Personal expressions of the world around us through text, sight and sound.
Filter Article list:
Hints on searching Articles
Some articles may be restricted—viewable only to logged-in users with the appropriate Security Level.
You can narrow your search using one or all of six criteria:
- Article Scope:
- This Collection Only (default) limits search results to this article "home page."
- All includes all articles (including blog entries) on the site.
- Date range:
- Current shows articles posted within the past 30 Days
- Recent shows articles posted within the past 3 Months
- All includes all articles within the Collection Scope.
- NOTE: Based on the number of articles found and other filter settings, the Date Scope may be adjusted automatically. However, in most cases you can still use the form to choose a specific range.
- Author--regular contributors are listed by name; "special" is used for ocassional or one-time authors. (They are idenitified by name in the article list using a "byline" field in the database).
- Category—each article is assigned to one category ( a master category list is used for Articles, Blog Entries, Resources, and similar features on the site).
- Topic—each article can be assigned to multiple topics (also uses a master list). You can narrow the search by one topic at a time.
Even though we try to keep the number of topics limited and as general as possible, the list of topics is long and constantly growing simply because of the wide scope of content covered by aritcles on the site. A good alternative to using the drop-down list is to click on a topic from the Summary View of the Article List, or the category and topic summary at the top of an Article.
NOTE: Because topics are added over time, some topics may not be associated with earlier articles to which they could apply. From time to time, we update category and topic links.
- Keywords
Looks for a word, phrase or part of a word in the component parts of the article.
Viewing the Results
In addition to the "Most Recent" and "Top Articles" lists, there are three Views of the searchable Article List: (where you are now):
- Quick. Shows Categories in alphabetical order, with a list of articles by post date (most recent first), title, author. This is the default view. Return to it anytime by selecting "Clear Filter" in the Article Filter.
- Minimal. Shows a list of Categories in which articles for this collection appear, including the number of articles in each category. Activate this view by clicking on "View Category names only" under the gray view description bar.
- Summary. Expands a single Category to include a brief description of each article, the primary category, and any topics assigned to it.
Actions from the Article List
- Click on an Article title to view it.
- A link at the bottom of the article will bring you back to this page.
- If you have expanded the Collection Scope to All, and view an article or blog entry outside this collection, the return link will take you to the corresponding "home" page. To return to this page, use the Back button in your browser or use the Site Menu.
- Click on a Category name to expand the list into Summary View, which will include more detals about the articles within that Category, including the topics associated with it.
- If you have selected "All" in the Article Scope, the initial Summary View will reset the Article Scope to "This Collection only." From there, you can go back to "All" if desired.
- Click on a Topic name (Summary View) to see recent articles associated with that topic. From there you can expand to "All" articles or narrow the search using the Filter.
- There are some categories that also appear as topics. In this case, the filter will set the topic, since that will return the greatest number of results. From there, you can modify the Search Filter to narrow your search.
Actions from the Article (listing of Categories and Topics at top of Article)
- Click on the Category or a Topic and you will be taken to the Article List page with the search filter set accordingly. (The notes under Article List also apply here).
Printing the List or individual Articles
Using Print this page at the upper left will print the content displayed in the Articles List or an individual Article, without any of the surrounding page elements. The filter form in the list view is replaced with a summary of the filter settings.
Please note: Using the "Print this page" option is highly recommended over the print options available through the Share utility (described below).
Additional Hint: On some smaller devices you may find it helpful to use the Print option to display a simpler content-only view. Depending on the device, you may not actually be able to print, but it may produce a view that is easier to read. You will need to close the print window to get back to the site navigation.
Sharing and Commenting on Article Lists and Individual Articles
There is a lot of discussion about the merits of commenting within a site. At this time we have decided not to integrate it into the site. The AddThis Share utility that appears at the upper left on the page as well as at the end of articles allows you to share the selected page through Facebook, Twitter, and more than 200 other social media services. Most of these options allow you to add comments.
You can also comment through the site's own social media connections, which are linked through the icons in the site masthead (only active social media accounts are shown).
47 articles found.
