an old and established way to describe a solid friendship built on mutual trust. And only a solid friendship could have done what … Read the rest
It probably wasn’t on your radar. Nope. You probably weren’t wondering about my process for stringing words together to create the rhymes and reasons I share with you. So, when I say I started a 3-verse rhyme with the phrase … Read the rest
“Maestro, a little night music, please.” And with that one command/request, the young songwriter retreated to his chamber to compose himself. Oh yeah, and also to compose the music. By some accounts it was a warm summer night in Vienna. … Read the rest