By Neal Lemery Bayocean: Atlantis of Oregon offers a comprehensive examination of a massive real estate development in one of the Northwest’s most scenic and pristine ocean beaches. The many tales of speculation, promotion, and determination are interwoven with extensive research of original sources to tell the tales of a long-ago age. Jerry Sutherland teaches us history and also engages…
Category: Words of Wisdom
WORDS OF WISDOM: Work Your Hard
by Neal Lemery Sometimes, it seems easy to skip over the hard stuff, to ignore the “to do” list, those nagging chores and obligations, and go do something else, anything else. I’m full of excuses. Yesterday, I got most of that chore stuff done. Most of the “to do” list is done, it’s not my night to cook dinner so…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Quiet Time and Simple Gifts
by Neal Lemery I had a lot of quiet time this past week. A vigorous snowstorm moved in, dumping nearly a foot of snow, followed by temps in the teens. The power went out for about thirteen hours, rendering the usual distractions of technology silent. We moved to alternative energy sources, still able to make coffee and dinner, and to…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Doing the Right Thing
by Neal Lemery Sometimes in our lives there is a moment where we have a choice, an opportunity. When we see the door open, or the fork in the road, or an opening in a conversation, there is that moment that is magical, pregnant with possibilities, a place to make a real shift, a real change. I can often sense…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Through the Eyes of a Child
by Neal Lemery “Through the eyes of a child you will see the world as it should be.” –Anonymous In recent days, I’ve experienced the simple joys of being around several kids who have been fully engaged in simply enjoying life, with simplicity and without condition. I visited some friends and thought I should bring a present to their two…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Special Moments with Jim
by Neal Lemery Last week, I learned that a good college friend had passed away. He wasn’t a particularly close friend in the usual ways with college friends. We did not often keep in touch, like many friends from our past. We’d run into each other at gatherings every several years. Now I realize he was a mentor and a…
MORE BOOK REVIEWS: Worthwhile Books of 2022
EDITOR’S NOTE: On the top of this list should be Neal’s own new book “Be the Change – One Random Act of Kindness at a Time” – everyone needs this book for 2023. It provides Neal’s “Words of Wisdom” about finding purpose, giving back and so much more. Here’s the link to the Pioneer’s review of the book – and…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Savoring the Silence
by Neal Lemery I’ve arrived in the holidays. Normal obligations have either been taken care of, or completed, or postponed until “later”, which means whenever we feel like getting back to the daily routine. This week’s ice storm has added new reasons to stay at home and enjoy some peace and quiet. Schools are closed, people have left their jobs…
Neal Lemery’s New Book: Be the Change – One Random Act of Kindness at a Time …
Everyone needs this book. The title was often used around our house. One could not complain about this or that without being asked if they could do something about the situation… and if so, then “Be the change.” Pioneer readers are blessed to have Neal’s “Words of Wisdom” on a regular basis, and this book takes many of those commentaries…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Quiet Time
by Neal Lemery I am again learning to cherish the darkness and the quiet of the early morning. I often struggle with the early darkness of the evening and the late-rising sun of November mornings, when late fall and winter descend upon my life like a thick black curtain. Part of me yearns for the summers past and look eagerly…
