He's back, he's funny, he's serious. See his direction, disclosures and discussion at Chunk's Fridge.
When the heart weeps for what it has lost, the spirit laughs for what it has found.
-Sufi Saying
Found while looking for something else: Three Cheers for Change
In comparison to President Kennedy's inaugural challenge in 1961, Utah Governor Olene Walker's plea today sounds simple.
Kennedy urged, "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." Walker's inaugural challenge: "I call on each of you to spend the most important 20 minutes of your day reading with a child.”
Our slain president challenged us to ask a question and presumably act of the answer we find. Walker's challenge leaves us with far less wiggle room. "Nothing would improve the education quality in our state more than having every adult read with a child for 20 minutes every day."
She left no exemptions and no exceptions. Adults should read with children daily. So should I read with my three college kids? She didn't say read to them, she said read with them. Perhaps I'm going to be able to handle this challenge after all. Gotta run -- a friend's asked me to do something important tonight and I don't want to let her down.
Literacy resources:
Related resources:
The big storm in Salt Lake on Friday brought an abrupt end to Indian summer. But we've needed the water and the storm brings yet another kind of beauty and a chance to reflect on the wonder that's all about us.
I'm grateful for this little planet we share. For its continents, oceans and seasons. For sunshine, darkness and light. For fall leaves and the much-needed storm which now covers them. The snow changes everything and nothing. Colors are muted at first and then almost completely masked. Sharp edges soften. Drivers who don't acknowledge the change are sometimes gently - and sometimes not so gently - reminded that the laws of physics still apply.
Anyday I can get a little exercise is a good day. If it happens to be on my mountain bike all the better. I might get a decent photo, spend some time with friend or loved one, feel more connected to the changing season, to the earth and sky. All of these things happened last Saturday afternoon when we headed up Dry Creek and were rewarded with this view of Salt Lake City through the October leaves.
Autumn is full of color, but much of it is color of leaves dying. It's end of the story for the leaves as a living part of the vista. Yes, they'll go on to other roles, they'll support other life, but their own lives are spent. I probably wound'nt think quite so much about this stuff if the fall of 1963 had turned out a differently for my dad. Hard to believe it's been four decades since we've enjoyed the seasons together. I'm not quite sure how I'll mark the 40th anniversary of his death on December 9, but I want to do something. What would you do? How do you celebrate a life that has had so much impact upon your own?
If you'd like to share your thoughts on these questions, just drop me an e-mail.
Last night's surprise after work ride took us up past the Hogle Zoo to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail overlooking the Salt Lake valley. It's that time of year when I need to haul a sweatshirt and my light in the old backpack. The ride got pretty dark and cold by the time we headed back. The sunset shot was worth it, but of course I could have gotten the exposure and stayed warm and safe with a little more planning.
Today's quotation:
Diligence is the mother of good luck.
Benjamin Franklin
1706-1790
