“Live your life
like a lighthouse
and be a
beacon of hope
to others.” 
Pat Schwallie-Giddis

I read the quote above and realized I selected the wrong name for this blog site. A Beacon of Light, yes, but far more importantly, I would like my writing to provide a beacon of hope to others.

I’ve always had a fascination with lighthouses. There’s just something about them which engages my heart and soul. So when I went shopping back in 1984 to pick out a few wall decorations for my new office at work, my purchase included two framed photos of lighthouses. For a Christmas gift that year, my secretary, having noticed the photos on the wall, gave me a bottle of Old Spice after shave. The bottle was in the shape of a lighthouse. I liked it very much, so I kept it on my desk.

Through the years, countless others, now believing that I was a collector of lighthouses, gifted me with a variety of lighthouse-themed items — calendars, figurines, paperweights, mugs, and photographs. In time, it seems that I did become a collector of these items. So when I launched this blog site, I chose to use the image of a lighthouse.

As I mentioned, I would like my writing to inspire people and provide for readers a reason to be hopeful, mindful, grateful, and kind. Like a lighthouse, I hope to serve as a guiding force to help others through challenging times in their lives. Ultimately, I want to share my life, my experiences, and my light in such a way as to illuminate the journey of others.

Ironically, just yesterday, I posted an image with a quote on my Facebook page. The image was of a stunning painting of a lighthouse by artist Steve Hamlin. To the image, I added a quote by local writer Anne Lamott. Her words echo my desire to be there for others. Anne wrote, “Lighthouses don’t go running all over the island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.”

As for me, I just sit here writing. I never know if anyone will see what I’ve written, much less take the time to read it. Yet, I put it out there, knowing that there just might be someone who needs to hear exactly what I’ve written on a particular day. For these individuals, my words might serve as a beacon to help them navigate the challenges of their day.

It is often said that we learn something new every day. My lesson learned today is that I am a pharologist — that is, one who studies or is enthused by lighthouses. The word sounds so academic. Perhaps I should add it to my professional résumé!