Category Archives: Musings on Life

The Power and Purpose of Listening

Our ability to hear and our ability to listen are very different skills. They are as complex as the abilities to look and to see. Oxford language definitions: Hear – Verb: perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone … Continue reading

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The Power and Purpose of Curiosity

This month we are taking a fresh look at “Desert Island You,” exploring those values that remind you who you really are, free of the influence of loved ones or society. What do you like? Where do you find meaning? … Continue reading

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The Power and Purpose of Story

What is a story anyway? Just because you’re talking doesn’t mean you’re telling a story, right? Here is Dictionary.com’s definition: Story: a narrative, either true or fictitious, in prose or verse, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or … Continue reading

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The Power and Purpose of Beauty

As we continue to March On, rediscovering the power and purpose of who we really are, let’s begin by looking at this thing called Beauty. If you want to get into a deep debate (even with just yourself), try defining … Continue reading

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Prepare to March On

Face it, we are all going through some interesting times right now. 2025 arrived with a crash of cymbals. Many of us have struggled through (and barely survived) wildfires, blizzards, floods, civil unrest and more – all during the past … Continue reading

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Emulating the Masters Again

As I mentioned last week, I am navigating a couple of medical challenges that leave me with very little energy to do extra things, even those things that normally rejuvenate me. Then I glimpse my sketchbook on the table…. next … Continue reading

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The Value of Intermittent Persistence

I offered weekly posts here every Sunday from June 26, 2024 through the end of the year. For someone who has trouble with self-discipline, that was a real feat. But then, once again, Life’s vote was stronger than that of … Continue reading

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If you stop, I’ll stop.

Those of you who sketch outdoors regularly may recall times when you entered a trance-like state while sketching. Without planning it, you traveled from effortful thinking to effortless rapture, and before you knew it, you had the shallow breathing of … Continue reading

Posted in Beauty, Book #2: Double Take, Musings on Life, Pencil sketching, Seeing and looking, Urban Sketching (On-Site Creativity), Watercolor | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Who have I dismissed lately?

This post is about Belonging… and its darker side, Tribalism. My self-described tribe is a motley crew. Many are (or were) teachers, therapists, nurses, musicians, artists, or writers. What they all have in common, and the reason they are my … Continue reading

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Resilience and Positive Resignation

This week’s column links two entries from “Double Take,” from May and July 2017. Both entries explore how, when faced with adversity, some people fail miserably at giving up. You read that right. Some people call it “perseverance” but I … Continue reading

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