Even after reading all of Wikipedia's sixteen chapters on what a blog is, I'm still not sure. It sounds like anything goes, within reason. Let's see, I think that I'll rule out politics, sex and taxes. What's left? I might as well ramble.

A few years ago I happened to hear on the radio that an internationally known speaker had just given a talk at Middlebury College. "Wow", I thought, "I didn't even know that he came to New England, let alone Vermont." So I started looking him up online. He has his own website and many of his lengthy talks are available. I watched several of them. I've never been particularly good at concentrating in the classroom or sitting through a long sermon but I stuck with the videos. At the end of one of his hour long talks, he summarized everything about his worldly (and beyond) outlook in four simple words: "Keep a calm mind." Now that's something that I can remember! Accomplishing it however, takes some effort. Some people meditate; that's hard. Some walk in the woods; I do that. Others seek spiritual guidance; why not?

Back when we were growing up at Highglee, the MacDowell Colony would ring a school bell in the early evening to call the colonists in from their cabins for dinner. The peel of the bell would hang suspended in the valley and then drop off into silence once again. A little nearer sunset, the bell birds would begin to sing, leaving their notes hanging in the air. After sunset, all would be quiet again with me still sitting on the screen porch. If I were ever asked to define the term 'a sense of place', this would be my example. It's a gift fully imprinted on me. And gratefully accepted. Calmness.

With all of life's ups and downs, it's not realistic to expect to always be calm. That might even be boring! Besides, we have to get a few things done out on the streets, too. But what a beautiful thing it is to be calm at times and Highglee provides a perfect setting for that. So keep calm and carry on!

SIL, Justice of the Peace