Speak Out and Speak Up

WARNING: this essay might be difficult for some to read. I am writing this essay on Monday, April 19. Yesterday, as I got home from church, I checked my Twitter timeline to see if anything interesting was happening.

YOGA CLEARS THE MIND

“If you stand up straight, be still and concentrate on your breathing, you’re doing YOGA. It is the best way to clear your mind. Thoughts will come into your head but the trick is to not engage those thoughts, just sort of observe them.

Confessions of a “Barbecue Master Pitster ” Wannabe ...

Last week I mentioned that I love online cooking tutorials. There are so many great opportunities to learn, but my favorite is a little less refined than most. Barbecue Pit Boys or www.bbqpitboys.com are a cross between ZZ Top and the Grateful Dead.

CHECK YOUR MIRRORS

The poetry menu this week is a ballad, and most ballads are meant to be sung. This is one I often used in the classroom because I am a Johnny Cash fan. He did a cover of this on his final album, “American IV, The Man Comes Around.

Early voting underway across state

Early voting began Monday for May 1 elections in county, city and school district elections. Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs encourages all eligible voters to take advantage of the early voting period, which runs through Tuesday, April 27.

THAT GOOD TIME OF YEAR

I looked out the window and it was spring. The lawns were coming back to life and leaves were appearing on previously bare branches. The mesquite trees were beginning to show their special shade of green. Most people’s favorite season is the one in which they were born.

Stripping away life’s trappings ...

We are all on our individual life journey. Thank you. The positive response to last week’s column has been both touching and overwhelming. Emails have poured in from across the country and around the globe.

Check Your Mirrors

Continuing with observance of National Poetry Month, this week’s spotlight is on an Italian Jew who, as a chemist by trade, survived a WWII concentration camp. During his year at Auschwitz, Primo Levi was a slave laborer. After his release in 1945, he found writing vital to his survival.

What's your story

So tell Me what's your story? We all have one you know Some are old And some brand new And some you just haven't told So sit here and tell Me, I can see it in your eyes There's something working on you I know there will be no lies So tell Me, what's your story?

2 CENTS WORTH

Great day it's cold again here in Aspermont, probably not as cold as it seems but that old North Wind is blowing and it does make it chilly!!!!!! Joe and I have had a full week, seems like we can't get it all done before the day is gone, do you have that problem?