Overheard in a convenience store in rural SC: a middle-aged working class lady, with a broad smile on her face, saying with pride, "This is the first decent job I've had where I earned a paid vacation." I was moved by that, and it makes me more determined than ever to… Read full post »

Liberals, moderates and compassionate conservatives (Are there any left?): sit down, get serious, be creative, hash it out, come up with the best legislation possible to help ordinary Americans, then pass health care reform before January 20. Progress, not perfection, but make sure it is significant… Read full post »

Dream 1

I remember people searching for a lost child, but she is closer than anyone imagined. By the time they look up to scan the horizon, she is gone. Beauty and innocence are much closer, if they will only stop depending on mere words and disembodied voices, if they will… Read full post »

About six months ago I became aware of some of Ronnie Van Zant's great lyrics and performances...after all these years. (I am a singer-songwriter) I began to study Ronnie's life and work.

He and I both grew up in Florida around the same time, under similar circumstances...poor side of town.… Read full post »

I am responsible for my own life and work. Of course, many people who have influenced me, positively and negatively, and sometimes both. But I am ultimately responsible for my behavior and the course of my existence. If I focus too much on others, and develop a blaming or poor… Read full post »

My letter published in the florence (SC) Morning news Friday...Since so many outright lies are floating around concerning health care reform, I urge others to stand up and speak out, while representing the truth...

"In a letter published in the New Wednesday, the writer states that

every poll… Read full post »

My letter published in the florence (SC) Morning news Friday...Since so many outright lies are floating around concerning health care reform, i urge others to stand up and speak out, while representing the truth...

"In a letter published in the New Wednesday, the writer states that

every poll… Read full post »

Never mind the summer of hate, never mind the lies ("socialist health care"), never mind the negativity of the media, echoing right-wing talking points, health care reform moves forward, and despite the naysayers, as President Obama said, " "Don't think for a minute that power concedes without a figh… Read full post »

(Dedicated to all those struggling with addictions and having experienced family alcoholism..)

You're just an American traveler, stranded by the road

Searching for your destiny, upon this mountain road

You're just a lonesome stranger, I wish that you could see

That I have come to feel your pa… Read full post »

Agreed, there are extremists on both sides. I debate with some of the folks on the left on a regular basis--but in a civil manner. The vast majority of the undemocratic behavior at town halls this summer was exhibited by right-wingers; the same kind of conduct could be seen at some… Read full post »

Watching mostly CNN last night to learn the results of the NY, VA, NJ races, I was struck with the emphasis on the significance of VA and NJ, compared to the underplaying of the upstate NY result, in which the far right was rebuffed in their attempt to capture this seat… Read full post »

“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.

When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like

flowers.”     

 Thich Nhat Hanh  

Last night, in the middle of a dream, I heard myself say

something like this to a young… Read full post »

With the pullout of Dede Scovvafava from her congressional race, we see the disturbing trend toward right-wing extremism in the Republican Party. Moderates, liberals and, and reasonable conservatives must work together, because, apparently, moderate Republicans are on the verge of being drummed out o… Read full post »

Not so long ago I felt the undeniable urge to write a

new song. Occasionally. fleeting lyrics manifested

themselves, faded out, then came back at odd times,

sometimes in the middle of the night…

There’s a song inside that has to come out

I'm… Read full post »

I am thinking a lot about the need for action versus nonaction in a variety of endeavors. And I know there is a need to pursue MINDFUL action; yet. at times, spontaneous and immediate action is called for.

Increasingly, in my life, when I make a to-do list, I actually take… Read full post »

Another tough day subbing, shadowing with a kid having significant problems. I think what is hard, sometimes, is having two Master's degrees and being certified and working in a job when many people assume that one knows very little. I know, this sounds like ego is getting in the way. But… Read full post »

I had a rough day subbing Friday. The kids were bored, would not stop talking, disrespectful to me. One kid asked me if I am a gang-banger! Yeah, right, this old white guy, a banger! Then another kid called me "Frankie," and said I don't have a right to write them… Read full post »

Beautiful twilight. I feel the stillness. Spanish moss barely moving. To the West, behind oak branches, the sun gradually descends. I hear crickets...not the tree frogs yet. I almost headed out for the basketball court today, despite my knee. I can't stay away for much longer...Maybe tomorrow, or thi… Read full post »

The events of significance, when I am substitute teaching, doing homebound work or working in a special ed classroom, the ones I will never forget, invariably occur outside the confines of the formal lesson plan. When subbing (and when I can get away with it), I bring my guitar into the… Read full post »

"Act as if everything you do matters."    William James

This has been my favorite aphorism for a long time. There are so many people out there who are ready-willing to tell you that you are not capable of pursuing this or that goal, whether it be creative, occupational, educationa… Read full post »

"Act as if everything you do matters."    William James

This has been my favorite aphorism for a long time. There are so many people out there who are ready-willing to tell you that you are not capable of pursuing this or that goal, whether it be creative, occupational, educationa… Read full post »

Sub teaching really good Friday, with special needs kids...Those kids are better human beings than many adults...

Substitute teaching again today...just glad to be working. Subbing is actually a greatly under valued job. I say this as a certified teacher and counselor, in this role partly because of my writing and political action work. But I love being a sub, despite the headaches. I am lucky to be… Read full post »