Over the years, things have changed around our house when it comes to holiday celebrations. Our table has gotten smaller and smaller, with people moving on in one way or another and developing new traditions of their own. This year, we realized that there are no longer any expectations, and…

We have been marked safe from hurricanes, fire, chemical spills, and shootings. Those with a sense of humor have been marked safe from the Taylor Swift Eras Tour or left over Halloween candy. Having struggled to get in touch with friends after 9–11, I think this is an excellent way…

Twenty-five years ago, a young man was beaten, brutalized, and hung on a split rail fence as an example — for the crime of knowing himself. Matthew would be in his mid-forties now. Probably settled into a nice career, possibly in a long-term, loving relationship. Not dead. Have we not…

When I was growing up, I was continually in hot water. Mostly I had no idea why. Randomly, my mother would tell me to go to my room. I learned later that because I had been sent to my room, I missed phone calls from my long-distance father and grandmother…

(And how you can help stop them) — A historic Catholic church in our town burned this morning. My heart breaks for the 1000+ members of this congregation. They hold mass in four different languages to make more people feel at home in their parish. They host a school and a myriad of activities. The church is a…

(in memory of wonderful women) — A magnificent woman died last night. Even if you have reached the point where you are at peace with being in the final quarter of your life, it is not okay when good people die. Hypocritical, yes, but true none-the-less. This news brought forth one of those memories our brains…

If your area is not on fire, it’s flooded. Volcanos are erupting, the earth is quaking, it’s hurricane season. The forecast is stating it will be 78 degrees in Las Vegas this weekend (in August!). The ocean in Miami is 90 degrees, and a playground in this same city reported…

Recently the MusiCares organization (a division of the Recording Academy) sent out a call to all musicians and members of the music community to volunteer some sort of service on Friday, July 28th. My first thoughts were, “Summer is music season, I’m too busy.,” “I can’t do any extra peopling.,”…

For the past several days there has been an outcry regarding country singer Jason Aldean’s newest video, “Try That in a Small Town.” Country Music Television pulled it out of rotation. Fox News celebrated it. Sheryl Crow condemned it. The reality of all this discussion is not about the disturbing…