TURNING POINTS—Turning Wooden Spoons

Holidays can end all at once, like the final jingle bell note on the radio’s last Christmas song at 11:59 PM on December 25. Thanksgiving, on the other hand, lingers on in most households. In fact, some would argue that the post-Thanksgiving uses of cooked turkey equal or top the big day’s feast. Before the … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—Turning Wooden Spoons

TURNING POINTS—Looking for Hope and Gratitude

The pair in the main photo had their eyes riveted on me as I walked away from the car that particular afternoon. For them, every return that Kathleen or I made to the car represented a miracle that warranted celebration. Living in hope. That’s dogs. Being anthropomorphic—after all, one of the great joys of including … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—Looking for Hope and Gratitude

TURNING POINTS—Family and Rugby Culture Launch an International Life

The post a few weeks ago about “reciprocal determinism” prompted a reply from the son of very old friends. Ian Hincken (pictured with his Dad, Ed) shared how Albert Bandura’s psychological concept neatly explained how his family and rugby environment/situational factor in his childhood and adolescence impacted how he thought about the world and about … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—Family and Rugby Culture Launch an International Life

TURNING POINTS—Even Big Mistakes Can Become Good Turning Points

In this time of national conflict and turmoil, it is worth reminding ourselves of the things that unite us. Some responses to big problems just make sense, regardless of one’s political perspective. Life is messy, and sometimes people make big mistakes—commit crimes and spend time in jail or prison. When that happens in a family, … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—Even Big Mistakes Can Become Good Turning Points