I am looking forward to another year of personal growth. I am happy with the path I have taken and will continue on it. Hopefully I will be able to keep and cultivate the inner peace I  found many times in the last year. 

As a nervous new grandparent and babysitting overnight for the first time, I have a new appreciation for mothers (fathers and other care-givers included). I am amazed at the time and attention required just to make it through a day. It's a wonder any of us have made it through childhood. Someone or others have made that effort for you if you are reading this. No matter how tough you think you are or how rough you may think you have had it, someone feed you, cleaned you and cared for you when you were sick. You didn't raise yourself! I am thankful for my mother, my wife, my daughter and others who cared and care for babies day to day. My granddaughter has become my teacher. 

remembering that you share humanity with and have compassion for that bastard in the next lane who just cut you off.

I am addicted to receiving daily inspiration from the newsletters, quotes and people of Zaadz.  

I would feel better if the Iraq conflict was over. I believe it is a misguided adventure. It has needlessly snuffed out many lives on both sides. It has cost the U.S in world opinion and weakened us economically. If you are in the Delaware Valley are please consider attending the 5th annual Sacred Heart Gathering for Peace and Justice. Father Doyle, who will speak, is one of the "Camden 28". Info from the group is below.

Peacemaking Friends … Please see below for a special invitation. Forward freely and/or print the attached form to spread the word! Come to the 5th Annual Sacred Heart Gathering for Peace and Justice Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Broadway & Ferry, Camden NJ
Saturday, February 16, 2008 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Registration and Welcome 8:30 - 9:30 am
Free Admission * Lunch Provided
“PUT AWAY YOUR SWORD” A day for young people (and those who love them) making decisions in wartime featuring keynote speaker Father Michael Doyle Peace Advocate and Pastor, Sacred Heart Church It is on each of us to examine his or her conscience concerning war. Our tax money funds it and by our silence or inaction, we acquiesce to it. But some of us may be called upon to give more than money or moral support; some are asked to give their lives. If you are a person of draft age or have been subject to military recruitment and you have questions, we invite you to join us for a day of discovery. If you are a parent, teacher, counselor, mentor or guardian and have concerns, we invite you. If you would like space and time in your life to consider whether you are living conscientiously, we invite you.
Small group workshops offered (Workshop registration will take place on February 16.)
Selective Service and Creating a Conscientious Objector File
The U.S. Department of Peace Courage in Service: Peace Corps, Jesuit and Franciscan Volunteers
Iraq After the Surge: The Refugee Reality
Seeking Justice at Guantanamo
War and the Muslim Conscience
War and the Christian Conscience
Tranquility of Mind: Buddhist Meditation
Vocational Opportunities and Educational Funding
Conscientious Objectors Give Witness
Also Music, Fellowship, and Inspiration!
This February, the Sacred Heart Peace Community begins a new work and occupies a new home: The Sacred Heart Center for Conscientious Objection at Brigid's House 1719 Ferry Avenue, Camden , NJ Come bless our new home with your presence and energize our new work with your desire for peace. Questions? Email Cassie at peacecatphilly@yahoo.com" target="_blank">http://us.f544.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=peacecatphilly@yahoo.com Email Registration Form Please click “forward” on your email menu, fill in the information below and send to Pat Johnston at pmj123@comcast.net" target="_blank">http://us.f544.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=pmj123@comcast.net Please respond by February 11. I will come to Sacred Heart on February 16!
Name:
Phone:
Email:
I will have lunch: Y/N
I am a vegetarian: Y/N
I need handicapped access: Y/N
Please add me to the snail mail list.
My mailing address:
You may also opt to print this email form or the attached form and mail to: Sacred Heart Peace Community February 16 Registration 1719 Ferry Avenue Camden , NJ 08104

Others! Everyone views things from their own unique perspective. Arguing seldom works and mostly creates more discord.  

I am very happy where I am right now, who I have become. I would have liked to have started studying Tai Chi 20 years ago.

Yes, it has happened many times as well as results strived for and achieved turning out to be a disaster. After many year of Tao cultivation I have yet to master the concept of wu wei, effort without attachment. On a related issue have you seen that unattainable hearttrob from your teenage years lately? In more than one instance I am glad I didn't get what I wished for! 

Forecasted high winds and quickly changing temperatures remind me of how awe inspiring and uncontrollable nature, and life,  really are.  So buckle your seatbelt and enjoy the ride!