James Pyles's Blog, page 124
September 13, 2018
Quoting: Be Respectful No Matter What
The Torah gives us an important rule in relationships: Even though you are suffering, you have no right to cause suffering to others. Whatever your distress, you still need to speak and act with respect. If you are ever in a bad mood, be especially careful not to speak or act to others in a […]
September 12, 2018
What It Means to be Free
Young Nate had a blast running through the cornfield and picking out pumpkins, but then the little boy saw his Grandpa standing by an American flag next to the field. “What are you doing, Grandpa?” “Remembering when I was your age and we kids said the Pledge of Allegiance in front of the flag every morning.” […]
The Assignment
“I’ve got to write a hundred words about that?” The creative writing student balked when his instructor placed the ornate clock on his desk, which was to be used as a writing prompt. “That’s the assignment, Mike. What’s the problem?” “It’s hideous.” “It’s an antique.” “It’s repulsive.” “Then you should be able to write a […]
Quoting: The Greatest Day of Your Life
What would help you view today as the greatest day of your life? If today you have a greater awareness of your immense intrinsic value than ever before, then today is the greatest day of your life. If today you decide to upgrade your character beyond ways that you have done before, then today is […]
September 11, 2018
Pressing the Mute Button
I wasn’t going to write anything “political” today (unless you count my tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which I guess could be political, or nationalistic, or some other horrible thing), but this one just popped into my head. You may or may not recognize the above posted figure of Ron Swanson […]
The Other Side of the Storm
Alise Egan’s scarlet gown fluttered behind her like a great cape as she faced the maelstrom. When she’d first seen the painting in Keyne Harlan’s private collection, she recognized herself immediately, even though she had never met the anonymous artist. But she assumed that whatever the woman was confronting was an ocean wave. Now she […]
Those Never Forgotten
The air was finally carrying a chill in the mornings, the first sign of Fall. Nick had always loved the Fall, even as a kid, but today possessed a bitterness along with the cold. He got up early, went through his morning routine, and then opened the hallway closet. There, like every other morning, was […]
Quoting: Finding Hidden Openings for Kindness
When you identify yourself as a person who loves kindness, you will notice opportunities you hadn’t noticed before. You will always feel that it’s up to you to do as much good as you can in your life. -from Rabbi Zelig Pliskin’s book Kindness. Advertisements
September 10, 2018
Be Kind – Everyone You Meet is Fighting a Hard Battle
Today, Monday, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day. I found that out on Facebook when it was associated with the television and film franchise Star Trek, and the original series debuted on September 8, 1966. That anniversary was only two days ago. I hadn’t realized these Star Trek related actors had all committed suicide, […]
The Maker’s Daughter
The solitary Leonine was lying, concealed in the tall grass near an acacia tree watching what she assumed was a frumpy, blinkered woman crossing the broad savanna as she carried her basket. She didn’t so much walk as bounce, as if she were treading upon a sponge or the vast skin of some overly ripe […]
