Every morning starts the same way in my house: the quiet hum of the coffee maker, the soft shuffle of Teddy and Bear’s paws, and the comforting weight of my favorite mug, a gray, slightly speckled one that somehow feels like an old friend, embracing me in its warmth and familiarity. It’s not fancy, but […]
Coffee Thoughts: The Coffee Mug That Knows Me Best Read More »
As the days grow shorter and the temperature begins its slow descent in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, the black bears are quietly getting ready. These magnificent creatures are not merely waiting for winter to arrive. They are actively preparing, building fat stores, choosing safe dens, and adjusting their behaviors in ways that show
How the Black Bears of the Sierra Nevada Prepare for Winter Read More »
In times of disagreement, it can feel like shouting is the only way to be heard. But history, nature, and even our everyday experiences remind us that progress rarely happens through noise. It occurs through the powerful tool of calm, thoughtful negotiation, the art of listening, reasoning, and finding common ground even when the stakes
The Art of Calm and Thoughtful Negotiation Read More »
Every November, I find myself pausing a little more. The air gets crisp, leaves crunch under my feet, and a feeling of reflection seems to settle over everything. A part of that feeling is tied to Veterans’ Day. Behind every veteran is a personal story of sacrifice, courage, and commitment. Veterans’ Day is for them.
Honoring Our Veterans Read More »
Teddy and Bear Moments: It always starts the same way. I’ll be sitting at my desk with a cup of coffee, catching up on emails, when I hear the unmistakable sound of two sets of paws approaching. Slow, steady, and full of purpose. The Negotiation Team has arrived. First comes Teddy, the serious negotiator, walking
The Great Biscuit Negotiation Read More »
Teddy & Bear Moments Every year, the clocks change, and humans go into mild chaos. We grumble about losing an hour, then cheer about gaining one, and in between, no one really knows what time it is. There are reminders on our phones, updates on the news, and endless talk about adjusting our sleep schedules.
Why Dogs Don’t Care About Daylight Saving Time and Maybe They’re Right Read More »
Every year, I tell myself I’ll be ready for it. I mark the calendar, remind my husband, and even start dropping hints to Teddy and Bear that “something big” is coming. And yet, twice a year, without fail, the clock change still manages to throw me completely off balance. For a whole week afterward, I
The Great Time Change Confusion Read More »
Tomorrow, California holds a special election. It may not carry the attention of a national race, but that doesn’t make it less critical. Every election shapes the communities we live in, the services we rely on, and the values that guide our shared future. Voting is not just about politics. It is about participation. It
Every Vote Matters Read More »
November arrives softly. The bright energy of October settles, the colors deepen, and the air takes on a crispness that feels both calming and contemplative. It is a month that asks us to pause, breathe, notice, and give thanks. There is something gentle about November’s light. It slants through the trees differently, lower and warmer,
November: A Month of Quiet Gratitude Read More »
Once again, nature has reminded us of its power and our shared humanity. Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, has brought unimaginable hardship to the people of Jamaica. The news updates may not be as frequent, but the scale of this disaster is already evident. Lives have been lost, homes and communities destroyed, and much
Standing With Jamaica: Responding to the Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Read More »
