I have a friend who is working so hard I worry about him, he has no time for the soft things of life. I want to take him by the shoulders and talk to him about the soft things, they are the point of life, it’s purpose. Reading a book. Taking a walk. Weeding a garden. Giving carrots to donkeys. Making love. Talking to friends. Taking photos. Singing songs.

What is the purpose of work? Of making money if we do not experience any of the soft things of life. To me, that is a kind of slavery. Watching Maria in the garden today, hanging out with the hens, I thought the image spoke to me of the soft things in life, of how important they are. Today I will read a book, write some poems, take some photos, do some walking, love my wife. I will devote this day to the soft things in life.