Author: Rev. Robin

I Pray for Courage

Friends, I share this poem as encouragement for us to remain crocus-minded as we consider how we can raise our voices, rally and fight for our values, and confront the challenges we are facing in our country. Many of us are heartbroken and horrified. Let’s talk to one another, to allies, and to adversaries. We are … Continue reading I Pray for Courage

I’ve Blocked That!

Like any optimistic, but all-too-human minister, I believe in trial and error (and deep breathing!) when it comes to getting organized. Years ago, at a Minister’s meeting, a colleague recommended an approach called “the block system” and I thought, “Eureka, I’m saved!” I even recommended it to my son. Sam, (a high schooler at the … Continue reading I’ve Blocked That!

The Proof in the Pudding

I often receive handcrafted delicious food gifts from congregants during the holiday season (no pressure, I promise!) In the olden days, ministers were frequently paid in provisions — potatoes and beef, soap, candles, cakes, bread and linens. One could say that the tradition lives on in magical ways. It surely did in a New England … Continue reading The Proof in the Pudding

Support the Bottom

As Thanksgiving approaches each November, with the accompanying food magazine frenzy over “the best stuffing recipe ever” and miraculous “to-die-for-but-low-fat” mashed potatoes, I ask myself: Is it really necessary to do something “new” with dinner this year? Honestly, I’d still be ecstatic to finally master lump-free gravy…and make enough! Oh, and don’t forget to thaw … Continue reading Support the Bottom

Signs and Windows of Welcome

With 100,000 or so residents, Koloszvar is one of the largest cities in Transylvania, where a large population of ethnic-Hungarian Unitarians resides. A ministerial colleague of mine visited there many years ago for their General Assembly, with nearly 5,000 Transylvanian Unitarians in attendance! (Can you imagine?) My blue and white embroidered stole is a gift … Continue reading Signs and Windows of Welcome

“Schweitzer Fluid”

In the summer of 2011, while I was cleaning out closets in preparation for my move to Pittsburgh, I unearthed a one-gallon plastic jug of clear liquid from under a bag of scrap fabric. At first I thought it was spring water, but upon closer inspection, I discovered it was something quite quirky, long forgotten … Continue reading “Schweitzer Fluid”

Not Feeling Bad About My Neck

When I turned 50 (some years ago!), my galpals thought it would be a stitch to amuse me with a small dinner party and a bunch of “now that you are so old (decrepit?)” gifts. You know, things like lip-line reducing balm, special circulation-friendly compression stockings, and an AARP letter magnifier. Someone offered to cut … Continue reading Not Feeling Bad About My Neck