Many people recognize we live in times demanding reexamination of our highest values and deepest sources of meaning.

Soon after waking, I step onto my balcony and into a cheerful summer morning…my inner weather, however, serves up something quite different.

At two years of age, Henry moves his body with an economy suggestive more of wise elder than young poodle pup. Neither skip nor squirm betrays enthusiasm or interferes with the silent, zen-like bearing of his slender ten-pound frame.

I’m digging deep dark down. Mining for gold…for something to write. Somewhere a geyser of words awaits, somewhere Vesuvian vitality pulses.