Brother David. He was the first agent of my spiritual “awakening.” I still struggle with being a spiritual person in a very “un-spiritual” world, but every day that I live this authentic life I get a little closer to that goal.

So happy to see this tribute to Brother David. I hope someday to visit the collection at Amherst.

Sun and wind, my favorites. Also, the sound of the wind in the trees, my favorite music of all!

Through the dark years (and there were many) I always had a sense, “There has to be something better than this.” And there was!

Whoa boy, do I need this one today! Myself! Just simple gracious patience with myself and my spiritual and emotional growing pains.

Many, many: my 90-year-old mother and father, my seven sisters (one of whom hung up on me recently!) my friends (always them,) my beloved cat Lucy, who gets ever more dear to me. I think it was Martin Buber who talked about the importance of relationship. I agree!

I’ve started to conserve water: when I wash my hands or hair I turn off the faucet while I lather. Water is a precious resource, as I believe Brother David has reminded us, and I want to treasure it. I think Brother David made the point that millions in the world have trouble getting drinkable water. Trying to do my little part to save it and appreciate it. Water is wonderful!

Love would prompt me to buy a Christmas present for my boss and friend, which I intend to do today. I’ve never known anyone quite as vivacious and over-the-top as he!

God.

Letting go of a long-ago pain, and also the attendant “ya-ya’s” I derive from this long-ago situation that keep me bound to it.

The tenderest memory I have (and just about the only one!) was one night after we had moved when I was 10. I missed the old neighborhood terribly (have never been good with change.) My mother had gone back to work and my life had changed immeasurably. I cried every night the whole summer. One night, my father came in late, after work. He just sat on the edge of the bed and stroked my hair while I sobbed. It is my tenderest, most treasured memory.

Going deep within – to my core – and listening for God and feeding on His love which I need so much! Peaceful!

I’ve been buying a lot of presents for others lately. Last month’s credit card bill was full of birthday presents. It’s a nice feeling: Getting something that you hope will please the other person. I could get used to this! lol!

The new day gives me hope, every day.

One of the small ways I do this is by being very careful how much water I use. Water is precious; so many in the world suffer from its lack. I try to shut it off while I am using it, perhaps to wash my hands or clean the dishes. This is one way I can conserve the natural resources I am blessed with. I also try to save electricity for the same reasons.

This is a toughie for me. There is an unhealed part of my past that still brings me pain. A friend gave me a beautiful cleansing prayer that is helping in this regard, but the memory (damn!) still hurts!

It is indeed, Kevin!

Many thanks, Sheila!

Indeed, Palm!

Oh Antoinette, so sorry to hear. I’ve had migraines twice–it was the worst! Hope you feel better!