Lifestyles
part two: arkhi-tekton
Tony Bennett has said, “Nature is the master artist.” The arkhi-tekton, the chief builder. While it is our nature to personify nature, the sea is never angry, she is just the sea. When I think of water, I often think of her as the artist and architect.
read moreA Good Goodbye
On April 20th 2015, the Peabody Awards committee announced that “State of the Re:Union” won a Peabody for its fourth season. On that same day, “State of the Re:Union” released its final season. The irony of winning such a big award on the same day the last series is released is not lost on me. But irony reeks of bitterness, and instead I choose gratitude. It was a tough decision to end the show, it took me almost half a year to wrap my head around it. It’s taken even longer for me to be able to write about it.
read moreTo Dan
January 20, 2015 at 11:42 a.m.
Today, I learned a good friend of mine passed away. He’d struggled with depression for a long time, and I guess it became too much to bear. He committed suicide yesterday, and his family and friends are devastated. Normally I wouldn’t post this sort of thing here: It’s personal. But mental health is a huge problem that we as a country have yet to deal with. If you are hurting, please, please reach out. I know it’s hard, but reach out. If you know someone who is hurting, as hard as it is, get them help. Please. It’s a matter of life or death.
read moreUnleashed
In all the world, St. Augustine’s Guana Reserve is my favorite place to hike. There are seventy-three thousand acres to explore, but on a nice day there is always a crowd of people huddled at the entrance to the beach. The real Guana is a half mile past the hoopla, where a gorgeous, untapped resource stretches for mile after unencumbered mile. There is something about the vast monotony of the ocean and the solitude of this beach that draws me back again and again and makes me feel very large and very small at the same time. I take my...
read moreWater Works
Last summer I went swimming solo down the coast of Jacksonville Beach. While I rarely go alone, the glassy sea and the sunrise was a perfect lure. Walking the path back to the pier parking lot, I encountered a guy squatting in the sand, puffing on a spent filter-less cigarette. Looking up at me, one eye open, one eye squinting in the sun, he said, “You. You’re part of the water system.”
read moreChevara Orrin
Community Catalyst Each day with gratitude, I awaken and am exactly who i Feel the universe has called me to be — an advocate, activist and catalyst. The work is challenging. The days are long. I am thankful that each Sunday, I begin my week surrounded by beautiful humans, intentionally and thoughtfully setting intention. Building community one Ujayii breath at a time. Photo by Laura Evans Lauraevansphotography.com
read moreThe New Truth
In the wake of 2014, America finds itself on the precipice of change . . . or not. The blood is still fresh, whether it be from the wounds of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice or the police officers in New York City. Make no mistake, there is blood on the leaves. I’ve been reading about and watching all the protests happening across the country, and I keep asking myself, “How did we get here?” But the truth is, we never left.
read moreA Love Song for My Mother.
My mom will tell you I never write about her. I’ve got poems, plays and stories about other family members, but nothing like that about her.
read moreBravery
One of my favorite conversation starters is to ask people, “What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?” Over the years I’ve gotten some amazing answers, everything from running into a burning building, to saving a Chihuahua from drowning in a large fish tank (it was brave ‘cause he hated that little dog). What I’ve learned is that bravery is an individual thing. It’s a person pushing up against his or her own fear to do something, no matter how big or small. Asking this question of other people has also helped me define my own story of bravery. It helped me understand who I was and what I was willing to do, specifically for the people I love. I was comfortable with that for years. Until recently.
read moreTim Cost
Tim Cost President ~ Jacksonville University My dad was a great man. Such a positive force, always leading by example. Terrific husband/father/mentor/businessman. He said everyone was an ‘educator’ in their own way – either learning or teaching every day. He introduced me to golf and an occasional good cigar. Now I enjoy both in my backyard, thinking of him. Left us much too soon. Here’s to those great ‘educators’ in our lives …. ...
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