On June 12th, I’m embarking on a trip to Europe with stops in the UK and Spain. I’ve been abroad many times and even lived in London for a year during college. And with my son and his family residing in Barcelona, I’ve devoured a good many tapas (and a pan of paella or two) … Continue reading As an American Tourist Abroad
Sometimes you receive a gift you didn’t realize you needed. A few weeks ago, John Weigant offered me a small book that had been in his possession for some years. It’s quite old-timey, with a well-worn leather cover and a gold embossed insignia of an organization called “Friendly Fellows.” You can see it in the … Continue reading A Gift You Didn’t Realize You Needed
Friends, I share this poem as encouragement for us to remain crocus-minded as we consider how we can raise our voices, rally and fight for our values, and confront the challenges we are facing in our country. Many of us are heartbroken and horrified. Let’s talk to one another, to allies, and to adversaries. We are … Continue reading I Pray for Courage
Friends, In my sermon on January 26, I quoted recent insights by Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor and Progressive Activist. I’ve included his entire column here as inspiration, education, and encouragement for the journey ahead with a new Administration. May we work together for the future we envision, supported by the UU values we … Continue reading What Can One Do?
Like any optimistic, but all-too-human minister, I believe in trial and error (and deep breathing!) when it comes to getting organized. Years ago, at a Minister’s meeting, a colleague recommended an approach called “the block system” and I thought, “Eureka, I’m saved!” I even recommended it to my son. Sam, (a high schooler at the … Continue reading I’ve Blocked That!
I often receive handcrafted delicious food gifts from congregants during the holiday season (no pressure, I promise!) In the olden days, ministers were frequently paid in provisions — potatoes and beef, soap, candles, cakes, bread and linens. One could say that the tradition lives on in magical ways. It surely did in a New England … Continue reading The Proof in the Pudding
As Thanksgiving approaches each November, with the accompanying food magazine frenzy over “the best stuffing recipe ever” and miraculous “to-die-for-but-low-fat” mashed potatoes, I ask myself: Is it really necessary to do something “new” with dinner this year? Honestly, I’d still be ecstatic to finally master lump-free gravy…and make enough! Oh, and don’t forget to thaw … Continue reading Support the Bottom
With 100,000 or so residents, Koloszvar is one of the largest cities in Transylvania, where a large population of ethnic-Hungarian Unitarians resides. A ministerial colleague of mine visited there many years ago for their General Assembly, with nearly 5,000 Transylvanian Unitarians in attendance! (Can you imagine?) My blue and white embroidered stole is a gift … Continue reading Signs and Windows of Welcome
It seems pep talks are everywhere these days. And who doesn’t welcome a pep talk, especially as September dawns and we still feel like this is the beginning of a “new year.” Old habits die hard – why aren’t I getting a new lunch box, sharpened pencils, and school shoes? Hope I like my teacher. … Continue reading Pep Talk Here, Pep Talk There
Have you ever watched a toddler or preschooler with art supplies? It can be adorable or spellbinding or a bit treacherous, depending on the situation. I’ve recently had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with all three of my granddaughters, aged 18 months to 4 years, and I’m struck by how early in our lives … Continue reading If You Take a Purple Crayon…
