Tag Archives: challenges

A Positive Surprise in Tough Times

It’s been a tough few years for the Rodriguez children. Both their parents died of cancer. But twenty-year-old Samantha stepped up and began raising her five siblings alone.   Their community got together and donated a new car to the struggling family. A gift … Continue reading

Posted in Challenges, Generosity, Kindness, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

A Tale of Two Trees

I love cherries. My Beloved bought and planted two cherry trees for me. One is healthy, growing fast, and had a big first crop of cherries this year. The second tree is tiny. Shortly after it was planted it partially … Continue reading

Posted in Adversity, Challenges, Gardening, Inspiring, perspective, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

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

Never a Dull Moment (Day Two)

A rodent got into a wall of our tiny old home and died shortly before our visitors arrived.  The stink is most unpleasant in our guest’s bedroom, our bathroom, and the bedroom where my Beloved and I sleep. The drain of … Continue reading

Posted in Challenges, Family, Family "Fun", Humor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

The Impeded Stream is the One that Sings

“It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work. And when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey. The mind that is not … Continue reading

Posted in Adversity, Attittude, Beauty, Gratitude, Joy & Happiness, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

My “Bad Days” are mostly Amazingly Good

My days are filled with blessings. Every day. I’m usually wise enough to notice and be grateful for many of the blessings. Sometimes, however, I focus on one or more things that didn’t meet my expectations and I call it … Continue reading

Posted in Adversity, Attittude, Challenges, Gratitude | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Gratitude and Expectations

A mantra I use which has greatly increased the joy and decreased the sadness and disappointments in my life is: “Be grateful for everything and expect nothing.” As with many of life’s profound messages, it is easy to say but easy to forget when life … Continue reading

Posted in Challenges, Gratitude, LIfe Lessons | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

“Slices of Life” has Been Released!

http://www.amazon.com/Slices-Life-Anthology-Selected-Non-Fiction/dp/1500314447/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1411923074&sr=8-8&keywords=Russ+Towne I’m pleased to announce that Slices of Life has been released and is available on Amazon.com! Slices of Life is an anthology of the selected non-fiction stories. From heart-warming memories of childhood, to humorous perspectives on aging and inspiring … Continue reading

Posted in Adventure, Children, Connection/Connecting, Courage, Dealing with Pain & Grief, Dreams, Generosity, Grandparenting & Grandkids, Gratitude, Healing, Humor, Inspiring, Joy & Happiness, Kindness, Life, LIfe Lessons, Loss, Love, Making Memories, Making the World a Better Place, Non-Fiction, Non-fiction Stories I've Written, Non-Fiction Writing I've Done, Optimism, Pain & Grief, Parenting, Success, Talent, Teamwork, Time, True Stories I've Written, Truth, Unexpected Pleasures, Writing, Writing Project Updates | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 27 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

No Star In All the Heavens

A Most Unusual Christmas Tree Visitors who come to our home near the holidays are often struck by the sight of a most unusual Christmas tree. Instead of a fir or some other traditional kind, we have a palm tree … Continue reading

Posted in Abundance, Adversity, Beauty, Challenges, Children, Creativity, Dreams, Family, Family "Fun", Gifts, Goodness, Gratitude, Illness, Ingenuity, Kindness, Loss, My Written Works Misc., Non-fiction Stories I've Written, Non-Fiction Writing I've Done, Pain & Grief, Parenting, Photos I Took, Strength, True Stories I've Written, Writing, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments