Ode to My Hero, Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Who are your heroes? How can you emulate them? Today I write in honor of one of my heroes, my favorite author of all time, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I rarely state a favorite of anything, preferring to keep the possibilities for unyielding love wide open. I find it...

The Power of Support

  “I am standing here today because of SongwritingWith:Soldiers.”   Sgt. Nikki Shaw shared these moving words as she introduced Half-Horse Town at our September SongwritingWith:Soldiers fundraiser, a song she co-wrote at a retreat with Darden...
A Gift of Strengths for You!

A Gift of Strengths for You!

I thought it might be fun for you all to try intentionally using your character strengths during the holiday season (and beyond, of course).  I have used these activities over the years and always found them to be enjoyable, elevating, and inspiring.    A Gift...
How to Carry a Tune

How to Carry a Tune

I love to look at this photo from our last retreat at the Carey Center in Rensselaerville, NY and remember so many good things… like the crystal blue skies and gentle breeze. And how, one by one the soldiers, songwriters, staff, and volunteers arrived, each noting the...