
Happy St. Patrick’s Day

From the Desk of Pennwell Gray
Daily thoughts. Points to ponder. Soulful reflections. The Musings of E.M. Murphy.
I find myself using the word ‘safe’ more and more these days. As a child, our parents would tell us to be safe and we’d be bothered by it. We thought them to be no fun or overprotective, only wanting to control us. We hardly, if ever, heeded their advice and weren’t smart enough to know that such a small word was filled with enormous amounts of love, care and wisdom.
Today, Tuesday, December 21, 2021 is the winter solstice. Here in the northern hemisphere, we experience the fewest daylight hours of the year within this 24-hour period.
For those of us who love the winter and long nights, today is very special and we must savor it.
For those who loathe winter and miss daylight, today is very special for you, too, because tomorrow the days will start to get longer – and the nights shorter.
No matter which group you fit into – or maybe, you’re a little bit of both – today is a gift like every other, so don’t just rush through it.
Embrace the challenges. Cherish the moments. And make each second count.
When we face each day with gratitude and accept it for the gift that it is, our perspective shifts. We can find magic in the most simple and mundane of tasks. Be mindful and be present.
Make time to celebrate the solstice – and celebrate the day!
Make it a great month!
Wishing an amazing mother a very special day. Happy birthday to my beloved Mom!
In honor of International Women’s Day.
Being a woman is not easy – but neither is being human.
Familial and societal imposed expectations. Perceived limitations of self and fear of not being enough – or doing enough, or loving enough, or caring enough, or anything – enough!
Continue reading “On being a woman.”As Catholics prepare for the most holy time of the year, I hope if that’s you that you’ll consider this on the eve of your Lenten journey.
Most give up something, a sacrifice for 40 days. But it is often more difficult to commit to something, adding a positive or constructive habit for that specific length of time, than it is to give up.
So rather than cutting out sweets or taking a hiatus from social media, may you do some good this season. Donate one dollar each day, if you’re able, to a worthy cause. Add a new and positive habit to your routine. Practice a random act of kindness daily.
Sacrifice doesn’t always equal giving up – it just may mean making a commitment and sticking to it. Food for thought this evening.
It is so easy for us to get caught up in the commercialization of Valentine’s Day.
Flowers, candy and cards filled with words that give our feelings a voice. Restaurant reservations a must and all kinds of expensive add-ons appear on the menu – from rose placement on the table, musicians to serenade you with songs of love or a high priced bottle of champagne to toast your love. Continue reading “My Valentine Wish.”