Belongings vs. Belonging

Jeremy Rifkin wrote a fascinating column in the Sunday Outlook section of the Washington Post (Click). It talked about the differences between the rugged, materialistic individualism of the American Dream (where wealth = abundant belongings) and the transnational, socialistic interconnectedness of the European Dream (where wealth = abundant belonging). It also talked about which dream seems more suited to the march of modernity. This was a fascinating backdrop against which to view today's election. Time will tell as to how this plays in the USA.

Passion Poem

I appreciated this note from one of our readers. Don't we all want to live?

Wow!! I just read your "Passion" poem Click and it fits my life to a T!! Eight years ago, my husband, who I loved more than life itself, walked out and disappeared, never to look back. Needless to say, I was devastated. I am disabled, had just given birth to a special needs child with many, many problems, and suffered my own serious health problems requiring emergency surgery. I felt life was being very cruel to me at the time.

I finally realized these were God's trials for my life to teach me endurance, strength, courage, patience, and a stronger faith. Two years ago, I woke up one morning, hearing the birds singing outside my window, and said, "I WANT TO LIVE!!"; This poem is exactly how I feel. I'm ready to move forward with my life, and possibly engage in another relationship, although I will be more selective in choosing a partner than I was in the past. Thank you for such an inspirational outlook on life!!

Mentioning the Unmentionable

Today, one of my running buddies mentioned the unmentionable. After our easy 6-mile Sunday-morning recovery run, Kym said she was voting for Kerry and didn't see how anyone could vote for Bush. This, in a gang of rabid Bush supporters! Either she was blissfully naive or incredibly courageous. Some supported her right to vote for anyone, "even if she was wrong." Others got right down to the issues. I proferred my support for Kerry and thanked her for raising the question. Not sure the rest of the group felt blessed by the interruption of real life in our otherwise apolitical junkets.

What Are Kids For?

Just interviewed a client in Ireland who noted that we have kids not only to raise them and leave a legacy; we have kids to raise ourselves to new levels of sensitivity, balance, and maturity. An interesting twist that I will reflect upon more in a future Provision.

Olympic Lessons

Here are 6 things I learned from my marathon in Alaska and Deena Kastor's marathon at the olympics:

1. One bad experience does not, necessarily, produce another.
2. Training and hard work do pay off.
3. Interruptions can be treated as refreshing breaks.
4. Having people to support and cheer you on really makes a difference.
5. Stay hydrated -- life is lubricated by both sweat and tears.
6. Don't take yourself so darn seriously.

Alaska Pictures

The pictures of our Alaska trip have been posted! Given the many great shots by our friend Jason, it was hard to narrow the collection down to just 50 -- but here they are. Enjoy! Click to View

Alaska Marathon

Had a great run today at Humpy's Marathon in Anchorage -- 3:57:48. Much fun! Will write about this soon in an upcoming Provision.