Not long ago, a well-intentioned friend pointed out my hole in the middle -- and I'd thought just the knowing had filled it, but I was wrong. Not only does it "go right through" (like the children's song about the donut), but it is cavernous.

Seeking help, I turned to Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's "Mindful Living" audiobook, downloaded from my library. When he got to his description of true love, my tears flowed.

My loves do not give me freedom,...

I've tried to participate on these forums, but as usual, I get so frustrated with people's ignorance -- not stupidity, just plain ignorance, that I lose my calm.

It's my fault, not theirs. They cannot see it, and I am a failure at presenting what I see without being a rabid witch. No wonder I so well identify with the abandoned shelter dogs. Perhaps I, too, should be put down.

No one set me to be "Mighty Mouse" and I am certainly NOT here to save...

I am just flat out of touch, but it was the plan and so I guess I have no complaints.

Decades ago, dissatisfied with the world's circumstances (trashed environment, racial biases, collective myopia), I took the Bible's suggestion to "...no longer will I look on mankind, or be with those who now dwell in this world." Isaiah 38:11

Well, it didn't work. Oh, I separated my thoughts from the world's preoccupations, but like the nosey neighbor, I couldn't stop myself...

Yesterday while walking Burlington, VT's commercial district, I looked down and noticed a young man reclined against the wall of a building with his feet out in the walkway, begging. Bemused, I asked him why a strapping young man like himself was begging, rather than out working.

He replied that one had to eat before one could work. Odd, but that wasn't how I'd learned about life.

I walked on, but the situation remained with me. I was feeling pretty irritated,...

Canada's Old Quebec and Montreal were nice, but I'm ready for "parleying" some good old time English! Never again will I look in wonder at a non-English speaking visitor to the USA. Those folks need help, I'm there! I cannot believe how incredibly isolated I've felt since being in Quebec, and I have a smattering of French.

I have to say in general that the people of the province were very kind and helpful, helping us negotiate our poor language skills where ever they could....