Neal Lemery: Recent Episodes
Neal Lemery
My blog and my books: Building Community, Finding My Muse on Main Street, Homegrown Tomatoes, and Mentoring Boys to Men
A friend struggles with addiction, depression, anxiety, and his fear of failure. What is my role, as the caring, concerned friend?
Taking care of myself and taking care of my community. A conversation about using technology and helping others, while also taking care of yourself.
Reaching out in a dark month, remembering good times, good deeds, good friends, and the beauty of nature. Part of community caretaking
Living a good life depends on healthy relationships, with others, and with yourself. Life experiences gives me opportunities for self-reflection, and for being motivated to be a caring, sensitive, engaged friend. And, being a good friend for myself.
Dealing with the complexities of today's life, let's get back to the basics of introspection, contemplation, and thoughtful citizenship and artistic expression.
Often, it is the right time to sit down and write down your thoughts and share them with the world. We all have stories, and we need to share them, to create a better world.
There's a time to be quiet, but there are also times to speak up, to address injustice and inequality, and to share your thoughts about a more just society.
When cold, windy weather comes, we all respond. It is a great time to hunker down at home with a good book, some tea, and lots of projects. A time of productivity, rest, and contemplation.
The Tillamook County Historical Society is a busy, engaged group of dedicated volunteers, looking ahead to a busy 2024.
Sunday mornings are quiet and contemplative in my house. My thoughts on peaceful thoughts and looking ahead at a productive week.
Being present with someone is the essence of friendship and good communication. Holding space is the idea of being fully present, being a true and active friend.
We all struggle with loneliness. We aren't alone, but it is important to be aware of our feelings, and our ability to work through those feelings and move ahead. Here are my thoughts.
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2023/03/30/towards-purposeful-work/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2023/03/12/work-your-hard/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2023/02/27/quiet-time-and-simple-gifts/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2023/02/11/doing-the-right-thing/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2023/02/02/through-the-eyes-of-a-child/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2023/01/22/special-moments-with-jim/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/12/25/savoring-the-silence/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/12/19/yet-another-review-of-my-book-from-the-tillamook-county-pioneer/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/12/15/another-nice-review/
Early morning thoughts. A time to hold space, find yourself, and organize the day with calming rituals. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/11/25/quiet-time/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/11/14/some-post-election-thoughts-standing-up-for-myself/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/10/05/roundabout-struggling-with-addiction/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/09/13/guerrilla-gardening-bringing-light-into-our-world/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/08/30/what-i-learned-this-summer/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/08/22/listening-can-be-the-change/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/08/04/each-of-us-can-be-a-force-for-change/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/07/27/finding-determination-in-an-old-family-photo/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/07/25/ranked-choice-voting-is-it-in-our-future/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/07/14/taking-time-to-grieve/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/06/28/the-bramblebush-a-look-at-the-law-on-abortion/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/06/20/learning-from-my-tomatoes/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/05/28/my-ten-minute-rule/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/05/25/the-power-of-collective-silence/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/05/16/free-two-years-six-lives-and-the-long-journey-home-by-lauren-kessler-a-book-review/
What I get out of gardening. The miracle of planting a seed, and how it reverberates throughout my life. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/04/20/planting-seeds/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/04/18/revising-an-old-family-story/
How the unexpected conversation at the post office or the grocery store builds community, deepens friendships, and advances peace and compassion. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/03/13/the-unexpected-conversation/
Coping with a friend's relapse into the world of meth, and how I am trying to move forward. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/03/07/meth-world-my-bitter-truth/
Moving on from the pandemic. How do we adapt to change, and move forward, building a healthy society and having productive conversations? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/02/27/our-differences-and-the-coming-change/
A poetic look at creativity and the beginning of a project. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/02/16/beginning/
Remembering the guidance and love of my grandfather, who was more than just an old farmer. He was my hero, my teacher, and a teacher of love and neighborliness. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/02/07/the-old-hay-fork/
Pruning our lives and our community relationships and institutions to build a stronger community. How we can move forward. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/01/27/pruning-time-2/
The small conversations, the small actions of one person can change lives and build community. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/01/20/small-things/
We need to connect with each other, one person to another, and thereby change our lives and the world. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2022/01/09/reaching-out-one-to-one/
Building community, being mindful of the spirit of ubuntu, and planning for the new year. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/12/30/filling-up-the-new-calendar/
We can simplify gift giving and give from our heart, the gifts of time, compassion, and friendship. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/12/17/unexpected-gifts-giving-from-the-heart/
Coping with consumerism and the pressure to "give more" during the holidays. A look at meaningful gift giving. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/11/30/simple-gifts/
Looking at the Kenosha verdict in the eyes of the law. A call for reform and dialogue. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/11/21/the-verdict-in-kenosha/
Thoughts on how we can engage in our community and build upon our weaknesses. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/11/14/examining-our-strengths-and-weaknesses/
What's it like to be paroled from prison, and start your life again? Freedom Day, in all its highs and lows, building a day of hope.
