BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA ARIZONA – Last week, Jane, a dear friend died. She was the “emergency number” that my parents had given the school to call if they could not reach them. There were times the school called her and she came. It is comforting for a young person to know there are …
Ben Hug
BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA ARIZONA — Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.” – Douglas MacArthur My son …
Stand for Something
BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA ARIZONA — Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. – Martin Luther King It is true that I do not believe in destiny. I believe in …
Works of Art
BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA, ARIZONA – Tonight, I was able to view the Grand Prize winners of last year’s PBS/ITVS Independent Lens Online Shorts Festival. I watched “ Paris, 1951” and “Someday Flowers Bloom.” These two films are works of art and works of love. Viewing them reminded me of my hope and reinforced …
They Still Hurt
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 …
Unconditionally
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 …
Doing Nothing
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 …
Real Time
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 …
Morning
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. …
Innocence
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 …