His signature catches my eye. What can we learn about Henry David Thoreau to explain the swagger in the tail of his first name and the period at the end of his last? To me, these strokes of the pen are statements about the man. My memories are fuzzy about this transcendental philosopher, so here’s what I’ve relearned: “Thoreau thought through our potential as human beings to live complete lives — lives that encompass joy, adventure, reflection, natural beauty, meaningful work, and relaxation.”

During the Martin Luther King remembrance last year, Byron Katie wrote this. It touched me deeply and it’s worth reading again.

Wow! Popcorn has been enjoyed by cultures throughout the world for more than 6,000 years. Wherever corn grew, popcorn was eaten too. I've been imagining how it was first discovered.  I picture people of early civilizations gathered around an evening campfire. Perhaps a dry husk of corn was too close to the heat and began its explosive transformation. Can you see the rapid scattering of people as they react to the popping blasts of noise?

Are you considering making a New Year’s resolution for 2018? Here’s a recommendation from Mahatma Gandhi.