Category Archives: inspiration

Daily surprises

Posted on August 13, 2012 by stillalife

Do you like surprises? Are you more cautious about answering yes to this question as an adult than you were as a child? These questions came to mind on Saturday while I was returning to Seattle from Bainbridge Island via … Continue reading →

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And more on clutter

Posted on July 11, 2012 by stillalife

Just when I thought I had said all that needed to be said on the topic of clutter (Good solution to problem of clutter),  I ran across more information in an unexpected place, a memoir called The Happiness Project, in … Continue reading →

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Leaving our comfort zones

Posted on June 30, 2012 by stillalife

“Whatever scares you, do it. Now.” That advice comes from Ken Budd, author of the article, “New Adventures, New Risks, New You,” and of a memoir with an exceedingly long title that begins with The Voluntourist: A Six-Country Tale… Budd has had … Continue reading →

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Handwriting to help the brain

Posted on June 15, 2012 by stillalife

Let’s hear it for handwriting.  If yours is as difficult to decipher as mine this is not a cheer you’ll take up. However, various studies show that substituting a pen in hand for the computer keyboard is good for our brains. … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, inspiration, writing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

According to eMed Expert, music can help us heal from depression, fatigue, pain, high blood pressure, headaches, and stress, as well as improve athletic performance, productivity, and concentration, boost immunity and support recovery from a stroke. In other words, it … Continue reading →

Posted on May 16, 2012 by stillalife | 3 Comments

Act 3 of life

Posted on April 6, 2012 by stillalife

What do actress, exercise instructor and activist Jane Fonda, and the newest member of my writing class have in common?  They’re living in what Ms. Fonda calls the Third Act — the last three decades of their lives — or as my … Continue reading →

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Through beginner’s eyes

Posted on February 24, 2012 by stillalife

Good teachers understand what it’s like to be a student. That’s what a middle school principal told me years ago, when I described my humbling experience while taking a hot glass course. I learned that sticking a metal rod into a … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, arts and crafts, inspiration | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Taking comfort from Michelangelo

Posted on February 4, 2012 by stillalife

“If you knew the time it took me to gain my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful.” Michelangelo I reread this quote often as I take one step forward followed by one step back in my writing class.  Not only … Continue reading →

Posted in arts and crafts, inspiration, writing | Tagged | 2 Comments

Letting go of “shoulds”

Posted on December 14, 2011 by stillalife

A Sunday sermon triggered my original blog on “Letting go of expectations during the holidays,” which brought emails from friends with their own stories and inspired me to continue writing on the topic. Below are two examples of responses. I … Continue reading →

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Getting lost as a tour guide, while seeing your hometown through others’ eyes

Posted on December 12, 2011 by stillalife

Familiar sights often look better to us when we take out-of-town guests to see them.  The enthusiasm of others makes us appreciate our hometowns more.  This happened to me today, when my co-teacher and I invited our adult Talk Time … Continue reading →

Posted in changes after retirement, inspiration, personal reflections, seasons, touring town | Leave a comment