we live in interesting times

As we chant these 14 days, in honor & celebration of Life, we are constantly reminded that we do indeed live in interesting times - the best of times & the worst of times - our choice, ultimately & always.

. . . .yet another milestone in our brave new world. . . .a virtual & global memorial. . . .

From a celebrity's death, a very American memorial Funeral, 21st-century style: Michael Jackson farewell offers up a uniquely American moment

the gift of life

"The ancients are right: The dear old human experience is a singular, difficult, shadowed, brilliant experience that does not resolve into being comfortable in the world. The valley of the shadow is part of that, and you are depriving yourself if you do not experience what humankind has experienced, including doubt and sorrow. We experience pain and difficulty as failure instead of saying, I will pass through this, music has come out of it, literature has come out of it. We should think of our humanity as a privilege." Marilynne Robinson