INSIDE THE BOX
Approaching Solstice
During the past few weeks, as the skies have grown darker, the days shorter, and the wind more chilling, our town has come alive with lights. . . .
Of History and Hope
When I find myself feeling that there’s little reason to hope for better future, I try to bring to mind all the wonderful young people I know . . .
The Thing Is
Sitting here in the comfort of my dry, intact home in Illinois, I can do very little to help the millions who are now living in Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, but one thing I can do is wish them courage, strength, resilience, and hope. Hurricane Helene victims: this one is for you.
To be of use
What does it mean to be of use in the world? Marge Piercy addresses this question in her poem about work.
In the Company of Women
I’ve been having a bit of a rough summer so far and seem to be moving through the challenges I’m facing in a nearly constant state of overwhelm. . . .
Perhaps the World Ends Here
Helen Keller once wrote that, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.” How very true that is. And yet . . .
New Year Resolutions
As the holidays end and the new year begins, many of us—more than a third of all Americans—will consider resolving to change our lives in one way or another during 2024. . . .
Winter Solstice
For many living in the Northern Hemisphere, winter is a season of cold, dark days. And the darkest of all—the winter solstice—comes soon. . . .
Bless Their Hearts
It’s Thanksgiving season, and families all over the country are preparing to come together to celebrate. . . .
For Those Who Walked With Us
Soon families all over the world will be commemorating All Souls’ Day (also known as Day of the Dead) . . .
A Farewell
Our last post highlighted the nostalgia many of us feel this time of year as we say goodbye to summer and prepare ourselves for the colder months ahead. . . .
September Song
The lyrics of September Song, first introduced in the 1938 Broadway musical, Knickerbocker Holiday, highlight the nostalgia many of us feel this time of year while also encouraging us to embrace, relish, and make the most of these precious days.
Love Like Salt
Why are we humans so prone to take for granted those things that are most essential to our well being? . . .
Au Vieux Jardin
Our family just returned from a whirlwind trip to Paris, Munich, Salzberg, and Rome. For me, one of the highlights of that trip was the time I spent wandering around Munich's English Garden. . . .