A few weeks ago I was on an early morning flight where the a/c seemed stuck on full blast. I was rubbing my arms to keep warm, and figured a cup of tea would make things bearable. About ten minutes later, the flight attendant came by with a large water bottle, and offered me the […]
Friends, I promise that these weekly reflections will not be an endless parade of memorials. And yet. What a time. Today I offer short quotes from two lives of wisdom and action – Wendell Berry and Gloria Steinem. It would be easy to think of these two in separate (or even opposite) categories, but both […]
When I was a young media analyst, I got to attend a number of star-studded events. Of course it took just one moment for any Hollywood type to size me up and realize that I was not one of them, nor especially powerful, and therefore most looked right through me. But. One night I was […]
Enchantment is the oldest form of medicine. – Carl Jung Years ago, as our jeep in Africa crested over the edge of a steep hill, we saw just below us a family of giraffes, slow-motion galloping across the road, their necks swaying to the rhythm of their own feet. I was enchanted. Last week, […]
Joyful news this week! Last Mile Health was awarded the Hilton Humanitarian Prize, for their extensive and effective work to alleviate human suffering. Years ago I was honored to serve as board chair of this amazing group. On a trip to Liberia we had the chance to meet with a local leader, who was asked […]
I’ve lived just two hours from Emily Dickinson’s home for many years, but just made my first visit recently. Aside from the crazy patterns of carpets and wallpaper, and some bits of family history that were new to me, the biggest surprise was seeing her writing desk. Of course there is a sense of awe, […]
Perhaps because of my family’s exceptionally strong planning genes, I love observing fellow travelers in unusual settings. Is that third suitcase really full of books? How is the person over there hiking for a whole month with that tiny pack? Did she just pull a full dinner for six out of her tote bag? (Truth […]
There’s nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend. – Bob Ross I’ve been lucky this summer to spend time with some ancient trees – cedars in Japan, sequoias in California, pines in New England. It’s reminded me of how, during the height of the pandemic, I used to go out and […]
Thousands have lived without love; not one without water. – WH Auden Water is elemental; water is life. Perhaps this power is why wild, natural water bodies fascinate and terrify me, in equal proportions. This past week I had the chance to quietly reflect next to still water, to persevere […]
After a whole day in the woods, we are already immortal. – John Muir Friends, life is fleeting and precious, heartfelt and heartbreaking. Lucky for us, we are surrounded by portals to eternity. Let’s take a walk.