Roy’s Sunday Letter for March 3,2024

** Today, from 5:00 to 6:30, Lanterns on the Trail, an event of remembering loved ones and those we honor will be held at Fort Worth’s newest conference and retreat center, The Keith House. Music, readings from wise women and men, lighted lantern sacks are all part of this first year event in support of terminally ill patients of Project 4031. This is a free, come and go community event. If you can do so, please come, see, and be part of a wonderous afternoon!

• Sadness and sorrow for the Smokehouse Creek fires, destruction of homes, crops, livestock, creatures, and Panhandle grass lands environment. Beth and I lived in Amarillo and the Panhandle for18 years. We know the power of the wind and remember well the many small towns. Our hearts are sad for the suffering and loss from the fires.

** Soon the daily mail of political mailings and commercials will end, I hope! Most ads seem to puff up how mean and tough one person can be, while discounting the contributions of another. Clearly, there are healthier, more productive ways of messaging values, beliefs, and a brighter tomorrow. I hope for a candidate of courage that will respect and includes others, admitting they have as many questions as answers, and ask, we voters to join in that person’s desire for a better, happier, respectful community.

• From CNN’s weekly ‘Good Stuff:” Every day 27,000 trees are cut down to produce toilet paper. Good Stuff reports there is a 3-ply bamboo toilet paper available that feels the same and saves trees too. I am checking it out. Our friends Debbie and Charles have been doing eco-friendly products for years as well as others. Thank you

** “It is nearly impossible to become an educated person in a country so distrustful of the independent mind.” from the wisdom of James Baldwin

• 32 alumni, faculty, family, and students at Texas Wesleyan University gathered in a library conference on Thursday. We were there for the unveiling of a sculpture of Dr. Alice Wonders. She taught Religion from 1945 to 1976. Dr. Wonders was one of the first women to serve as Division Chair for Philosophy and Religion. The sculpture was commissioned by alumnus who admired and benefitted from her teaching and guidance. A woman of courage and faith!

** Movie Recommendation – Netflix – “MIRROR – JOY. Finding Happiness In a Troubled World,” (1 hr. 22 minutes). The Dala Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu met together at the Dali Lama’s home in India for five days in 2015. The book “The Book of Joy, Lasting Happiness in a Changing World,” shares the dialogue of important topics, words, and caring conversation for all people of the world. “Mirror – Joy” is the film of their one-on-one discussions and conversations, with much laughter and enjoyment of each other, and even dance steps by Bishop Tutu. Be inspired by these two men who fought the fight, lived the truths now shared with us all.

Roy, looking forward to all who will come to Lanterns on the Trail.