We have now arrived at the Seventh (and last) Rule of the Universe. Part 1: Illusions are thoughts we have about other people and the world that do not work. When we let go of illusions and face the truth, our internal conflict ceases. Part 2: Facts are perceptions other people have about us that limit us. When we ignore those facts and trust our dreams, our dreams rush to meet us.
    "Facts prove that you cannot do anything," the wonderful late actress Ruth Gordon wrote in Open Book. Ruth's dream was Broadway, but "the facts" were, or so she was told, she'd never make it because she did not have beauty, talent, money, or connections. She ignored those facts, never let go of her dream, and became one the greatest actresses on Broadway and film.
    My cousin Bill could have given up when he wasn't admitted into the Air Force Academy on the first try. However, Bill graduated as Wing Commander, first in his Academy senior class. Last month, General Bill Looney was pinned with his fourth star making him one of ten active Air Force generals. The ceremonies at Randolph AFB in San Antonio were very proud moments for our family made all the more poignant by the death, six months ago, of Bill's father, W. Robert Looney, Colonel (Ret) USAF. We all held a deep sense of respect and appreciation for those who sacrifice to protect our American way of life. Like his father and uncle (my late father who was also a pilot in the USAF) before him, Bill is not afraid to fight for freedom. In the wake of the horrific bombings in London, I am more grateful than ever that Bill pursued his dream of being a pilot in the United States Air Force.
    My dream is to see my book, How My Magic Refrigerator Sent Me to Paris Free & the First 7 Rules of the Universe, published. I have a lot of "facts" to ignore but I'm sticking to Ruth Gordon's advice.
Movies, books, ad trivium.
    "Big Fish" with Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor is our HBO pick this month -- a well-done flick whose main character displays amazing similarities to one story-telling Presbyterian minister. PYE
    Carolyn Hart's Letter from Home won't disappoint you. Set in a small Oklahoma town during WWII, the vivid yet subtle imagery and surprise ending distinguish it from other mystery and coming-of-age novels. PYE

YBD- Your Bounden Duty PYE- Part of Your Education (acronyms à la Archibald Edwards)
MNH-you Might Need a Handkerchief (à la LA)