Category Archives: Reflection

reflective content, about life and living

good-bye, schwartzchild

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Tom Childers

We first met in early December 2004. He and his brother were 2-month-old kittens at the Marin Humane Society. I was separated from my first wife, living alone in a 2-bedroom house in Terra Linda and trying to make it … Continue reading →

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ttitd v

Posted on September 25, 2022 by Tom Childers

After a three-year hiatus, Burning Man happened again this year. I eagerly prepared early, not knowing if I would get a ticket, or what I would experience. I have learned that clear resolve and intention makes things happen, so I’ve … Continue reading →

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dixie fire dance

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Tom Childers

The last two weeks have been rather nerve-wracking, as the enormous Dixie Fire has moved north and west towards my cabin in Mill Creek. When we got the evacuation warning, Jen and I headed up there, packed valuables and furniture, … Continue reading →

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a test of faith

Posted on January 7, 2021 by Tom Childers

It’s not every day that one wakes up to newspaper titles like this (the Washington Post, Jan 7, 2021):  Schumer calls for Trump to be removed or impeached after pro-Trump mob storms U.S. Capitol A visual reconstruction of how pro-Trump … Continue reading →

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walkabout west, part 4

Posted on October 8, 2020 by Tom Childers

Ah, Mormon country. I’ve been at at my stepsister’s home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, for a couple of days catching up and visiting her and her family. This is the northernmost point of my journey. Camille and Michael are a … Continue reading →

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walkabout west, part 3

Posted on October 2, 2020 by Tom Childers

Santa Fe is the easternmost spot on my journey, and from here, I’m heading north and west. Shannon wanted to visit her family ancestral lands near Shiprock, NM, and I was only too happy to tag along. So we packed … Continue reading →

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walkabout west, part 2

Posted on September 22, 2020 by Tom Childers

Day two is chilly, and I am hiding in my snug sleeping bag as dawn breaks. Finally my desire for coffee and a hot soak gets the better of me, and I emerge into the frosty air and fire up … Continue reading →

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walkabout west, part 1

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Tom Childers

Sheltering in place for 6 months has been good, but it’s time for an exploration. I’m learning that this is a good and necessary part of my soul, both the comfort and security of my home with Jen, and traveling … Continue reading →

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the great reset

Posted on May 9, 2020 by Tom Childers

There is an incredible shift happening in our culture, our relationship with the world, and each of us individually. Just on the face of it, this graph from the CDC shows that, in three months, 1 in 170 people in … Continue reading →

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ttitd iv

Posted on September 19, 2019 by Tom Childers

This was my fourth year at Burning Man, my first solo trip, and my first art build. Last year at this time, Jen an I were wiped out after nine days on the playa, and the noise and chaos at … Continue reading →

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