Monthly Archives: August 2011

Boosting your brain power

Posted on August 31, 2011 by stillalife

There are at least three things you can do immediately to help your brain, the most remarkable organ in your body:  exercise regularly,  sleep well, and lower your stress levels.  So says John Medina, a local molecular biologist and author … Continue reading →

Posted in books or movies, personal reflections | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Two passions, two jobs

Posted on August 27, 2011 by stillalife

I’m intrigued by people who live double lives.  I’m not talking about secret agents or cartoon characters like Clark Kent, aka Superman.  I’m referring to people who hold challenging day jobs they love, while also following an artistic passion on … Continue reading →

Posted in inspiration, personal reflections | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Standing room only

Posted on August 22, 2011 by stillalife

Do you ever wonder how many people will attend your funeral or memorial service?   I thought about this over the weekend, because I attended services in two different churches, both packed with mourners.  I know the question is hardly … Continue reading →

Posted in grief and loss, humor, personal reflections | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Red, the color of joy

Posted on August 20, 2011 by stillalife

Yesterday morning, as I rocketed around the track at the YMCA, I watched the senior aerobics and strengthening classes moving to a musical beat in the gym below.  Suddenly I thought of the early morning exercisers I had photographed in … Continue reading →

Posted in exercise, health | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A contemporary fairy godmother

Posted on August 18, 2011 by stillalife

There are times in all our lives when we need a fairy godmother, not the one whose sprinkling of magic dust turned Cinderella’s pumpkin into a coach and the castle’s rodents into horses, but someone with the same rousing spirit … Continue reading →

Posted in inspiration, personal reflections, writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Self-discipline, tranquility and snacking

Posted on August 14, 2011 by stillalife

As I celebrate one year of retirement, I’m finally able to relax.  This month, I’ve spent more time than ever sitting on the porch, watching our neighborhood hummingbirds gorge themselves inside the fuchsia blossoms, and admiring the aerobatics of the biplane … Continue reading →

Posted in letting go of work, personal reflections | Tagged | 1 Comment

Knitted graffiti attacks spread

Posted on August 11, 2011 by stillalife

At last our city has been bombed.  No one has been hurt, because the bombs have been constructed with material not known to be dangerous, except to the wallets of those who buy it.  I’m talking about “yarn bombs,” or what … Continue reading →

Posted in arts and crafts | 1 Comment

Small Change

Posted on August 9, 2011 by stillalife

Do as I say, not as I do.  Am I guilty of this when I share ideas on these pages from psychologists, philosophers and my experiences about positive ways to enhance one’s life?  Sure.  The recommendations I offer here are … Continue reading →

Posted in personal reflections | Tagged | 2 Comments

What’s your mission?

Posted on August 7, 2011 by stillalife

Do you have a personal mission statement (also called a “manifesto”)?  A statement of beliefs and intentions? A set of guiding principles for how to live your life?  It’s possible that you do somewhere in the recesses of your brain. … Continue reading →

Posted in inspiration, personal reflections, writing | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Imperfection as a way of life

Posted on August 5, 2011 by stillalife

The Gifts of Imperfection.  Somehow this book ended up on my library request list, although I don’t remember what prompted me to request it.  It was probably the title. I’ve always thought perfection was a gift, so finding a book … Continue reading →

Posted in books and movies, personal reflections, writing | Tagged , | 2 Comments