As I sit here writing, working on articles for a newspaper, the sun is beckoning me outside, teasing me with its perceived warmth, taunting me to abandon my current quest for the adventure of soul food. To further draw me away, I look above my computer, out the window, and see a magnificent cardinal perched on a branch in my backyard maple tree. I began talking with him, praising his beautiful colors and announcing the blessing of his visit. Though I'm sure he couldn't hear me, he turned to face me, nodding his head as if in conversation with me. This is February in Minnesota? Yes, I meant to add the question mark! The ground is brown and littered with leaves. There are spotty splashes of snow that light up the shadows behind trees and buildings. It seems more like spring than winter. February is supposed to be frigid with a foot of snow. Either that or warming, with water seeping out from under the snow. I was talking with someone at work about the snow blowers recently and I said I wish it would snow. "You like snow?" he said. "I could do without." "We need the snow," I said. "The ground needs the moisture." "It could rain instead," he said. To show how far removed from … [Read more...]

This is February already! What am I doing writing about New Year's resolutions? I've been so busy, I haven't even made any resolutions yet. This year, I've decided to start a new system: Since most of us break our resolutions within the first three weeks of January, I decided to wait until February to begin work on the new year! What are New Year resolutions anyway? When I was younger, they were a thoughtful look at the past year to choose new and better goals for the next. As the years rolled by, I found I chose many of the same goals for the next year, building on what I already accomplished. The problem is life gets in the way. Often personal goals are relegated to the back burner as other needs fill the pots in the front. Maybe instead of annually looking at goals, or resolutions, we should break them into smaller segments and look at them monthly. That would help keep us focused and moving forward. But the first thing I need to do is spend more time on personal goals and let some of the other needs go. What are you doing this year? Are you still on track for your resolutions? If you are, I applaud you! … [Read more...]