Breaking Windows Gets Our Attention

A recent slate of broken windows in Fort Collins has residents wondering, "What's happening in - and to - our city?" Here's an 3:26 audio version of my opinion as it appeared in the June 23, 2011 Coloradoan:


Windows 6-11.mp3

Is that which we fear in others what we can't/won't face in ourselves? Makes me think of Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror song. Gosh, it's two years Saturday already since he unexpectedly passed away. There's a huge wake-up call there, huh?

Hey, thanks for taking timeout to reflect with me.

Graduating to the Marine Corps

Watching your firstborn graduate from high school is bittersweet for most parents, but following that up a couple of weeks later with his/her leaving for boot camp, well, I don't think there's a word for that. Still, with Kristin and Jonathan Heston's help, I somehow managed 550 on the subject. Click on link below to hear the audio version of my May 26, 2011 "Coloradoan" column:


Johnny Heston Marine 5-11.mp3

The good news is that when Son/Daughter #2 graduates - just as when they were born - we're much more comfortable with our role. It wasn't until the second time around that I fully realized commencement ceremonies are for mostly for us, and that's okay. We should celebrate our contribution in seeing a kid through 13 years of public education. Yea, us!

Thanks for all you do to support your kids; perhaps, the most important of which is letting them go.

Grandin truly grand in her advice

Dr. Temple Grandin has become perhaps the world's most well-known person diagnosed with autism. After reading a bit on the subject, I wonder if I'm not a bit autistic myself. Click on the link below to hear more (as per my April 28, 2011 column in "The Fort Collins Coloradoan"):


Grandin 4-11.mp3


There's no doubt in my mind that visionary Grandin would be famous, autism or no. Like the lady says, "The world needs all kinds of minds."

Yours and mine, included. Thanks for visiting!

R-word indicates user is uneducated

"End the Word" is a simple awareness campaign in which participants pledge to stop using the word "retard" to demean those with developmental disabilites. My March 24, 2011 "Coloradoan" column offers some insight from those who know. Click below to hear more:


R-word 3-11.mp3

Listen, nobody's taking anything away from anybody - other than hurt.

Free as a bird

It is as my "Coloradoan" editor said, "Words can't express the sorrow" of losing your mother. And yet, I try:

Dorothy 2-11.mp3


Me and mine remain unspeakably sad that our beloved Dorothy is no longer "here." Our comfort is in knowing she is truly free, as with wings, and with us now as God is: Here, there, and everywhere.

Recycling is of value

If you're an avid recycler who likes telling others what to do (in a nice way), does the Larimer County Solid Waste Department have a volunteer job for you! Click on the following 3:38 minute link to learn more about Recycling Ambassadors:

Recycling 1-11.mp3

Man, and I thought R.A.'s were only found on college campuses! Hope they, too, are up on their three R's, so they can teach every resident on their dorm floor the art of reusing, reducing, and recycling.

Thanks for your time - and for your diligence in always recycling when/what you can!

For the love of cats

I used to consider myself a dog person, but that was before I befriended two kitties 11 years ago. I realize now that I am a dog and cat person...why choose either/or, afterall, when both are the best? 'Course there are those among us who feel they must "own" every animal they see. Click below and you'll hear what I mean:


Christmas_Cats_12-10.mp3

Thank you for your continued readership and Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas!