It’s hard to believe 18 years have sneaked by since the world witnessed commercial airliners exploited as gravely destructive weapons of war. I remember waking up that Tuesday morning to the news as a college student in my tiny 4^th floor studio apartment in downtown Portland. The horrific images repeatedly aired across the networks rocked the globe, and I knew life would never be the same again. Here’s an account of many changes since, and an author’s story of how countless individuals’ fate turned on one seemingly innocuous decision that day. Hoping you find peace and solace on this day of reflection.

A few other things I’ve been wanting to share… Movies often mimic real life. Here’s a story of a persistent young woman who fastened her reality and sought public redress after watching Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Her efforts help led to the passage of New York’s Child Victims Act – giving rise to thousands of claims against child sexual predators.

On a much lighter note (no pun intended), I’ve been looking for fun, practical ways to upcycle Cary’s guitar strings – he wears through dozens every month – and I am tempted to try a smaller version of this bad ass DIY orb pendant to hang in Neve’s room.  

I drove past an “Elect a clown, expect a circus” bumper sticker yesterday, and just when you think the circus can’t get any crazier the madness persists with our Jester-in-Chief employing black markers on maps to deceive the public about the path of a hurricane.

As one who incurred nearly $150k (and still owes over $80,000 – eek!) in student debt obtaining Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctorate degrees in my twenties, this article hits painfully close to home and makes me question the sustainability of our current higher education infrastructure.

Have you seen Elizabeth Gilbert’s 10 writing tips? I especially appreciate this encouragement, “Remember that you’ve been doing research your whole life, merely by existing. You are the only expert in your own experience. Embrace this as your supreme qualification.”

I have always considered myself driven by mission (more than money), but I have yet to compose my personal mission statement. Stay tuned – I’ll be working on one! Cheers till next time!