Cup of Joe - February 22, 2026

Help: A little help? A common phrase on a sports court is a little help. We all need a little help when our pickle ball at Oakdale Park soars onto the next court. “A little help?” That’s all that’s needed. People generally help. They are often glad to retrieve your errant ball. It’s easy. But, there are other areas where we may not even think it’s appropriate to ask for a little help. Homeless folks begging for a buck - not so much. Salvation Army bell ringers - they have bells and smiles. The United Way - they usually need a lot of help. The average person trying to make sense of the world - same thing. We all need help - from friends, neighbors and strangers. Think of a request for aid as a distracting ball flying into your court and give a little help.  

Price: = Right. Through wars, famines, presidents, winter storms, pandemics, lives and deaths, The Price is Right keeps flying in color into our homes and the YMCA. Is this a televised break in reality? On one tv at the Y, political pundits argue as they try to explain what went wrong in our world yesterday. On another large screen mounted over an exercise machine, happy people are jumping for joy over their selection to play the game. They could be winners! It’s the same world, just different views. The sound is muted. That’s a message.

Fork: Why does everything always have to be about food? It doesn’t, but it feels that way sometimes, especially when there is a fresh chocolate cake in front of me. Thanks Karen! But, I did spot a fork on the road in Lakewood Park this month. Like the random shoe, a person wonders why and what were the circumstances that a single fork ends up in the road. The ever popular winter picnic? It’s the symbol of choosing a direction. Yogi’s wisdom says to take it. I was tempted. But, I’m locked in place for current direction. It feels good. How about you? Ready to take that seemingly lost and dirty fork in the road and make a choice in life? It is Lent. 

 World of: A world of good seems a bit out of reach right now, but dinner and a movie could help. Or a hike through the RiverWoods Trail. Listening to bird song in the early morning as you step outdoors to greet the day. A visit to family can make your day. Or a visit to the Salina Animal Shelter to pet a cat, find the cutest dog. An afternoon nap seems to work. A long drive in the country on a nice day listening to the right tunes. It may not be an entire world of good, but it’s your life. And, a better vibe from you could do someone else a world of good, so pretty soon that world of good has grown. 

Hearts and: Minds, of course. We’ve been over-exposed to red and pink hearts of every variety this month. Pressure to buy - candy, cards or. . . .  And, we know what Russell Stover on the shelves of Dillon’s means to Valentine’s Day. Is it money?  But, the shape of a physical heart to imply feelings of love? One heart is worth a thousand words? One diamond must be worth a long novel that metaphorically says I think love you. So, now it’s the illustration of a brain where the real feelings reside or hide. The brain is more complicated than a candy heart. It never caught on as a symbol of commitment to a relationship. But, could it? Think about it.