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!

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

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

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

It seems pep talks are everywhere these days. And who doesn’t welcome a pep talk, especially as September dawns and we still feel like this is the beginning of a “new year.” Old habits die hard – why aren’t I getting a new lunch box, sharpened pencils, and school shoes? Hope I like my teacher. … Continue reading Pep Talk Here, Pep Talk There

Have you ever watched a toddler or preschooler with art supplies? It can be adorable or spellbinding or a bit treacherous, depending on the situation. I’ve recently had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with all three of my granddaughters, aged 18 months to 4 years, and I’m struck by how early in our lives … Continue reading If You Take a Purple Crayon…

On Sunday, June 30, upon return from a week  in Northern New Mexico, I preached a sermon entitled “Georgia O’Keeffe and the Spirit of Ghost Ranch.” In it, I lifted up some less conventional portals for understanding the “Mother of American Modernism,” whose images of flowers and cow skulls and red rock landscapes are so … Continue reading In Conversation with the Spirit of Georgia O’Keeffe

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”

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