A Beacon of Light

“California the way it used to be.” Humboldt County Visitors Bureau Tucked away in the northwest corner of the State of California is the port city of Eureka. Kathy and I are here for a week to visit with Kathy’s brother, John, and his wife, Linda. In lieu of a written post about Eureka, I offer this photo blog…

“…ambassadors  from another time.”John Steinbeck Kathy and I have visited Eureka, California only a few times in the past 42 years. Our last visit was 30 years ago, in July 1996. I remember it vividly, as that visit coincided with the 1996 Summer Olympics, which was marred by the bombing at Centennial Olympic Park in…

“One of the  most spectacular  North American  train trips.”  New York Times Operating in Mendocino County since 1885, The Skunk Train has earned acclaim for its scenic route through the redwood forest. Yesterday, Kathy and I enjoyed a ride on the Wolf Tree Turn, a breathtaking two-hour journey departing Willits and traveling over the highest…

“Small towns are  beautiful reminders  that community  and connection matter.” Arthur Vance I’ve been a “City Kid” my entire life. Born and raised in San Francisco (population 826,000), I’ve spent my adult years living and working in San José (population 874,000). I’ve grown accustomed to traffic congestion, multiculturalism, and the convenience of having just about…

“If you want  to go fast,  go alone.  If you want  to go far,  go together.”  African Proverb So many things in life are relative. For example, in San Francisco, any temperature above 85º is officially classified as “extreme heat.” Due to The City’s coastal marine layer, standard summer highs only reach the low 70s.…

“Do not spoil  what you have  by desiringwhat you have not.”   Ann Brashares There’s a fine line between being content and being complacent, but that’s not what I want to focus on this morning. Today I would rather focus on gratitude — being grateful for what we already have. Kathy and I have a home.…

“It is in  our hands  to make a  difference.”  Nelson Mandela Finding meaning in life often comes from recognizing our impact on others. Throughout my professional career, I found meaning in the work I did as an educator. I honestly believe that, despite my imperfections, I made a positive impact on the lives of most…

“A Sunday  well-spent  brings a week  of content.”English Proverb My Sunday was well-spent yesterday. This is not to say that other Sundays have been wasted, just that yesterday was one of the better ones. I woke up early, drove to San Francisco, and spent a good part of the day visiting with friends at Java…