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/11/02/the-shirt-off-my-back/
Doing self-care and regrouping on a rainy Sunday afternoon. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/10/18/recharging/
Connecting with each other in our hearts, while at the grocery checkout line. The pandemic and isolation, and unity. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/10/07/hows-the-family/
How do I get through this sense of being stuck in my creativity? Fall is a time of contemplation and renewal. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/10/01/thoughts-on-creating-and-harvest/
Poetic thoughts on a visit to the bay. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/09/16/estuary-moment/
How do I cope with my own fear of failure, disappointment? How do I deal with a fearful and frightening world?
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/09/08/living-with-fear-in-challenging-times/
Reflecting on how we can support each other, and build our community, by giving back. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/09/03/a-time-to-give-back/
When we connect with people, we can improve society and build community. It's the simple stuff that changes lives. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/07/24/spreading-some-good-cheer/
A review of Karen Keltz' new juvenile mystery novel, Laurel Hedges and the Evil Lurker. A fun book for all ages. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/07/16/laurel-hedges-and-the-evil-lurker-by-karen-keltz-a-book-review/
Thoughts on our responsibilities this Independence Day. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/07/05/celebrating-independence-and-honoring-our-responsibilities/
So many lessons to be learned from the Pandemic, and moving forward. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/06/16/teachings-from-the-pandemic/
An intimate look at grief, on the sudden passing of a friend. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/06/06/1474/
Looking at what I've learned from the Pandemic. A reflection on how I've grown and changed, and how we all have. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/05/22/what-i-am-learning-from-the-pandemic/
Thinking about Mother's Day and the need to be nurtured. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/05/09/being-mothered/
Looking at life from a different perspective on a spring day. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/04/30/taking-in-a-different-view/
I take a personal look at racism and prejudice, and how we can all act to change our attitudes, and our culture. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/04/23/calling-for-a-change/
Hear about my book of stories on mentoring young men to lead productive lives and navigate the troubled waters of youth and emerging manhood. This is a rich collection of heroic tales of troubled young men coping with American society, and how they can succeed. You, too, can be a mentor, and an agent of change for others in need.
Hear about my book that connects with change makers in rural America, people who are making a difference in rural Oregon. Learn about their perspectives, their skills in energizing rural life.
I'm inviting you to explore my coming of age novel of a young artist growing up in a small Oregon coastal town. Learn how he rejuvenates his home town and learns the life stories of many of his neighbors and friends.
A response to the Pandemic, and procrastination. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/01/27/finding-courage-in-myself-to-move-ahead/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/03/23/triggered/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/01/06/why-i-volunteer/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/02/07/free-speech-a-limitation-on-government-a-tool-of-responsible-citizenship/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/03/10/shopping-the-cultural-marketplace/
My poem about getting vaccinated for the Covid virus. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://neallemery.com/2021/04/12/first-jab-second-jab/