Merlin’s favorite times of the year are the fall and spring, simply because that’s when windows can be open and he can watch (and smell) the birds and squirrels that he’d like to be outside chasing. Here, he peers intently at the back yard through the open window right next to my desk earlier this week. Merlin is the one who disappeared for a couple of days after an escape through a screen about two years ago. He doesn’t seem to eager to leave the comforts of home behind after that adventure.

What dark magic will it take to get Obama re-elected? Merlin knows
Pursuit of perfection leaves me feeling shame when I’m flawed
Libertarian freedom vs. conservative tradition leads to culture clash
What’s at the root of objections to real freedom? Paternalism
When people push inner buttons, it’s easy to spiral down into dark
As you grow, learn to let go of things that no longer serve you
In a culture that worships youth, we’re scared to look in a mirror