If you live in or around Mason County, you’ve almost certainly heard about the data center proposal, probably more than you ever wanted to. It’s been the focus of social media threads, local news stories, TV segments, backyard conversations, city and county meetings, and even a few spirited public meetings. Many seem to have a... Continue Reading →
I’m tired of leaders who confuse outrage for strength.I’m tired of politics as performance art.I’m tired of applause lines that fix nothing.I’m tired of slogans that substitute for substance. I’m tired of everything being “unprecedented.”I’m tired of “breaking news” that only breaks our trust.I’m tired of people more loyal to tribes than to truth.I’m tired... Continue Reading →
Even accurate, thoughtful feedback can fall flat if it sounds defensive or self-protective. The tone of your message often matters more than the content. When you stay grounded, open, and curious, people actually hear you instead of reacting to your tone. In counseling, supervision, or leadership, mastering the art of non-defensive feedback is a small... Continue Reading →
When the Trump administration returned to Washington in 2025, mental health advocates hoped that the progress made over the past five year - through COVID-era investments, 988 crisis line expansion, and bipartisan school safety law - would continue. Instead, the federal landscape for behavioral health has entered what some call a “retrenchment era,” marked by... Continue Reading →
Most of us are familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan. A man is beaten and left for dead, ignored by a priest and a Levite, but rescued by a Samaritan, a member of a group despised by Jews at the time. Jesus told the parable (Luke 10:25–37) to answer the question, “Who is... Continue Reading →
It strikes me how many of us feel compelled to share our take on recent events across social media. Silence, in this interconnected, online world, can feel like disengagement, as though not weighing in means you’re absent from the public square. It is as if you don’t care if you haven’t posted your hot take,... Continue Reading →
The Kentucky House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 495. As I understand it, the bill as originally proposed by David Hale sought to protect counselors, pastors, and therapists providing therapy to minors from discrimination by the government. An amendment added to the bill ended up containing language that invalidated an executive order by Governor... Continue Reading →
We can be passionate about our political views. We can treat our preferred political parties and candidates like the sports teams we root for. We can fall victim to heated political debate in which we speak and write in ways we typically wouldn’t do with others. We can go down online rabbit holes and convince... Continue Reading →
Introduction It seems you can’t read a paper, watch the news, or scroll online without seeing comments and reactions to the efforts of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency to cut government spending. I take no issue with the existence of DOGE. I suspect it is something that was long overdue. I am... Continue Reading →
I have been following the reactions to the executive order signed by President Trump that renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Some have laughed, some have proudly posted new maps, but many have said "Wait, he did what? Can he do that?" As I understand it, this order means that in... Continue Reading →
Snow has been on the ground and our constant companion for going on a couple of weeks now and they say more may be on the way. Last week we were snowed in at our house for about 3 days before we could get one of our vehicles dug out and cleared enough to venture... Continue Reading →
I used to lean in, heart open wide,To stories of sorrow, of battles inside.A beacon, a harbor where hearts could unmoor,A refuge for souls battered, weary, and sore. But sorrow, like rain, can erode even stone,Day after day, seeped into bone.I once felt their grief like a knife in my chest,Now numbness grows stronger; and... Continue Reading →
I am preparing to teach a class on ethics to students starting their education in human services. In putting together one of the weekly quizzes I included a question on empathy fatigue. In a nutshell, empathy fatigue is being desensitized to things you would normally care about (empathize about) due to repeated exposure to stressful,... Continue Reading →
I’m not one for making resolutions but I do take a few moments at the start of each year to remind myself of the things I’ve committed to trying to do each day (learn something new, lead a life to be followed, live like there is no tomorrow, & love extravagantly) and determine if there... Continue Reading →
As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the Elderwood grounds, Art and Max continued their conversation, their voices weaving a tapestry of memories and adventures. Art leaned back in his chair, his eyes distant as he recalled his career. "You know, Max, being a public defender wasn't always easy. There were days when... Continue Reading →
Here's a poem about resolutions, contrasting their utility and futility: The turning page, a brand new year, A time for change, both of hope and fear. Resolutions born, ambitions grand, A fresh start etched in shifting sand. To break the chains, to mend the past, A brighter future, built to last. To conquer vices, tame... Continue Reading →
I was told by someone recently (almost proudly it seemed) that they get their news from Tik Tok. In full disclosure, I am not a user of Tik Tok so I am going only on my assumptions here, but this claim did not inspire confidence in me as to this person’s news literacy. I am... Continue Reading →
I have only the vaguest concept of what day it is. It is that weird time between Christmas and New Year’s Day when you already don’t have any sense of normalcy or schedule. Add on top of that not having a traditional work schedule as a retiree who now works freelance and Cathie having some... Continue Reading →
A Turkey's Last Will & Testament Gather close, my flock, and heed my cry,For the shadow looms, and my time is nigh.The farmer’s axe glints sharp and bright,And I’ve seen the truth in the waning light. Oh, brothers, sisters, scratch the earth no more,For what lies ahead shakes me to the core.This day of thanks,... Continue Reading →
One of the simple pleasures I enjoy when traveling is tracking state license plates on my phone. There are several apps available that allow you to track license plates as you encounter them in your travels. I have been tracking state license plates over the last year and I am proud to report that there... Continue Reading →
AI Prompt: Write the first chapter of a five-chapter book about two aging dungeon masters who bought one of the first copies of the original Dungeons and Dragons role playing game. The two dungeon masters now reside in an assisted living facility and each day at lunch they tell stories about their most successful campaigns.... Continue Reading →
AI Prompt: Write a poem about the drama mamas of Facebook Version 1 In the digital realm where stories unfold, The Drama Mamas, bold and uncontrolled. With fingers poised, they type away, Their tales of woe, their daily fray. In Facebook's land, they reign supreme, Their posts a never-ending stream. From PTA to neighborhood spats,... Continue Reading →
The Spectrum Unfolded As the first light of dawn broke over Eden, Adam and Eve found themselves marveling at the rich tapestry of colors that painted their world. With green, blue, and red named, they turned their attention to the remaining hues that caught their eye. The morning sun cast a golden glow across the... Continue Reading →
AI Prompt: Write a poem about the sadness of time changing in the fall with daylight savings time The Stolen Hour An hour slips between my hands— Dark comes knocking, uninvited, While my body still demands The sun that's been delighted To keep me company till now, Till this arbitrary theft Of light we somehow... Continue Reading →
Chapter Four: The Fire of Red As dawn broke over Eden, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Adam and Eve's attention was drawn to a cluster of trees bearing fruit they had not yet tasted. The round, gleaming orbs hung heavy on the branches, their vibrant color a stark contrast to the... Continue Reading →
certifiable 