A Mindful Life

Susan at Easy Bake Coven writes that some North Carolina gas stations are tapped out. Katrina created problems with the state gas pipeline. The media proclaims the dire economic consequences this country will likely experience for some time. [Update, 12:20 a.m. Thu.: The above information is apparently rooted in rumor. See Snopes.com for clarification on [...]

Second only to breathable air, people need food and water to remain alive. (They need clothes and shelter, of course, but air, food, and water are critical to basic survival.) America’s Second Harvest, the nation’s food-bank network, is calling for help. Donations to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina can be made by clicking this [...]

In an effort to expand my playground and encounter the joy of discovery, I’m participating in International Blog Day. Writer Nir Ofir noticed that the date looked an awful lot like the word blog, at least the way he and millions of other non-Americans write it: 3108 —> Blog. Okay, maybe a bit of a [...]

It goes without saying, but I’ll say it. What has happened in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama is heartbreaking. All of it. The fate New Orleans dreaded has become reality. As I walk around in sunny, dry California, I’m a bit dazed when I think that massive destruction has torn lives apart a few states away. [...]

I’ve watched the development of Hurricane Katrina with foreboding. As the time for it to make land approaches, I find myself in distress, nearly in tears, as I observe what looms. This is the terrible storm that New Orleans has fearfully awaited, and great destruction may occur. One of my sisters lived through the ordeal [...]

I found this meme over at The Other Side, and it looked like fun. I’ve posted my results (lengthy) below. Here’s what you do: A. Go to http://www.musicoutfitters.com. B. Enter the year you graduated from high school in the search function. C. Bold for the songs you like, strike through the ones you hate and [...]

Mural in Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill, San Francisco

Ooo, what a fun idea! I’ll be participating in Blogday, which entails discovering five new blogs I find interesting, notifying the bloggers I’m recommending them, and posting links on August 31. If you blog, consider spreading the word about BlogDay2005. [via The Obvious?]

Dear World, Have I told you about Hands On Bay Area? I am enthusiastic about this organization for some very practical reasons. Many people feel they don’t have time to volunteer, because agencies often request a commitment of X hours per week or month, and they sometimes want a commitment to volunteer six to twelve [...]

It is close to five months since my father-in-law died, and grief continues to visit our lives. This is no surprise; my mother-in-law’s visit was her first to us as a widow, and I keenly felt the absence of my father-in-law. The dynamics among us have altered; the intensity of grief changes us as individuals [...]