Shai's Virtual Pen

On this summer-like day in Fall I mowed my lawn before an audience of ambitious hornets buzzing to gather all they could before real Fall arrives with all of its chilly down pours. This may perhaps be the last mowing of the year, but that is what I thought when I last mowed. We shall see. Whatever the matter, it was enjoyable exercise at least. Not knowing when the last mow of the year will occur spun my mind in contemplation; we never know when the last time for anything will be. That being the case, wouldn't it be prudent to conduct ourselves with kindness, especially with ones we love? We hope to have a lifetime, but there are no guarantees. And if we spend our lives trying to speak kindly and walk in patience we may well live long and happy lives with few or no regrets. However, if we live life speaking our minds with no buffer of kindness or patience, whatever lives we live, whether long or short, will leave a scattered mess of regretful debris. Life is not a reality show.

Here I am, finally, brushing the dust off of this old blog site. Thank you, Mark Henderson, for being so unintentionally inspiring! Some have asked about the publication of Crayons in the Toaster, which has seen so many delays. We are closer than ever. That being said, we still need to work out some kinks. My hope is to have it completed before the New Year rolls in. Fall has successfully vanquished the imposing fires that intruded upon our usual climate here in the Pacific Northwest and I must say I am happy for it. I won't complain about the rain but rather blow it heartfelt kisses for wiping the air clean of smoky haze. Additionally, with the change of seasons comes home schooling and with home schooling comes that longing look I generally cast out the window as I wish to be out in my garden. But there, again, I cannot complain. I enjoy teaching and the girls enjoy home schooling. Moreover, I am somewhat content with the view out my window that is now free of haze, thanks to