by Mary | May 9, 2014 | Uncategorized
“Chasing meaning is better for your health than avoiding discomfort.” – Kelly McGonigal “I never leave my house…” No matter how many times we hear these words from veterans arriving at our SongwritingWith:Soldiers retreats, it is always a...
by Mary | Apr 18, 2014 | Uncategorized
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...
by Mary | Dec 31, 2013 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Mary | Dec 13, 2013 | Uncategorized
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...
by Mary | Oct 18, 2013 | Uncategorized
I don’t think there’s anyone above age 5 who doesn’t have feelings about war. We are introduced to it in countless ways — by seeing footage on the news, hearing an ancient fable at bedtime, listening to a story about a relative who was a Veteran, the list goes...
by Mary | Sep 3, 2013 | Uncategorized
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...
