Category Archives: Inspiration

September 25, 2025

A Quiet Day (Hopefully 🙏🏻)

By Joe

I had planned an art history post for today, but honestly, I just haven’t been up to writing it. I’m working from home today, so maybe I’ll have some time to pull it together later. For now, though, I don’t have a lot to say.

Yesterday was rough—not only was I very busy at work, but my back gave me trouble all day. One of the issues with the bulging disk between my L4 and L5 is that it presses on the sciatic nerve on both sides, which is why I’ve had pain in my left leg for the past few weeks. Yesterday, however, it was my left leg and the lower left of my back that gave me the most grief. Add a migraine on top of that, and I was pretty miserable. It took me forever to fall asleep last night.

At least Isabella was kind enough to let me sleep until 5 a.m. Speaking of sleep, here’s one of my favorite photos of her napping—for the Isabella Pic of the Week.

Even when the pain flares up and the days feel long, I’m grateful for the little comforts: working from home, a quiet morning, and the steady presence of Isabella. Sometimes those small mercies make all the difference.

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February 27, 2025

Inspirational Quote

By Joe

“We deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame and without compromise.” — Elliot Page

Love is one of the most fundamental human experiences, yet for too long, LGBTQ+ individuals have been told that their love is something to be hidden, altered, or diminished. Elliot Page’s words remind us that love should be free from fear and compromise. No one should have to justify their identity or fight for the right to love openly and authentically.

This quote speaks to the importance of equality—not just in legal rights, but in the way love is valued and respected in society. It’s a call to reject shame and embrace pride, to push back against narratives that suggest LGBTQ+ love is anything less than beautiful and valid. Whether in relationships, friendships, or self-love, everyone deserves to experience love without barriers. Today, let this quote serve as a reminder to support, uplift, and celebrate each other in our journeys toward full acceptance and joy.

Since it’s Thursday, here’s your Isabella Pic of the Week:

This is about as close as I get to her cuddling. She’s not a cuddly cat, and she also seems to not like her picture being taken.

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December 26, 2024

Pic of the Day

By Joe

1 Comment | posted in Inspiration

December 25, 2024

My Christmas Wishes to You

By Joe

As we gather this holiday season, I want to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas filled with love, joy, and peace. Whether you are surrounded by family, chosen family, or enjoying some quiet moments of reflection, know that you are cherished and appreciated.

This Christmas, let us celebrate the beauty of diversity, the strength of authenticity, and the power of love in all its forms. To all my readers, may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and the comfort of knowing you are seen, valued, and loved.

This time of year reminds us of the importance of kindness, compassion, and the connections we share. For those who may find this season challenging, I hope you find comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone—this community stands with you, offering support and understanding. Let this Christmas be a time to honor your journey, cherish chosen family, and embrace the unique light you bring to the world. Here’s to hope, unity, and a season that sparkles with pride.

May your days be bright, your heart be light, and your holiday season filled with warmth and happiness. From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas!

—Joe, The Closet Professor

 

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noël, Frohe Weihnachten, Buon Natale, Feliz Natal, С Рождеством, 圣诞快乐, メリークリスマス, 메리 크리스마스, عيد ميلاد مجيد,  मेरि क्रिसमस, Krismasi Njema,  শুভ বড়দিন, Mutlu Noeller, Καλά Χριστούγεννα, Vrolijk Kerstfeest,  Wesołych Świąt,  חג מולד שמח, Giáng Sinh Vui Vẻ, Maligayang Pasko, สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาส, Καλά Χριστούγεννα, Felix Dies Nativitatis.

Since ancient language of Aramaic was most likely the language of Christ, I though I’d add this translation as well:

 ܐܫܬܐ ܠܟ ܫܢܬܐ ܛܒܬܐ ܘܐܝܕܐ ܕܡܘܠܕܐ ܕܡܫܝܚܐ!

(Eshta l-kh shnata ṭavta w-ida d-Mawlada d-Mshiḥa!)

It roughly translates to “I wish you a good year and a feast of the birth of the Messiah!”

10 Comments | posted in Inspiration

December 12, 2024

It’s Never Too Late

By Joe

George Eliot is quoted as saying, “It is never too late to be what you might have been,” and I feel like that describes my life in a way. All through high school and most of college, I aspired to be a lawyer; however, after working for a lawyer for a couple of years, I realized that I did not really want to go into law. I eventually decided that I’d rather be a teacher. I had always thought that maybe I could teach adjunct or teach in some way if I became a lawyer, but I finally came to the decision that I’d be happier as a teacher. That decision led me to go to graduate school because I wanted to teach history in college, and while I did teach college classes, that never became a full-time reality. I ended up teaching high school for five years, five stressful and painful years. When I left my job as a teacher, I realized that I wanted to work in museums. I was in my late thirties and decided to make another career change. My job search led me to finding a job in Vermont, somewhere I had never considered living. However, I have found that I love my job, and I love Vermont. I not only get to teach and work in a museum, but I also became a professor, which I never thought would be possible when I abandoned my PhD. I especially never thought I would ever get the chance to teach about my research, but I will be doing just that next semester.

