There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.

Going vegetarian - and then vegan - has calmed me down, and it has also made me physically and emotionally strong. I do crave meat once in a while, but I find that spiritually, non-vegetarian food works against my emotional health.

There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.

The first thing I think about when I wake up most mornings is the fact that I'm tired. I have been tired for decades. I am tired in the morning and I am tired while becalmed in the slough of the afternoon and I am tired in the evening except right when I try to go to sleep.

I have faith the men and women of the Coast Guard will immediately rise to the challenge and see the people hit by Katrina through until the storm has truly calmed.