Pricker Bushes and Skunk Cabbage – The Art of Seeing

Spring has come late this year.  The grass has that yellow-green color  and the daffodils starting to bloom.  A few shoots of early perennials are coming up, but not much else.  The trees aren’t budding yet, so the woods look brown.   Early this week after a warm weekend, I was driving to work looking at the forest as I drove the back roads.  Everything was still brown.  All except for…

photo by Kathleen Thompson

photo by Kathleen Thompson

… pricker bushes and skunk cabbage.

Lessons from the UConn Huskies Basketball Champions

The University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball teams won their NCAA basketball championships this year.  The women were undefeated in the regular season, dominating much of their competition.  The men’s team started more slowly, and progressively improved until they peaked right at the time of the tournament.  Despite being in a league with less competition and name recognition, the Huskies prevailed.  The men overcame not only the odds but also most people’s low expectations to win the National Championship.  A truly inspiring story.

(c) Ingram Publishing/Thinkstock

(c) Ingram Publishing/Thinkstock

The teams have been successful for several years.  Including this year’s championships, the men have won  four championships, and the women have won nine.  As a Connecticut resident, I have watched these teams go from obscurity to major success.  I am proud of these men and women, and proud of their coaches.  Here are three things that we can learn from the Huskies continued success.

The Lion’s Roar – Facing Your Fears

The jungle can be a cruel place.  Animals struggle for survival – finding water, food, and eluding predators.  The smaller, slower, or weaker animals are preyed upon by those larger, stronger, faster, and more cunning.  And one that is feared by almost all in the jungle is the lion.

(c) Redmich/Thinkstock

(c) Redmich/Thinkstock

Lions are called the king of the jungle for good reason.  They are smart, strong, and fast.  They are fierce.  Their roar strikes terror into man and beast alike.  Animals often freeze in fear when they hear that powerful roar.