There are countless stories throughout history about people losing everything and yet still going forward and even coming to a new place of happiness.  These stories inevitably involve a certain philosophy, a faith in something, a strength that belies human limitations.

            When loss happens to us, it is our chance to pull from within ourselves our spiritual resources and more often than not, we are surprised to find such a powerful force. Maybe that is why I have always been drawn to spiritual things, why I write this newsletter: I want more of that powerful force.

When loss happens to others, it is our chance to do something transformative for someone else.  We know now more than ever that individuals will meet needs faster and more efficiently than large bureaucracies!

In the midst of loss and suffering is the delightful world of children that pulls us back to the vibrancy of life. Given the inexorable independence of our grandchildren, the original concept of producing a quarterly newsletter by kiddos featuring one subject was like picking up mercury. Therefore, I have made an editorial decision to wrap The Spiritual Times by Kids into this newsletter so that we can enjoy ad hoc the special love, humor, and wisdom that only children can offer. To illustrate that children do indeed live in a different world, I relate this conversation between granddaughters Kirstin, age 9, and Ali, age 6. Big sister Kirstin was pointing out to Ali a certain rule, to which Ali responded: "Not in my world!"

            Kirstin: "Ali, there isn't an Ali world." Ali: "Yes, there is. That's where I live."

                  Not only do children understand concepts of different realities, they understand concepts of the mind, as shown by this scene with grandsons Charlie, age 4, and Sam, age 2. Sam and Charlie were sitting at the dinner table. Charlie was staring ahead, zoned out from a very busy day of play. After several failed attempts at making conversation, Sam reached over and tapped Charlie on the head three times...rap, rap, rap...saying...  "Is that thing on?"

Movies, books, ad trivium~

Old world charm, fascinating characters, and intriguing plot are yours to enjoy in one of my favorite books ever: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. The audiotapes read by actor Jonathan Davis are masterful. YBD

"Just Like Heaven" with Reese Winterspoon and Mark Ruffalo is my kind of romantic comedy: funny and entertaining around issues of life, death, and unseen realities. PYE

"The March of the Penguins" is a beautiful, captivating, amazing film about the mating rituals of our South Pole black tie friends. YBD

          YBD- Your Bounden Duty     PYE- Part of Your Education (acronyms à la Archibald Edwards)

                                                  MNH- Might Need a Handkerchief (à la LA)