To change sort order or make another search, modify the form above
Aging, General
2 records found
Suddendly It's Clear Why I Want to Be Old by Garrison Keillor
(September 29, 2022)
The air is golden, smelling of wine and apples and woodsmoke. It takes me back…
Topics:
Attitudes
•
Contemplation, Insight
•
Contentment, Satsifaction
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Memories
•
Optimal Aging
•
Relationships
Agers Anonymous by James N. Watkins
(September 24, 2021)
Jim introduces his new support group and a book that promises passion, purpose and pizazz for all ages…
Topics:
Attitudes
•
Character, Integrity
•
Faith
•
Forgive, Forgiveness
•
Gratitute
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Love
•
Optimal Aging
Education
1 record found
Narrowing One Gap by Stu Johnson
(June 13, 2020)
A glimmer of hope at a dark hour…
Topics:
Demographics
•
Education
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Racism and Inequality
•
Social Movements
•
Statistics
•
Trends
Faith, Religion & Spirituality
7 records found
Please Breathe On Me by George Garrison
(February 3, 2022)
As we long for a COVID-free future, recall a scene from Chronicles of Narnia in which Aslan infuses young Susan with much needed courage…
Topics:
Circumstances, Life Events
•
Coping
•
Courage
•
COVID-19
•
Current Events, News
•
Faith
•
God
•
Hopes & Dreams
Thirst-Quenching Heavenly Reign by George Garrison
(January 22, 2021)
A pastor reflects on the contrast between earthly government and the promise of the heavenly reign to come…
Topics:
Beliefs
•
Current Events, News
•
Faith
•
God
•
Government
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Politics
•
Racism and Inequality
•
Voting & Elections
Perplexed . . . but not Despairing by George Garrison
(April 17, 2020)
In the midst of our puzzling reality, there is hope…
Topics:
Bible
•
Coping
•
COVID-19
•
Crisis
•
Current Events, News
•
Faith
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Inspiration
•
Stress
•
Values
•
Wellness
•
Wisdom
Dawn of a New Day by Greg Asimakoupoulos
(April 10, 2020)
Offering hope and possibilities…
Topics:
COVID-19
•
Dying and Death
•
Easter
•
Faith
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Inspiration
Have a God-Directed New Year by James N. Watkins
(January 5, 2019)
Fill your new year with hope and humor…
Topics:
Advice, Guidance & Mentoring
•
Faith
•
Future
•
Grace
•
Holidays
•
Holiday Season
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
New Year's
•
Predictions & Forecasts
My Life as a Human Tetherball by James N. Watkins
(November 14, 2018)
Finding safety and security even when life knocks you around…
Topics:
Character, Integrity
•
Circumstances, Life Events
•
Faith
•
God
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Risk
•
Safety
New Plans by James N. Watkins
(January 1, 2017)
God has a plan for the new year…
Topics:
Faith
•
God
•
Holiday Season
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Planning
General
6 records found
Why I'm Looking Forward to November by Garrison Keillor
(October 20, 2023)
It's hard to ignore reality for long. I don't see much hope for Congress in this regard—when you elect people who are anti-government to govern, you must reap the whirlwind—but I see it happening to Taylor Swift.
Topics:
Baseball
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Memories
•
Optimal Aging
•
Politics
•
Popular Culture
•
Seasons
•
Writing
Listen Up, He Says, and He Means It by Garrison Keillor
(October 13, 2022)
I believe that if you want to see America clearly, don't read the paper, go to a state fair…
Topics:
Attitudes
•
Character, Integrity
•
Diversity & Pluralism
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Memories
•
Optimal Aging
•
Politics
•
Popular Culture
•
Relationships
It's Summertime! by Leona Bergstrom
(July 22, 2022)
It's fun to remember summers past, but there's still much to look forward to now…
Topics:
Hopes & Dreams
•
Memories
•
Opportunity
•
Optimal Aging
•
Seasons
100 Ways to Improve Your Life by The Saturday Magazine staff / The Guardian
(January 7, 2022)
Simple things to do without really trying very hard…
Topics:
Advice, Guidance & Mentoring
•
Holidays
•
Holiday Season
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Humor
•
Lifestyle, General
•
New Year's
You Make Me Happy When Skies are Gray by Garrison Keillor
(January 1, 2022)
Welcome progress observed at my last visit to the dentist…
Topics:
Change
•
Contemplation, Insight
•
COVID-19
•
Holidays
•
Holiday Season
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Humor
•
New Year's
Who's to Blame? by Ken Potts
(October 6, 2019)
Sorry, but sometimes the fault truly is our own…
Topics:
Choices and Decision Making
•
Circumstances, Life Events
•
Discipline
•
Financial
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Lifestyle, General
•
Personal Issues
•
Planning
Health & Wellness
2 records found
Use Your Calendar as a Reminder to Make Your Days Count by Greg Asimakoupoulos
(November 13, 2021)
An idea for all those calendars that come in the mail…
Topics:
Advice, Guidance & Mentoring
•
Contemplation, Insight
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Inspiration
•
Planning
Normal? by Leona Bergstrom
(September 3, 2021)
Anything but…
Topics:
Change
•
Coping
•
COVID-19
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Learning
•
Opportunity
•
Optimal Aging
•
Social Issues
•
Stress
•
Wellness
History
1 record found
A Tale of Two Hughs by Greg Asimakoupoulos
(October 1, 2021)
One born to opportunity, the other to obscurity…
Topics:
Achievements
•
Personal Stories (Biography/Autobiography)
•
Character, Integrity
•
History
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Opportunity
•
Technology
•
Tribute, Testimony
Holidays
14 records found
Have a God-Directed New Year! by James N. Watkins
(December 29, 2023)
Jim updates his annual list of posts for the New Year…
Topics:
Contemplation, Insight
•
Faith
•
Holidays
•
Holiday Season
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Humor
•
New Year's
•
Optimal Aging
Once Again, the Star, the Shepherds by Garrison Keillor
(December 25, 2023)
I do believe in the Christmas story, that God put his omnipotence on a shelf and became an infant child--it's in keeping with Christ telling his disciples, 'What you do for the least of these, ye do for me'…
Topics:
Bible
•
Christmas
•
Faith
•
Holidays
•
Holiday Season
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Inspiration
•
Memories
•
Optimal Aging
The 12 Sites of Christmas (2022) by James N. Watkins
(December 30, 2022)
Jim updates his annual list of posts offering Hope & Humor for the holiday season and preparation for a new year…
Topics:
Christmas
•
Faith
•
History
•
Holidays
•
Holiday Season
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Humor
•
Metaphors, Life Lessons
•
New Year's
Welcome to Flight 2022 by Paulette Harris Madison
(December 31, 2021)
Are you ready for takeoff?…
Topics:
Faith
•
Holidays
•
Holiday Season
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Metaphors, Life Lessons
•
New Year's
•
Tribute, Testimony
Have a God-Directed New Year! by James N. Watkins
(December 30, 2021)
Jim's annual update on thoughts for the new year…
Topics:
Faith
•
Holidays
•
Holiday Season
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Humor
•
Inspiration
•
New Year's
There are 9 more items for the category Holidays and the Hopes & Dreams topic...See the whole list
Inspiration
1 record found
Sam the Olympic Eagle and You by Leona Bergstrom
(July 9, 2021)
Are your soaring days over?…
Topics:
Character, Integrity
•
Circumstances, Life Events
•
Coping
•
COVID-19
•
Faith
•
History
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Inspiration
•
Optimal Aging
Life Events
11 records found
The Beauitful Winding Road of August by Garrison Keillor
(August 22, 2024)
According to the actuarial tables I am coming within sight of the end of my life, so why do I feel I am just hitting my stride?…
Topics:
Hopes & Dreams
•
Humor
•
Opportunity
•
Optimal Aging
•
Politics
•
Relationships
•
Wisdom
•
Worship
•
Writing
The Art of Leaving Home by Garrison Keillor
(July 27, 2023)
The pleasure of moving is the excavation of the past. I open a box and here's a photo of my fifth-grade class, the eager neatly-combed-and-dressed boy with glasses is me. I am still that eager boy, heavier but anxious to do well…
Topics:
Change
•
Contemplation, Insight
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Humor
•
Memories
•
Optimal Aging
The Beauty of Being a Guy by Garrison Keillor
(May 4, 2023)
This week of struggling with the knee brace has changed my life forever. I used to want to be hip and cool and now I just want to be capable. . . . So this week I discovered I can be a guy.…
Topics:
Advice, Guidance & Mentoring
•
Attitudes
•
Coping
•
Gratitute
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Humor
•
Optimal Aging
•
Wellness
Life Comes in Focus as the Day Approaches by Garrison Keillor
(August 26, 2022)
Open-heart surgery didn’t exist when I was a kid; . . . the fact that they imagine a guy of eighty deserves a battery jump is very inspiring…
Topics:
Contemplation, Insight
•
Health Care
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Opportunity
•
Optimal Aging
•
Science & Technology
•
Wellness
Drama is Life Trying to Get Our Attention by Garrison Keillor
(August 12, 2022)
Carrying anger in your heart is misery in a bottle. . . thoughts on life as an old man prepares for open heart surgery…
Topics:
Attitudes
•
Contemplation, Insight
•
Forgive, Forgiveness
•
Health Care
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Learning
•
Optimal Aging
•
Wellness
There are 6 more items for the category Life Events and the Hopes & Dreams topic...See the whole list
News & Current Events
2 records found
Open the Doors, Let the Young Mingle Among the Treasures by Garrison Keillor
(June 6, 2024)
For Teen Night at the Met Museum in New York, admission is whatever you care to drop in the box, a couple bucks, the change in your pocket, high school kids mobbing the joint, the Picasso lady, the naked Venus, the Rodin folks…
Topics:
Arts & Entertainment
•
Current Events, News
•
Future
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
Humor
•
News
•
Politics
Hope and Help During the Issraeli-Hamas War by James N. Watkins
(October 13, 2023)
Jim shares past posts that help direct our thoughts as images of another war fill the news…
Topics:
Crime, Justice, Punishment
•
Crisis
•
Current Events, News
•
Dying and Death
•
History
•
Hopes & Dreams
•
News
•
Prayer
•
Terrorism
•
War