Russellings of the Spirit

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  • Vibe Check, Anyone?

    I saw another one. I saw it just this morning as Patrick (the dog) was taking me out for my morning walk. There on the other side of the street was a pleasant-looking (judging by first impressions) young man wearing THAT T-shirt. … Continue reading

  • WHEE! 23!!

    Today, on the 23rd anniversary of our wedding day, I come to you with a heart overflowing with gratitude. Yes, Joan and I chose to be married on Cinco de Mayo of the year 2000. I’m not sure May 5 had… Continue reading

  • Abandoned

    I am a guy who likes to keep score. Which probably explains my attraction to nearly every sport under the sun… every sport, that is, except golf.  (Low score wins? Wait, WHAT??? How messed up is that?) Besides keeping track… Continue reading

  • “Have a Nice Day!”

    It sounds so simple. So basic. So dripping with common sense. “Be nice.” I saw this phrase emblazoned on the front of my granddaughter’s T-shirt the other day and immediately replied, “YES! Of course!” But then I tried actually DOING it. Not so easy after… Continue reading

  • Excluded

    They were all there.  Standing close. Knowingly nudging each other. Laughing.  Sharing so much more than space and time. They were sharing themselves. It was the place I desperately wanted to be but couldn’t. I watched them and ached.  Left… Continue reading

  • Remembering

    “I’m sorry. I forgot.” If I had a shiny new quarter for every time I’ve uttered those words in my life, I would be a moderately well-off man.  And although I am getting up there in total birthdays, I can’t… Continue reading

  • Left-Handed

    I am left-handed. [I’m not really, but play along with me here. OK?] I was born this way.  Very early in life, my parents noticed my left-handedness and were ashamed. They believed it reflected poorly on their skills as parents. “Your… Continue reading

  • Set Straight

    I don’t know if you heard or not, but Tuesday of this week was kind of a big day. Of course, I am referring to the fact that Tuesday was the day Patrick (the dog) and I made our visit… Continue reading

  • Part I: What I Actually Asked the Imam

    Earlier this month, Joan and I were on a tour. We were in Turkey with a group of 24 other travelers spending 14 days touring that amazing place with the Rick Steves organization. Our incredible guide was the Istanbul born-and-raised… Continue reading

  • Not Enough

    It is always there. It never rests.  I try to ignore it. I try to muffle it. I try to shout over it. All to no avail. It is as persistent as a mosquito on a humid summer night. It… Continue reading