The Weekly Spark: Original Photography & Reflections

It is amazing how quickly things change. One day you are looking at a late-season landscape, and the next, a sudden shift brings a completely new perspective.

You may notice I’ve been reflecting more on how songs shape my life. Right now, I’m listening to a playlist of rock favorites from the 70s and 80s. “Peace of Mind” by Boston is playing. My friend and I wore out several 8-tracks (remember those?) listening to the debut album, and the title song still stirs many emotions. One verse in particular impacted me then and perhaps even more today: “People living in competition, all I want is to have my peace of mind.”

Lately, the news feels nonstop. I've been making a point to be more selective about what I pay attention to. Taking breaks from the constant updates is something I'm choosing to do more regularly now.
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Instead of the headlines, I put on a playlist of songs I grew up with—mostly 70s tracks.

Welcome to the first Monday of the New Year.
Usually, this is the week of grand declarations. I see so many messages telling us to "crush our goals," "reinvent ourselves," and hustle harder than ever before. But if you are reading this, I have a feeling you are looking for something different. You might be looking for a life that is less about more and more about meaning.

​That is why, for my very first Motivational Monday of 2026, I am turning to the late, great rock musician Warren Zevon.

About the photo: Taken with a Kodak Z612 camera while walking on the Boise River Greenbelt in April 2017. Not a fancy camera, but as they say: the best camera is the one you have with you. It’s proof that moments of wonder are everywhere, if we’re willing to notice.