Of the many events you attend during your lifetime, one or two are likely to be forever memorable. That’s because a blend of their location, who was there, and what happened, tugged at your emotions so strongly they became a part of you and you a part of them.

That happened to me in 1963, the seventh year the Miami Conference of Communication Arts was held on the University of Miami campus in Coral Gables, Florida. The conference was the brainchild of Wilson Hicks, who had retired to Coral Gables after serving as executive editor of Life Magazine, and Morris … Read the rest “Borrowed Logic From The Greats”

A surge of pleasure coursed through me as I read the invitation to speak for about twenty minutes to a regional group of fellow journalists. My appearance would be through the courtesy of my employer.

Imagine though, how shocked I was when my boss asked me to decline the invitation because of a conflict. I told him there was no conflict, that the date was open and that being gone those three days wouldn’t affect my workload. He gave me the same answer, so I pushed him even harder. That’s when he told me I wasn’t mature enough to make … Read the rest “Your Self-Worth Begins With You”

A rowdy storm, common during summer in southwest Florida, passed through with wind gusts and a quick whomp of heavy rain. Then blue sky and bright sunshine returned, my signal to return to poolside and let my mind take me wherever it wished.

As I sat there, my vision locked onto some nearby palm trees still wet and moving about in the storm’s brief after-breezes. That triggered some thoughts about palm trees.

Consider the pictures you’ve seen of hurricane damage in the tropics. There are fascinating reasons why so many palm trees are still standing in the midst of an … Read the rest “It’s All In The Fronds”

The beginning of a new year is perhaps the best time to logically review and reflect upon everything that makes not only a life, but a life worth living.

Earth: It has always been restlessly reconstructing itself, swamp becoming desert, ocean overcoming islands, volcanoes venting pressure, ice grinding the landscape before melting and disappearing. Although we have no control over such actions, we are obliged to keep our Earth home clean and orderly while wisely using the bounties it provides and respecting those we must protect.

War: None are won without terrible sacrifices, yet and from the beginning, they have … Read the rest “New Year’s Reminders About Our Total Existence”

It’s no wonder everyone loves beaches. They leave a logical and universal imprint on the human soul. As with instruments in an orchestra, each element there lends its own magical quality, then combines with the others to form a magnificent force.

Water is what makes the beach. It comes from somewhere that could be anywhere, a mile away or from the other side of the world. When placid and friendly, it soothes and reassures. When unsettled or angry, its show of power demands respect. Only at a beach is water truly at full stride, inviting you to explore and admire … Read the rest “Where The Water Leaves The Sand”

All of us sincerely thank those in the Armed Forces who guard our nation, those in blue who protect us, and medical workers who help keep us alive.

Then there are those on whom we depend for a myriad of services such as restaurant wait staff, a clerk in an insurance office, delivery drivers, the plumber who stops a leak, the carpenter who hangs a door, the vet who treats your dog, the mechanic who services your car. Whether you see such people every day, once in a while, only when needed, or just once, each plays an important role … Read the rest “You And Your Vital Providers”

You’ll likely agree length is how long you’ve lived and height is what you have accomplished. That was easy, but none of your quick thoughts seem to fit the matter of depth.

Consider these examples: You think of wax as enhancing the depth of color of a car. Sunsets become more beautiful as their color deepens close to the horizon. The greater the depth of perception, the more effective the scene. Each of these smacks of greater intensity, heightened awareness of what is seen, heard, or felt.

Your life is no different. To be loved is the grandest feeling of … Read the rest “The Depth Of Your Life”

If it hasn’t already happened to you, it will. Consider this example:

You had never been to Niagara Falls, but two months ago, you were finally able to make it happen. It was a great trip. The weather was near perfect and the crowds of people were orderly. You were truly able to enjoy and appreciate what’s captured imaginations since the days of the early explorers. The majesty of all that falling water is magnificent.

Soon after getting back home, you run into a friend you haven’t seen in a while. They ask what you’ve been up to lately, and … Read the rest “A Game With No Winners”

All of us would agree. Life would be much easier if it were linear, an even and orderly blend of experiences gradually unfolding and giving us a feeling of confidence and control.

Instead, the unpredictable and unreasonable interrupt what we expect, sometimes destroying what we so carefully mapped out for the future we wanted.

That was the beginning of what I said to a fellow worker during a conversation I neither asked for nor expected. I soon tumbled to the fact he’d come to verify what I’d already sensed — an uneasiness, something deeply personal, a troubled state of mind.… Read the rest “A Flashback For Moving Forward”