Those printing brothers from York, England.

Once upon a time there were 5 Gibson brothers from York, England: Robert, Stephen, George, Samuel, and John.  According to Great American Press, they settled in the United States in 1850.  Printing had been the family business, so they “brought with them a French handpress to jump start their new lives and business opportunities in […]

Urgency, Importance, and Springtime.

A little kid education site online called Twinkl describes Spring this way: “Spring is a season of new beginnings, renewal, and growth. As the days get longer and warmer, the world around us starts to come back to life with blooming flowers, chirping birds, and buzzing bees. Spring is a time when we can shed […]

Your Own Personal Order of Difficulty.

During the majority of my lengthy career in education, I, like many teachers and counselors you know, had a second job.  One of them was a brief stint with a prestigious company offering high-end ACT prep classes.  It was taught in a building in the heart of downtown and when I drove by that building […]

A well-timed read

Almost exactly 10 years ago, when I was just a few months into a new job and trying desperately to keep my head above water, I came across an article that I knew contained something valuable. I bookmarked it and moved on – to the seemingly more important things I had going on at the […]

The Little Red Hen and what’s stopping us.

One of the folktales I remember my mom telling me when I was little was called “The Little Red Hen.”  If you’re of a certain age, you probably recall the story.   But in case you don’t, here’s the Little Golden Book edition: Once there was a Little Red Hen who lived in a barnyard […]

Credibility counts.

I grew up with a Dad who placed a high value on his credibility.   He was a renowned physician, researcher, speaker, and administrator – and a son, brother, husband, dad, uncle, grandpa, friend, and disciple of Jesus.  Was he able to be all of those things because other people – and God – trusted […]

“A fine mingling of letting go and holding on.”

Jon J. Muth tells the story of “two traveling monks who reached a town where there was a young woman waiting to step out of her sedan chair [a portable covered chair that is designed to hold one person and is carried on poles by two people]. The rains had made deep puddles and she […]

Pancakes and that extra step.

You may or may not know that there is one extra step required in order to make pancakes fluffy.  Pancakes are not my specialty, so I’m as surprised as you are that I know this, nevertheless, I do.  Dee Brown says “The average person will gravitate towards what’s comfortable, familiar, and doesn’t require extra effort.” […]

Decluttering your thoughts – and Ina Garten.

Several years ago when Ina Garten was in her black pants and denim shirt Barefoot Contessa heyday, my sister Marilee offered me four of Ina’s cookbooks.  She was “getting rid of some stuff”, as she was prone to do, and thought of me.  I happily took them and added them to my growing collection of […]

A change in direction and an all-you-can-eat buffet.

I grew up in a very ‘traditional’ home.  My mom was a ‘stay at home’ mom and my dad was a ‘work at the office’ dad.  His office just happened to be at the hospital.   Every now and then, back in the pre-seatbelt 70s, dad would get home from work and my parents would […]