Category Archives: Meaning Making

Failure is a Gift

This week’s post was inspired by a conversation with Tucker McHugh, a high school classmate who I have known for over 50 years. It was originally posted in December of 2017. I was raised on Wheaties, “The Breakfast of Champions.” Winning defined the purpose of my every endeavor: winning at school, winning at sports, winning with friends.  Winning was symbolized by blue ribbons, gold stars, and A-pluses.  … Continue reading Failure is a Gift »

An Outlandishly Good Life

“Former President Jimmy Carter remains in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia…Representatives from the [Carter] Center say the 98-year-old has decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and his wife, Rosalyn.” ~ the Carter Center When I read this headline it got me thinking fondly about Jimmy Carter and his outlandishly good life.   It seems so outlandish, so … Continue reading An Outlandishly Good Life »

The Extraordinarily Inadvertent Life

I’ve heard there are unexpected opportunities to be enriched by our inadvertent moments… — when we’re not busy missing them. Think about it. How many magical moments were totally unplanned? That’s not to say planning isn’t necessary — it’s just to note that often the best planning occurs AFTER the fickle finger of fate has first worked its magic. Think about it. How many great discoveries … Continue reading The Extraordinarily Inadvertent Life »

A Visit from the Grand Inquisitor

I was raised on Queen Anne Hill, a quiet community atop of one of Seattle’s seven hills. My family were members of St. Anne’s Church and for 18 years my life revolved around the Catholic Church and parish activities. My faith back then was based on centuries-old, immutable truths, enumerated in the Baltimore Catechism. All that was required of me to achieve security in this … Continue reading A Visit from the Grand Inquisitor »

Sweet Dreams

Dreams are the most curious asides and soliloquies of the soul. When [we recollect our dreams], it is like meeting the ghost of [ourselves]. Dreams often surprise us into the strangest self-knowledge…Dreaming is the truest confessional, and often the sharpest penance. ~ Alexander Smith  Do you “get” your dreams? Are your dreams “soliloquies of your soul?” Do you dream in technicolor? Are they filled with … Continue reading Sweet Dreams »