Thursday night was the last night of the Alpha Course. In this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, I reflect on the gifts of faith and friendship I’ve received over the last 12 weeks. Plus: Europe’s reduction in emissions, harnessing the power of sand, and decluttering bathroom drawers.
The Sunday Spark – We can all make a difference
In this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, the inspiring story that prompted me to consider how we all have the power to make a difference in our own corner of the world. Plus, interesting facts from an Earth Day webinar, the important role of pollinators, and decluttering under the bathroom sink.
Third quarter update on my 60 before 60 list
With less than three months to go until my 60th birthday, it’s time for another update on my 60 before 60 list. At the halfway point in January, I was ahead of schedule. Read on to find out how much progress I made in the 3rd quarter of my 60th year.
The Sunday Spark – How long will it take me to read 1000 books?
In this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, I discuss how long I think it will take to reach my retirement goal of reading 1000 books. Plus: the best plant-based milk for the environment, the world’s largest solar power site, why water is a precious resource, and decluttering books and magazines.
The Sunday Spark – In praise of undervalued gifts
Last weekend, I unplugged for 48 hours and returned feeling physically, mentally, and spiritually refreshed. This week, I took some time to reflect on gifts and talents—especially the undervalued gifts that society doesn’t always appreciate.
In addition to undervalued gifts, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark looks at National Gardening Day, daylighting buried rivers, climate change and your morning coffee, and decluttering media.
March 2024 roundup – Great reads and goals update
April is here and there are signs that spring weather is on its way. I fell behind with a few things last month, so my March 2024 roundup is a little lighter than usual. Even so, I made decent progress on my goals and found a couple of terrific posts to share with you. One is about niksen—the Dutch art of doing nothing—and the second is on why we need to slow down.
The Sunday Spark – Seeking the pause that refreshes
Without googling, do you know which company made the slogan “the pause that refreshes” famous?
In this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, I share my plans for a pause that refreshes. Plus: facts about EV fires, workplace transportation perks, Toronto’s new bylaw to reduce single-use cups, and decluttering living area table surfaces.
The Sunday Spark – World Happiness Report shows big gap between young and old
Released this week, the 2024 World Happiness Report paints a worrisome picture of the mental state of young people in English-speaking countries, especially here in North America.
In addition to the World Happiness Report, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark looks at the cost of loneliness, the 2023 Air Quality Index, the environmental promise of white paint, and decluttering accessories.
The Sunday Spark – A suitcase of memories
A few weeks ago, I bought a new carry-on suitcase to replace one I’d been travelling with for over 20 years. As I prepare to retire my old blue suitcase, I fondly remembered the places we travelled together.
In addition to my suitcase of memories, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, looks at Earth Overshoot Day, banning fossil fuel advertising, electric vehicle economics, and decluttering purses and bags.
February 2024 roundup – Great reads and goals update
March is here, so the strange winter of 2024 is almost over. I’m excited for spring, but I’m sure winter won’t let us get off quite this easily. Today’s blog post has my monthly goals update, and terrific posts on the importance of time over money, AI and creativity, and greenwashing signs to look out for.