Category: Robin’s Bird’s Eye View

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

What Can One Do?

Friends,  In my sermon on January 26, I quoted recent insights by Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor and Progressive Activist. I’ve included his entire column here as inspiration, education, and encouragement for the journey ahead with a new Administration. May we work together for the future we envision, supported by the UU values we … Continue reading What Can One Do?

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”