=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It is one of the blessings of old friends
that you can afford to be stupid with them.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Jenn P.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Each friend represents a world in us,
a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting
that a new world is born.
-Anais Nin, submitted by Jeanne, L. Fond du Lac, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Last weekend I snuck up to northern Minnesota to visit some friends
who recently bought a summer cabin on a pristine, spring-fed lake far
away from the stress of cities (and airports!). I was a little
worried about adding another trip to my already hectic August, but as
soon as I arrived I knew it was going to be a much-needed break.
Every moment was an opportunity to connect with nature AND to connect
with good friends whose paths have not crossed mine in a long time.
My new treatment for exhaustion: one lazy afternoon of goofing
around on a bright yellow dock in the middle of a crystal clear,
refreshingly brisk lake. Administer with friends and it is
guaranteed to calm nerves, induce deep sleep, and refresh a tired
soul.
I dare you: make a play date with some friends this week and ENJOY!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, August 26, 2002
Monday, August 19, 2002
eRipples v4.33: Ripples of MOMENTS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
-source unknown, submitted by Colleen B., Milwaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You haven't lived
until you've learned
to treasure
every moment given;
to realize
that the slightest touch
may hold
a hidden heaven
-Kay Wrightman, submitted by Diane W., Carbondale IL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I began last week in the Great Smoky Mountains where I helped
University of North Carolina-Asheville welcome their new students. I
then dashed off to the Rocky Mountains to infuse some energy into
student leaders at University of Colorado - Boulder, Weber State
University, and Salt Lake Community College. After giving so many
presentations in one week, they started to melt together into one big
pile of "stuff." What stands out clearly, though, are small moments
at each place that allowed me to survive and thrive in the midst of
my travels. Most of these moments came in between presentations when
I was having lunch or just hanging out with a few participants: funny
comments, deep discussions, and even a moment of silence while we
stared at the mountains. I feel richer for these moments that are
captured like digital snapshots in my mind, knowing that long after I
am back home in my own bed with a normal schedule I will be able to
recall these moments with a smile!
Choose one: either reflect back on YOUR previous week and try to
recall some unexpected moments of joy that are worth savoring, OR
commit yourself to creating a few this week!
Peace,
Paul
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
-source unknown, submitted by Colleen B., Milwaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You haven't lived
until you've learned
to treasure
every moment given;
to realize
that the slightest touch
may hold
a hidden heaven
-Kay Wrightman, submitted by Diane W., Carbondale IL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I began last week in the Great Smoky Mountains where I helped
University of North Carolina-Asheville welcome their new students. I
then dashed off to the Rocky Mountains to infuse some energy into
student leaders at University of Colorado - Boulder, Weber State
University, and Salt Lake Community College. After giving so many
presentations in one week, they started to melt together into one big
pile of "stuff." What stands out clearly, though, are small moments
at each place that allowed me to survive and thrive in the midst of
my travels. Most of these moments came in between presentations when
I was having lunch or just hanging out with a few participants: funny
comments, deep discussions, and even a moment of silence while we
stared at the mountains. I feel richer for these moments that are
captured like digital snapshots in my mind, knowing that long after I
am back home in my own bed with a normal schedule I will be able to
recall these moments with a smile!
Choose one: either reflect back on YOUR previous week and try to
recall some unexpected moments of joy that are worth savoring, OR
commit yourself to creating a few this week!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, August 12, 2002
eRipples v4.32: Ripples of WELCOME!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
How rare and wonderful is that flash of a moment
when we realize we have discovered a friend.
-William Rotsler, submitted by Amanda K., River Falls WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The world passes through me,
as I pass through the world.
And so,
as I complete my travels
around the world,
so the world completes its travels
through me.
-written & submitted by: Leslie M., Madison WI
[originally appeared in Ripples v1.46, 11/29/99]
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Welcome Leslie!
Just a few months after eRipples began production back in 1999, a
colleague forwarded an issue to Leslie Marquette who liked it enough
to subscribe. Since then she has been a loyal reader whose
submissions have been included in a couple of issues (including the
one above which she wrote herself!).
I am introducing you to Leslie because she has become The Ripples
Project's first employee! In addition to sending out orders from our
online store, Leslie will be coordinating product and services
development as TRP (The Ripples Project) seeks new ways to create and
reward small waves of kindness.
Leslie lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband and two children.
She likes to think of herself as a Bohemian Matriarch .... Mary
Poppins with a twist. She has studied Marketing, Accounting,
Voice, Juggling, and continues as a student of Middle Eastern Dance.
She brings with her a rich tapestry of experience, and is looking
forward to serving The Ripples Project and its' members in furthering
our mission to spread kindness. [Leslie dedicates her work with The
Ripples Project to her mother, Diane Marquette.]
The best way you can welcome Leslie is by placing an order today,
so we can afford to keep her around for a long time!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
Peace,
Paul
How rare and wonderful is that flash of a moment
when we realize we have discovered a friend.
-William Rotsler, submitted by Amanda K., River Falls WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The world passes through me,
as I pass through the world.
And so,
as I complete my travels
around the world,
so the world completes its travels
through me.
-written & submitted by: Leslie M., Madison WI
[originally appeared in Ripples v1.46, 11/29/99]
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Welcome Leslie!
Just a few months after eRipples began production back in 1999, a
colleague forwarded an issue to Leslie Marquette who liked it enough
to subscribe. Since then she has been a loyal reader whose
submissions have been included in a couple of issues (including the
one above which she wrote herself!).
I am introducing you to Leslie because she has become The Ripples
Project's first employee! In addition to sending out orders from our
online store, Leslie will be coordinating product and services
development as TRP (The Ripples Project) seeks new ways to create and
reward small waves of kindness.
Leslie lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband and two children.
She likes to think of herself as a Bohemian Matriarch .... Mary
Poppins with a twist. She has studied Marketing, Accounting,
Voice, Juggling, and continues as a student of Middle Eastern Dance.
She brings with her a rich tapestry of experience, and is looking
forward to serving The Ripples Project and its' members in furthering
our mission to spread kindness. [Leslie dedicates her work with The
Ripples Project to her mother, Diane Marquette.]
The best way you can welcome Leslie is by placing an order today,
so we can afford to keep her around for a long time!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
Peace,
Paul
Monday, August 5, 2002
eRipples v4.31: Ripples of GROWTH!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
be only afraid of standing still.
-Chinese proverb, submitted by Kristi M.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Loyalty to
petrified opinion
never yet
broke a chain
or freed
a human soul.
-Mark Twain, submitted by Kelly Ann E.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
On Saturday I was honored and thrilled to attend a preview of the new
musical "Hairspray" which is opening on Broadway soon. This
delightful show adds magnificent musical numbers to expand John
Waters' 1988 movie that used a goofy story line to remind us of the
growing pains our country endured in the 1960s when long overdue
desegregation was still being resisted.
As the performance ended, it seemed beyond comprehension to me that
so recently in history our society still tightly embraced an "us vs.
them" mentality. A few moments later I realized that the
appreciative audience delivering a rousing standing ovation was
almost completely white. It did not reflect at all the rich racial
and ethnic diversity I had experienced all day on the streets of New
York City. In that moment I was reminded of two essential truths
about growth: Change is an essential ingredient of growth (whether
you are talking about an individual or a culture); and even if growth
is often more slow and more difficult than we imagine it to be, every
step is necessary and worthwhile. I hope you can pledge this week to
take a baby step or giant leap that will ensure your continued growth!
Peace,
Paul
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
be only afraid of standing still.
-Chinese proverb, submitted by Kristi M.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Loyalty to
petrified opinion
never yet
broke a chain
or freed
a human soul.
-Mark Twain, submitted by Kelly Ann E.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
On Saturday I was honored and thrilled to attend a preview of the new
musical "Hairspray" which is opening on Broadway soon. This
delightful show adds magnificent musical numbers to expand John
Waters' 1988 movie that used a goofy story line to remind us of the
growing pains our country endured in the 1960s when long overdue
desegregation was still being resisted.
As the performance ended, it seemed beyond comprehension to me that
so recently in history our society still tightly embraced an "us vs.
them" mentality. A few moments later I realized that the
appreciative audience delivering a rousing standing ovation was
almost completely white. It did not reflect at all the rich racial
and ethnic diversity I had experienced all day on the streets of New
York City. In that moment I was reminded of two essential truths
about growth: Change is an essential ingredient of growth (whether
you are talking about an individual or a culture); and even if growth
is often more slow and more difficult than we imagine it to be, every
step is necessary and worthwhile. I hope you can pledge this week to
take a baby step or giant leap that will ensure your continued growth!
Peace,
Paul
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