LOVE AND MARRIAGE

In my opinion, a good marriage has a strong element of “interbeing” as a predominant feature of its make-up - in my experience, there has to be a lot of “give and take”. The key word in a good relationship is “compromise”…through the ups and downs. Getting through the tough times strengthens the bonds of marriage - soon the two of you magically become a formidable couple…ready to take on the world!

Read More
“The mass of men lead lives of quiet Desperation.”   Henry David Thoreau

For me the concept of ‘individuation’ is reminiscent of the famous quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson (a fellow transcendentalist of Thoreaus, and his mentor,..both men believed in the simple life and a spiritual connection to nature). Both Emerson and Thoreau were non-conformists and very unique individuals, self-reliant and independent. They believed in a certain mysticism that defined and underlied, reality. Their metaphysics involved a fierce fealty to one’s soul or conscience, free from religion, politics and society, in general.

Read More
In Vino Veritas

“In wine lies the truth.”

The common understanding of this phrase is that people under the influence of wine are more likely to speak their mind and tell the truth. For me, far more interesting, the quote also implies that while drinking wine one will find the truth - quite a different proposition. However, both interpretations tend to give wine a mysterious, almost supernatural, quality.

Read More
Circumnavigating Newfoundland in 10 Days

Generally, I’m not given to hyperbole or what looks like “hype”(which in this case, it isn’t), but this trip had such an extraordinary combination of personalities, staggering scenery and history, good humour, and, of course, interesting foods that I couldn’t resist enthusiastically expressing my overall pleasure and satisfaction in this essay. I truly expect Sue and I will be on board again with Adventure Canada… and soon.

Read More
“We don’t inherit the earth, we borrow it from our children.” Chief Seattle

I first saw this quotation from this wise Native American leader many years ago. It was actually written on a greeting card, a rather prosaic vehicle for such a profound message. Nevertheless, this saying means a lot to me… it resonates. In fact, it has come to represent my overall approach to not only my personal life, but my businesses as well.

Read More
“Obstacles are those frightening things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” Henry James

Before delving into some of the reasons why I think some people are inherently dark and pessimistic, while others only see opportunities and light, I must confess that as I get older I go out of my way to spend more and more time with positive folks. I’ve even put an acronym on my business card, “D.R.O.M.P.A.I.W.R.O.Y.,” which means: “Don’t rain on my parade and I won’t rain on yours.”

Read More
“The one important thing I learned over the years is the difference between taking one’s work seriously and taking one’s self seriously...

We all agree that it’s important to truly get to know yourself… and equally important not to attach too much importance to that same self.  A lot of what we do, and problems we encounter in our lives don’t even add up to “a hill of beans” as Bogart said in the film “Casablanca”.  So why not laugh a little at ourselves.  It’s better to be amused at both our failures and successes.

Read More