Columnists

Sundown on Sept. 16 marked the beginning of a 10-day period so sacred to Judaism that it is known in English as “Days of Awe” or “High Holy Days.” Since the traditional Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles, the exact date can vary from year to year, but it always occurs around this time.

“This Sukhothai is a good place! There are fish in the waters, rice grows in the fields. The king does not tax his subjects. The faces of the people are happy.” – An inscription in stone found at the remains of the former royal city of Sukhothai, capital of the first Thai Kingdom in Siam between 1238 and 1349.

As I think about meeting with my clients, my first thoughts turn to the wonderful relationships we have; it’s all about people, first and foremost. I find that my meetings always begin with “catching up,” much as I would with an old friend. That said, the catching up conversations are also a integral part of the financial decisions my clients and I make together - as you will see …

It's almost a cliché today to say that teens are facing tough challenges in their lives, but that doesn't make the statement any less true. Each of us could easily make a list of unhealthy influences on the lives of young people, beginning with drugs and gangs and perhaps ending with Facebook or Twitter.

Sebastian Justice (Vincent Kartheiser), a successful writer, finds himself in the depth of an impasse in his life – he’s a depressed agoraphobic with a sense of humor and a lust for sex and love, and needs to find a reason to live. Dynamic people come in and out of his life trying to find out what has caused this dilemma and trying to get him back on track with writing and life.

Recently one of my Facebook friends, Irene, a woman I graduated with from high school, posted her frustration that one of her friends continually attempts to change Irene’s mind about her political leanings. Troubled by these ongoing efforts, Irene wisely remarked she’d rather concentrate on the reasons she and her friend like one another – rather than focusing on issues where they don’t always agree.

This November’s general election ballots aren’t even printed, and I’m already hearing ads about Proposition 32. It’s clear that Prop 32 will be a heated issue in the upcoming election.

Another dog has claimed me as her human. It took three months after the death of my beloved Pumpkin for that inner voice to tell me, “I think you’re ready.” It’s sooner than I anticipated, but there was a void left behind - an emptiness that I knew could be filled by saving the life of another dog. I simply had to wait for my grief to ease and my heart to open enough to welcome a new companion home.

South Valley Civic Theatre recently celebrated its 44th season at the annual People’s Choice Awards Show where Rob Barham and Kel Whisner, as Masters of Ceremony, brought down the house with audience participation and watermelons. Not surprisingly, “The Wizard of Oz,” with special effects, outstanding costumes and scenery, and a huge cast, took home the lion’s share of awards. There isn’t room here to mention names but you can get the low down at www.svct.org.