Category Archives: Wisdom

When Life Gives You…

…they are bright and beautiful blessings. This is another scene from my outdoor office. The lemons remind me that setbacks can be tart and bitter, but when combined with self-reflection and gratitude can become an exquisite nectar of growth, wisdom, and … Continue reading

Posted in Challenges, Opportunities, Self-reflection, Uncategorized, Wisdom | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

“I’ll Cry a Little and Then Laugh Again”

Our 3-year-old grandson Alex comes up with the most profound comments. When an adult asked another grandson to stop poking or tickling Alex, they added,  “Although he’s laughing now, if you keep doing it he’ll eventually cry about it. Alex immediately … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Grandparenting & Grandkids, Humor, Uncategorized, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

In the Fiery Forge of Fear

It is in the fiery forge of fear that one is often tempered with wisdom, our mettle is tested, and metal is strengthened. With Love, Russ  

Posted in Fear, Uncategorized, Wisdom | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Our Imperfections Are What Make Us Unique.

A recent comment from “Mrs. P” reminded me about a decision My Beloved and I made  more than 38 years ago when we selected wedding rings for her. We intentionally selected two stones, a diamond and ruby (the latter being her birthstone) that had … Continue reading

Posted in imperfections, Relationship Lessons Learned, Wisdom | 14 Comments

Poetic Choices

Each day adds new lines to the poetry that’s our lives. May we wisely infuse them with beauty and love. Genesis: The above thought came to me as I commented on a poem titled “You”: “You” With love, Russ   … Continue reading

Posted in Beauty, Life, Poetry, Wisdom | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Lessons on Life

I found the information linked below to be worth every second I invested in experiencing it, and believe some of you will too. http://www.businessinsider.com/bill-mcraven-commencement-speech-at-ut-2014-5 With Love, Russ

Posted in Adversity, Bullying, Challenges, Community, Discipline & Consequences, Growth/Learning, Hope, LIfe Lessons, Making the World a Better Place, Mistakes, Patience & Persistence, Spirit, Strength, Suffering, Teamwork, Traditions & Rituals, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Brightest Gems in a Useful Life

Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ (Sources: Ute Lark … Continue reading

Posted in Courage, Life, Quotes I Love, Uncategorized, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

The Answer to Someone’s Prayers

(Source: Tige and Daniel) A fast food employee uses an umbrella from an outside table to walk an elderly person to his car in the rain. Love in action. (Source: Let’s Be Positive Together) With Love, Russ

Posted in Kindness, Love, Making the World a Better Place, Photos That Touched Me, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Duck Who Flew Upside Down and a Quote

http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Who-Flew-Upside-Down/dp/1492966053/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382131923&sr=1-2&keywords=russ+towne My fourth book, The Duck Who Flew Upside Down, was released today. I invite you to check it out and please spread the word! Thank you! Fun Quote (and perhaps related to the above announcement): “A little nonsense now … Continue reading

Posted in Adventure, Animals, Children's Stories/Poems I Wrote, Dreams, Fun, Humor, Joy & Happiness, LIfe Lessons, My Written Works Misc., Quotes I Love, Wisdom, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Shadows and Singing Hearts

“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson (Source: Let’s Be Positive Together) “Our greatest purpose in life is just to align with what makes our heart sing.” –St. … Continue reading

Posted in Authentic Living, Cheerfulness, Joy & Happiness, Quotes I Love, Talent, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments