"The lesson [Henry David Thoreau] had taught himself, and which he tried to teach others, was summed up in the one word 'Simplify.' That meant simplify the outward circumstances of your life, simplify your needs and your ambitions; learn to delight in the simple pleasures which the world of Nature affords. It meant also, scorn public opinion, refuse to accept the common definitions of success, refuse to be moved by the judgment of others. And unlike most who advocate such attitudes, he put them into practice." (Walden and Other Writings by Henry David Thoreau--Edited and with an Introduction by Joseph Wood Krutch, Bantam Books, 1962, P. 1)

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Jake's Quilt

Saturday, December 8, 2007

More on Mental Health: Addresses to Listen To

I am so helped by listening to online talks while quilting. Here are some on the topic of mental health which may be helpful for you, whether you have these challenges yourself, or are seeking to understand better because of your love for someone else. I have listened myself to those by Jay and Dawn Fox and Alexander B. Morrison , and I heartily recommend them.

Here is the link to the search page.Type mental illness in the search box, and you should be taken to a list of talks, which are available in several formats.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Discussion of Mental Illness: a Link

If you can spare half an hour or so, and are interested in understanding better the challenges faced by our family as we struggle with bipolar disorder and depression, please read this transcript of a televised discussion by some experts in the field of mental illness. There are some good insights to be gained.



One of the discussants composed the music for this hymn. It says so much about how I feel, and how I am sustained through difficulties. I hope it blesses you, as well.

Where Can I Turn for Peace?

Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
Where with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows,
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.

He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane,
Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind,
Love without end.

(Hymn number 129
,
Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
1985.)



Thanks for caring.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Holiday Greetings!

The secret is out. We are a family of dancing elves. See here.