To me, this is a wonderful example of ordinary people working together to do extraordinary things.  That we all might be so inspired by the work we do.....

On August 5th, Mars Curiosity will land.  Cross your fingers.  This is stunning!

Heard this today for the first time.  So sweet and sublime..... May these vows and this marriage be blessed. May it be sweet milk, like wine and halvah. May this marriage offer fruit and shade like the date palm. May this marriage be full of laughter, our every day a day in paradise. May this … Continue reading This Marriage – Eric Whitacre

Earlier this week, I experienced a small epiphany of sorts at 37,000 feet over the Midwest.  I was returning home from a 4 day business trip to Washington DC.  Before I departed, I downloaded several pages of one of my favorite blogs, Flight Level 390, to read on the plane.  It seemed fitting to read … Continue reading Lindbergh's Grave and Memorial Day

This is the reason this song was written.  This is the reason we were born.  This is the reason I love Young Life.[sigh no more | a reflection of beauty] from JJ Starr on Vimeo.

Just discovered today that this touching song was penned by a relatively new artist, who I have been seeing quite a lot of these days.  Aoife O'Donovan of Boston.  When you get discovered by Alison Kraus, you are doing quite fine, thank you.

This is completely haunting and beautiful to me, and speaks of the mystery of our past.  As I continue to research the history of my own family, 11 generations now in America, with members on opposite sides of the Civil War, these words have new meaning. My Father's Father I hear something hanging on the … Continue reading My Father's Father / The Civil Wars

Someday, I hope I get to meet Angela, who has written this beautiful piece about our family friend, Molly.....  MollyShe is the first reasonin 23 yearsthat I've ever had to wake up with the sun.And her magic number is 21.Born with an extra chromosome,Molly is a miracle.She loves musicals, math problems,and literally refers to EVERY … Continue reading My Friend Molly

There is so much going on here in just 1:39, I could hardly begin to tell you.  But I will.  Begin, at least.Beauty, simplicity, friendship, innocence, room for everyone to play, exploring new things, and love.  Lots of love. 

The following is based on a true story.Her life thus far, taken in the context of the all the possible kinds of lives of teenage girls, had been an easy one.She had grown up in an affluent suburb of Southern California, gone to the finest private parochial schools, and had seldom touched real pain or … Continue reading "This is Real"