Columns

“I am thankful for small mercies. Some people expect only the best. I found that I begin at the other extreme…expecting nothing and am always full of thanks for unexpected blessings.” —Tim Man Lee, Wildlife Photographer Since moving to my small “slice of Heaven” here...

In our fast-paced world, productivity often takes precedence, meaning sleep is often undervalued. However, sleep has a huge impact on our overall well-being and maintaining both our physical and mental health. This article explores the relationship between sleep and mental health and the importance of...

I believe that envy is one of the seven deadly sins and any decent person should avoid that sentiment at all costs. But when I look at and experience the downtowns of all the other cities in the county, a little bit of jealousy...

I lived with my aunt and uncle during my early years, who, to this day, I am not sure they believed in the existence of the Almighty. However, every Saturday night I had a bath, whether I thought I needed it or not, and every...

Is everything blooming now fragrant or is it just me? Does Mother Nature have a card up her sleeve to insure pollinators find nectar thereby ensuring plant propagation or is it mostly spring fever on my part? What makes flowers fragrant anyway? Fragrance in flowers...

A friend of mine lamented that she didn’t have many bees in her garden yet. I reassured her they are out and about and will soon visit her garden. She was worried that our bee population was declining dramatically. And while it is true...

Mental health is an integral aspect of overall well-being, yet it often remains overshadowed by physical health. This disparity is particularly pronounced among men, who face unique societal pressures and stigmas that can hinder their ability to seek help. The Silent Struggle Traditionally, men have been...

Many years ago I started writing a book about gardening in the Santa Cruz Mountains. One of many interesting subjects I researched was the different soils we have here in the mountains. I don’t need to tell you if you garden in dense clay,...

Last month, I wrote about the fast fashion industry. Unfortunately, typos happen, but one typo can change the context of an entire story and its meaning. So, let’s correct this right now.  Fast Fashion is about “inexpensive” clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers, not “expensive.”...

My house in Bonny Doon burned down on Aug. 19, 2020. I know this because my neighbor sent me a photo the next day after the fire had moved on down the slope. The next spring quite a few of my plants were making...