'people are itchy and lost and bored and quick to jump at any fix. why is there such a vast self-help industry in this country? why do all of these selves need help? they have been deprived of something by our psycological culture. they have been deprived of the sense that there is something else in life, some purpose that has come with them into the world' - james hillman

that purpose? i'm looking for it. it's there somewhere. i am determined to find it. i think my trip is a step in discovering it.

$33.7 billion? let's throw all of our resources at defense spending...sure. we don't need to educate our children, give health care to our citizens, take care of our elderly...yes, i want our country to be secure. who doesn't? we are happy to put deficit spending on hold for defense measures, but not for so many other problems this country faces.

do you say bless you (or guesuntight) when you hear people sneeze? i heard a segment on npr the other day on this. how people really don't say it much anymore. it's a simple act, a few words that say 'i'm sorry you are ill and sneezing. i hope you are better soon'. to which the sneezer will often say 'thank you' or 'excuse me'. are we losing this courtesy? i always think of the movie 'singles' where bridget fonda's character states that is one requirement for a man she'd like to be with. "i want a guy who will say 'bless you' when I sneeze."

it's not that hard, really. when you do say it to a stranger, their face often shows a look of suprise. which turns to a smile, as they realize that someone cares enough to say those simple words.

bless you.