Change, Ambiguity and Trade-Offs 3 August 2022 Harry Hoyt   A few years ago, I sent you a list of things to do and not to do as you negotiate the routines as well as the challenges of life. I recently reread a letter I sent to a friend in response to his question about some of the realities he faces on a daily basis. They are change, retain what you learn, ambiguity and trade-offs.   Change   There’s a saying that’s been around for quite a while that “Nothing is certain excep

Originally sent 26 May 2019 Revised and Expanded 29 Dec 2024 Revised 2 Jan 2025   Dear Wayne, Sarah, Jake, Katie, Cambri, Scott, Mikki, Westin, Mannon, Kristen, Brad, Jennifer, Ted, Channing, April, Joshua, Christina, Brittany, Nick, Ashley, Anthony, LaBria, Bryce, Heather, Gabe, Jessica, Caleb, Elijah, Isaac, Seth, Gracie and Sydney.   Copies to: Erin, Wayne, Matt, Connie, Paige, Dave, Andy, Susan, Shannon, Chris, Cameron and Berta   I wrote the original “Words to Live By” f

There are a lot of things in this world I do not understand. One of those things is infinity. How can something have no beginning and no ending and still exist? I think God is infinite, and therefore I don’t understand the totality of God. We as human beings tend to model God in our image. We speak of God in human terms using pronouns, “he, she, it” and ask, “Who is God?” I think that casts God in terms of human beings, and that's probably so we can better define and relate t

Traveling is more than just visiting new places and people. It is about creating memories, experiencing different cultures, and discovering the beauty of our world and the people who populate it. You also experience places that are not so Comfortable and populations that are not nearly as well off as you are. I have done a great deal of traveling starting with a trip to Europe with my brother Mike after my graduation from Carleton College in 1959. That was followed by four ye

Include People : Photos of locals can add depth to your travel story. Ask for permission before taking their picture and be respectful of their space. Composing a Photo: One of the major considerations in composing a photograph is the background surrounding the subject. There are times when the background is very important to show the context. For example, If you're visiting the Sphinx in Egypt, you will probably want to include the Sphinx in photographs you take of others in

Over the years I have learned some things about taking photographs of people in countries that I visited and, also, taking portraits of individuals, couples, and families here at home. I will share tips on how to capture those special moments, make a frameable photo. I obviously think photography is a fantastic way to preserve your travel and family event memories. A single photo can transport you back to a moment in time. Yet, capturing truly stunning images requires more t