o-pe-ra / ˈäp(ə)rə noun a dramatic composition featuring singers and instrumentalists, in which all dialogue is sung with accompaniment No good opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible. H. Auden, 1907-1973   the score of a musical drama I seem to write an opera about every 20 years; if you live long enough you can write... Read More

com-mit-ment / kəˈmitmənt   noun   a pledge to do something in the future It takes a deep commitment to change and even deeper commitment to grow. Ralph Ellison, 1914-1994   the act of having agreed to do something It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through. Zig Ziglar,... Read More

for-ward / ˈfôrwərd   adverb ahead; toward or at a point or time in advance You cannot propel yourself forward by patting yourself on the back. Traditional Proverb   toward the front You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety. Abraham Maslow, 1908-1970   adjective brash Saying that someone is “forward” implies that their advances are unwanted, perhaps... Read More

pros-per-i-ty / präˈsperədē   noun   the condition of thriving and having success In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends. John Churton Collins, 1848-1908

ground-hog / ˈɡroundˌhäɡ,ˈɡroundˌhôɡ noun 1.      a woodchuck; a stocky marmot native to North America The groundhog is like most other prophets; it delivers its prediction and then disappears. Bill Vaughan, 1915-1977

art / ärt   noun   a skill acquired by experience, practice, etc. To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. Kurt Vonnegut, 1922-2007   a branch of learning Poetry is one of the ancient arts, and it began as did all the fine arts, within the original wilderness of the earth. Mary Oliver,... Read More

ran-dom / ˈran-dəm   adjective   lacking purpose, reason or plan When you expand your awareness, seemingly random events will be seen to fit into a larger purpose. Deepak Chopra, 1946-   made, done or chosen with no specific purpose Once you begin to acknowledge random acts of kindness – both the ones you have received and the ones you have given – you... Read More

glimpse / ɡlim(p)s   noun   a brief, passing view or look A glimpse at my night stand gives the mostly true impression that I am a book hoarder. Courtney Sullivan, 1982-   an inkling When you catch a glimpse of your potential, that’s when passion is born. Zig Ziglar, 1926-2012   verb   to get a quick look or view; to glance Having... Read More

af-fin-i-ty / əˈfinədē   noun   a liking for or attraction to a person, thing, etc. Creativity begins with an affinity for something. Howard Gardner, 1943-   kinship; sympathy due to common interest Those whom I deemed Changed to my kin, the friends of whom I dreamed, Have aged and lost our old affinity: One has to change to stay akin to me. from... Read More

re-ward / rəˈwôrd   verb   to present with a thing or token as a symbol of accomplishment, service, merit, etc. Hard work should be rewarded with good food. from ‘ The Pillars of the Earth’ by Ken Follett, 1949-   to recompense for service, etc. I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth – and truth... Read More