BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA ARIZONA — If your mouth turns into a knife, it will cut off your lips. – African Proverb I like quotes. I like to apply them to my life. A few years ago, I decided to invoke one that I’d heard from my mother for much of my life, “If …

BY PAMELA BOWMAN – MESA ARIZONA – There have been few moments in my life where I have felt connected to other humans. It takes time, energy and trust. Today was a day full of moments of sharing. I had many meaningful conversations with those I cherish. I am not sure I feel any more …

PAMELA JO BOWMAN – MESA ARIZONA — I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein’s brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops. — Stephen Jay Gould I am interested in Einstein’s brain AND in the minds of those …

Before enlightenment chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. — Wu Li Have you ever thought about eternity? I mean, in real time? Having an 18-year-old in the house for two months before she leaves for college is challenging for me. To support herself in college she is working two …

PAMELA JO BOWMAN – MESA AZ I love music. As a teenager I was introduced to Dan Fogelberg. His words touched me then and they still touch me today. On my favorite album, Homefree, there are many songs that ring true for me. Today I was reminded of the following haunting melody and stirring words. …

BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN – MESA, ARIZONA — This morning Wistie received word that three of her close friends were involved in an automobile accident on their way to California. One received head injuries, but is recovering, one is physically fine and is probably on his way home. The third friend will not be coming …

PAMELA JO BOWMAN – MESA ARIZONA – When I was in second grade I became Batman. My friend, Suzette, with her freckles and mousy brown hair became Robin, my sidekick. Admittedly, I was obsessed with the TV Series. So one Sunday, driving to my Uncle Don’s for yet another family get together, I visualized putting …

BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN – MESA ARIZONA – This poem touches my heart. It always has. Love’s Mendicant by Susan Mitchell What do I want of thee? No gift of smile or tear Nor casual company, But in still speech to me Only thy heart to hear. To know another person so intimately so that …

PAMELA BOWMAN – MESA, ARIZONA — I walked out of my house this morning for an early morning swim. I looked down at my feet as they walked and realized those were my feet. They seemed so unfamiliar. New wrinkles on my toes. And the conversation began…with myself. “It’s 2007.” “No, it couldn’t be. It …

PAMELA JO BOWMAN – MESA ARIZONA – My youngest daughter had a group “daddy-daughter” date the other night. It was a swimming party. She was excited to go. It reminded me of when I was little and had one with my Dad. It was always an evening that I looked forward to. While they were …