It’s been a dry week, both outside on our little shelf of California shoreline, and in here at the cluttered writing desk. Such times will come; they come with more frequency than the rain. 

So many distractions. My desktop computer is out of service. Hard drive fail. I’ve got a new drive in it, but I’m waiting for software to arrive. Everything is backed up and I can, and often do, write and edit with this laptop. But there’s something about not doing it by choice that’s mentally irritating. 

In the words of The Grateful Dead, “I don’t know but I’ve been told, that when the horse won’t pull you’ve got to carry the load.” Not exactly the inspiration that I’m looking for tonight. Instead, I’m thinking of something a friend told me once, “Trust Life.” 

So to my life, or to life on life’s terms, I say:

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.

     – William Arthur Ward