The years since September 11, 2001 have been troubling. The day after the twin towers of the World Trade Center came down, one of our consultants said, "I wonder how many of our freedoms we'll be giving up."

I thought it odd at the time, but now see his foresight. As I looked for a restroom in a post office recently, I went though a security checkpoint complete with metal detector and wand, something unheard of before. When I reclaimed my pen, coins, cellphone, watch, belt, and other personal items, I remembered Lorrin's comment about giving up our freedoms. 

Sometimes instead of sending a newsletter that's "all about me," I send something informative or inspirational. In this case, a photo postcard. The response is universally positive, and I like to collect the replies.