I was reading a news article about politics in Germany this weekend, and something a 20-year-old said caught my attention. This young man said, "… but we just want a normal life.” All politics aside, this declaration took me back to when I was 20—yes, a little over 31 years ago for those who want … Continue reading I Just Want a Normal Life
Author: Edward Ortiz
Rockin’ Thursday XLVIII
For today’s Rockin’ Thursday, I’m featuring "Love Will Keep Us Alive” by the Eagles, an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. I thought I’d continue the theme of love that I started yesterday with my poem. Also, with everything happening in this country and around the world, I feel that these words, "Love Will Keep … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XLVIII
My Forever Love
It took me some time to write this poem, but it finally arrived. It’s dedicated to my beautiful wife, an extroverted soul who completes me in every way. Words, whether written or spoken, are not enough to describe the love I feel for her. It has been a little over 30 years since I first … Continue reading My Forever Love
The Burden of Leadership
I have been thinking about writing a post that connects the challenge of leadership with the wildfires occurring in California. Here are some thoughts on the issue. It’s frustrating to see and hear national-level leaders and company CEOs blaming the fires on actions taken by state leaders that have nothing to do with the actual … Continue reading The Burden of Leadership
Rockin’ Thursday XLVII
For today’s Rockin’ Thursday, I’m featuring "Amanda" by Boston, an American rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1975. "Amanda" is my favorite song, with "More Than a Feeling" in close second. The song was released in 1986 and reached the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard charts that same year. I really like the lyrics, especially toward the … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XLVII
My Basement Garden (Update)
Back in October, I introduced you to my basement garden project, and so far, it’s going well. At the end of that post, I mentioned that I’d be providing updates in the future, so today I’m doing just that. Since October, I’ve added a second grow light and another table to give the plants a … Continue reading My Basement Garden (Update)
Book Review: Just Discipleship
I was very intrigued when I read the title of this book. My first thought was about discipling Christians to be just and fair. This should, of course, be a given, as all Christians are called to model these virtues. However, in many cases, these characteristics are lacking, which I believe is due to a … Continue reading Book Review: Just Discipleship
Rockin’ Thursday XLVI
For today’s Rockin’ Thursday, I’m featuring Back on the Road Again by REO Speedwagon, an American rock band from Champaign, Illinois, formed in 1967. They have many hits, including Can’t Fight This Feeling. Back on the Road Again was released in 1979 as part of their album Nine Lives. The band broke up last year, but their … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XLVI
Thermodynamics: Because Political Nonsense Is Exhausting
Between proposals to make Greenland the 51st state of the United States, take over the Panama Canal, and rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, the word "thermodynamics" came to mind. Not because I’m some genius scientist—I’m certainly not—but because I’d rather pull out my old college Physics and Physical Chemistry textbooks … Continue reading Thermodynamics: Because Political Nonsense Is Exhausting
Finding Your Flow
Happy New Year, my friends! We spent a wonderful week with family and said goodbye to 2024 in a low-key but meaningful way. As the year turned, I spent some time reflecting on the past and the future, and the word “flow” came to mind. In the book Quiet by Susan Cain, I read that … Continue reading Finding Your Flow
Thoughts about leadership, history, and more 