Clare Consultation, LLCWorking Change
“We have an amazing work ethic in this country. We’re not all working in the same direction, and that’s normal to some point. You’re not supposed to always be working in harmony, but I hope the work ethic and the sense of shared humanity in that continue.” Lena This morning in the New York Times, Paul Krugman, an esteemed if controversial economist, forecast again the third Great Depression for the U.S. economy… Read More
Graduation Season: Your Tax Dollars at Work
“It will be good change when any person in the country has a right to get a good public education and to go as far as they want in advanced education.” Sue Klapstein It’s that time again. May and June – when here in the U.S. the landscape is dotted with the cheers and colors, the pomp and circumstance of graduation ceremonies. Across the country schools, families and communities take the opportunity… Read More
The Hundredth Day. Activism: Conservative, Liberal or Effective
April 30, 2009 was the 100th day of the EX:Change. It was the 101st day of the Obama Administration. By then, the word change was a bit less consistently electric as a rallying cry. The desire for unity, confidence and possibility had not vaporized but the everydayness of life had damped down the enthusiasm. As the months stacked themselves into a year the word continued to echo inspiration but it also fell into… Read More
Spirit & Faith
“We change up above, on our surfaces, but there’s that underlying constant that travels through all the changes. It’s something I don’t really have the words for. The only concrete thing I have, which isn’t concrete at all, is that deep soul feeling.” Lauren Kraakevik It’s an overcast but warm spring day in Portland, OR. I’m back down the street in the corner Starbuck’s where the staff have been so consistent in cheering… Read More
What’s in a Name?
“Know what that word, change, means. Know what this time means. Our getting together this morning to talk, what does it mean? Do you know what we are doing? What is in the journey? Where are we going?” Dr. Dapo Sobomehin This morning I had my annual dental appointment. You know, the one involving really sharp pointed hooks for scraping and poking, and the tiny rotary buffer dipped with clayish and vaguely peppermint tasting… Read More
Home — 70 Days In
3-27-2009 Just South of Division Ave. Portland, OR Home a week. I’ve slept for most of it. And I’ve walked. Home again to the neighborhoods, to the stretches of bank on both the east and west sides of the Willamette River, and to the downtown streets – careful, clean and bustling. Aaaaahhhh. Portland, Oregon. Home sweet home, indeed.
Saving Grace
3-19-2009 Near the Airport Salt Lake City, UT It’s a long way from Chicago, IL to Salt Lake City, UT – especially in two days by car – tiny car. Fortunately, there’s been saving grace – lots of it. One certain sign of this abundance is the fact that I’m sitting here right now, safe and sound after so many miles through all kinds of weather and, in the instance of I-80 through Iowa… Read More
A Quintessential EX:Change Convergence
3-17-2009 Corner of Pulaski & Leonard West side of Chicago It’s St Patrick’s Day. I just finished an impromptu interview with a Police Sergeant. McMurphy. In Chicago. On St Patrick’s Day. ‘Nuff said. Except to add my thanks to the officer for his time — ex-hippies do make the world go round!
Hawk Sightings
3-15-2009 PA Rte 6 W Allegheny Mountains Hawks. I have a thing about hawks. It’s part ornithological (I mean, what cool raptors). It’s part romantic/poetic (their metaphorical range is considerable). And it’s no doubt part mystical. The mystical part could be embarrassing from the perspective of ‘woo woo’ attributes since I tend to take their appearance as very good signs. If circumstances are dicey or uncertain in any way, the appearance of a hawk,… Read More
Water
3-13-2009 A bench facing the Hudson Manhattan Island It’s Friday the 13th. My interview schedule has fallen apart due in large part to equipment weirdness. Symptomatic, maybe of it being Friday the 13th? Whatever the case, I’ve given in and am now sitting in the 40 degree sunlight – all wrapped up and warm. I’m looking at the Hudson River, the way the afternoon light shows off its silver and enduring majesty… Read More