There is a lot to learn from a tree.

It has various parts, each of which has a certain function.

Two parts of the tree hold it upright so it can face the wind and not fall.

Those parts are the roots and the trunk.

Another part that shows some flexibility are the branches.

Finally, the leaves bloom and fade in rhythm with the seasons.

Do you have values that are unchangeable just like those roots and trunk?

Are you flexible in coping with our changing times like those branches?

Do you grow and learn how to be in rhythm with your present needs like those leaves?

A lot to learn from a tree!

There are two things in life: Fact & Perception.

And Fact doesn’t count.

A perfect example is that people perceive that inflation is still high.

Actually, inflation has been reduced to 2.4%.

This is the lowest rate since February of 2021!

For this reason, the U.S. has the world’s strongest economy.

But, people don’t PERCEIVE it that way.

So, Fact doesn’t count!

It’s only what we perceive to be the fact.

It’s always been that way!

Starbucks is bringing back hand-written names in Sharpie on cups and self-serve stations with sugar and cream to try to win back customers.

Baristas handwriting customers’ names and messages on their drink orders in marker will make a comeback, new Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said Wednesday on a quarterly earnings call.

It’s part of his strategy to recreate a coffeehouse vibe at Starbucks and add a “human touch.”

“The number I heard was something like close to 200,000 Sharpies we’ve got to track down,” Niccol said in an interview with CNBC Wednesday. “Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as just going to the Staples and picking up some Sharpies.” (CNN)

Starbucks changed the original formula that made it successful.

So many companies make the same mistake!

Victory for both the Harris and Trump campaigns likely runs through Pennsylvania.

In the commonwealth’s biggest city, election officials say they’re ready to count the vote.

…and to beat back a torrent of misinformation that’s already arrived. (CNN)

With the election one week away, misinformation is trying to disrupt valid voting!

Now, it begins!

Let’s hope the protective measures are up to the challenge.

This is a difficult topic, but one that must be addressed.

We have a photo of my recently deceased brother in our living room.

And when I look at it I ask myself, could I have done more?

We had a good relationship, and we we did talk frequently.

Was that enough?

Do you have someone you should be closer to?

Do you initiate the effort even if it doesn’t go both ways?

Do it now while you still have time!

If not today, when?

When a banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $120,000 in 2019, social media uproar and an age-old debate about the meaning of art ensued.

But artist Maurizio Cattelan’s viral creation, titled “Comedian,” may yet prove a sound investment:

On Friday, auction house Sotheby’s announced that one of the artwork’s three “editions” is going back on sale — this time with an estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million.

For their money, the winning bidder will receive a roll of duct tape and one banana, as well as a certificate of authenticity and official instructions for installing the work.

Sotheby’s confirmed to CNN that neither the tape nor, thankfully, the banana are the originals. (CNN)

Has the art world gone mad?

I’ll ask you to provide the answer.

Navy lost to Notre Dame 51 to 14.

As much as I wanted ND to win.

Not with that outcome!

Blake Horvath, the Navy QB,was mentioned as a Heisman candidate prior to the game.

He entered the game with an injury to his right hand.

So, he was unable to play up to his potential.

Also, Navy fumbled the ball six times which was VERY uncharacteristic.

Maybe the HUGE crowd that comes to all ND games gave the Navy players the jitters.

(Everybody wants to beat Notre Dame.)

All I know is: That wasn’t Navy football!

Yep, my dad was a professor at Notre Dame for 21 years and I was an officer in the Navy Reserve for 9 years.

So, that’s where the mixed emotions come from.

Navy is unbeaten this year with 6/0 record.

They use a very unusual offense called “The Triple Option.”

It’s difficult to know who has the ball.

Notre Dame has a standing agreement that it will play Navy every year.

I hope Navy will win every other game this season.

Just not this one!

True friends are not judgemental.

There are times throughout our lives when a friend should do nothing more than listen.

…And that’s enough.

We must remember that friendships go both ways.

Sometimes, you are hurting and need your friend.

In order for a friendship to survive long term it requires total honesty.

Communications can be honest only when the relationship is built on trust.

So, lasting friendships must be carefully nurtured by both parties.

If one has inadvertently offended the other person, a sincere apology must be forthcoming!

If not today, when?

We’ve never had an election where our country’s future is so uncertain.

And uncertainty brings tension.

I’ve heard that some people are delaying certain purchases pending the outcome.

People deal with stress differently.

Regardless, we’ll wake up the morning after the election and go about our lives.

There will be things to be done and bills to pay.

I hope the diviseness can be put behind us.

We’ll see.