We have the possibility of personal growth and transformation at any stage on our life. We just have to seize the opportunity when it presents itself. The sentiment encourages people to recognize that their past choices or circumstances do not have to define their future. It conveys a message of hope and empowerment, suggesting that individuals always have the opportunity to change, pursue their passions, or fulfill untapped potential. The above quote form George Eliot challenges the idea that there’s a fixed timeline for achieving one’s goals or becoming the person one aspires to be. They imply that the capacity for reinvention and progress is boundless, provided one has the will and determination to take action. This perspective aligns with her broader literary themes of human resilience, moral growth, and the importance of striving for a meaningful life despite difficulties or setbacks.

Alexander Graham Bell is often given credit for the quote, “When one door closes, fortune will usually open another.” The quote actually comes from Fernando de Rojas (c. 1465–1541), a Spanish author best known for writing La Celestina, one of the most significant works of Spanish literature and a precursor to the Spanish Golden Age. It doesn’t really matter who said it first, since it has been said many times, but it’s true. When I had to leave my PhD program because I could not longer afford to continue, I was devastated and thought I’d never be the professor I had aspired to be. When I lost my job teaching high school (I was replaced by a coach), I was devastated and thought my teaching career was over. When I found out my original position at my museum was ending, I didn’t know what I was going to do. However, it eventually led to my current position and my appointment as a professor at my university.

We never know where our lives will lead us or what path our lives will take. Sometimes, it is a bumpy, uneven path, sometimes we may veer off the path and get lost in the woods, but if we allow ourselves to get back on the path, we will eventually reach our destination. When you are feeling lost, know that the path is still there, you just have to find it again.

Since it is Thursday, here is your Isabella pic of the week:

2 Comments | posted in Inspiration, Isabella, Quote

September 20, 2023

A Rainbow In Someone’s Cloud 

By Joe

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. Do not complain. Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.” 

— Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou said, “I’ve had so many rainbows in my clouds. I had a lot of clouds, but I had so many rainbows.” Within every cloud, there is a silver lining. From every patch of rain, somewhere there is a rainbow to be found. Have you ever had days, weeks, or months in your life when it seems as though the clouds won’t pass and the rain just won’t stop falling? It’s safe to say that at one point or another most of us have experienced this kind of difficult season. Perhaps you lost a lover or friend, or you experienced the pain of death, or maybe life just threw one too many curveballs at once, and you just felt sad for a while. Sometimes that sadness can be overwhelming and take over for long periods of time or may never go away. No matter how it happens, we can all appreciate that life’s moments are not always filled with sunshine.

With this knowledge in mind, there is a simple and powerful perspective that we can all choose to embrace; that each person you come across is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Whether it’s internally or externally, every person you meet is dealing with something that is challenging for them. Angelou wrote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

While we certainly can’t save people from their pain, we all have the power to influence one another in positive ways.  We each have the power to give to one another in a way that is meaningful and impactful. To be the rainbow in someone’s cloud means to cultivate loving kindness as a daily practice in your life. It means looking into your heart, practicing empathy, and using that empathy to connect to the people around you. We all have the opportunity to be someone’s rainbow. Probably the greatest part of adopting this practice is that our efforts don’t need to be overwhelming. Something as simple as a smile can greatly help someone who is going through a difficult time. 

Maya Angelou said she always carried these “rainbows” with her to her speaking and teaching engagements, whether in a large venue or an intimate classroom. “I bring everyone who has ever been kind to me with me,” she said. “Black, white, Asian, Spanish-speaking, Native American, gay, straight, everybody. I said, ‘Come on with me. I’m going on the stage. Come with me. I need you now.'” Whether her “rainbows” were living or had long since passed, Dr. Angelou said she always felt and drew strength from their support. “I don’t ever feel I have no help,” she said. “I had rainbows in my clouds.”

She also encouraged people to apply the “rainbow in the clouds” philosophy to their own lives. “The thing to do, it seems to me, is to prepare yourself so you can be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud. Somebody who may not look like you. May not call God the same name you call God — if they call God at all. I may not dance your dances or speak your language. But be a blessing to somebody. That’s what I think.”

To choose to live from a place of loving-kindness is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the world and to yourself. Not only will you impact others in a positive way but you also give yourself a purpose outside of your own needs, which brings fulfillment and ultimately happiness for you too. When we are kind to others, we learn that we matter, that we are powerful, and that what we do on a daily basis really does have an impact on the world around us.

Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud today and practice more kindness in your life.

Leave a comment | posted in Inspiration, Quote

June 2, 2023

Having a Good Day

By Joe

“I have learned over the years that the nicest thing I can do is to just say to myself, “Good Morning Darling, I love you; we’re going to have a really great day today.”

― Louise Hay

 “It’s time to start living the life you’ve imagined.”

― Henry James

“I hope everyone that is reading this is having a really good day. And if you are not, just know that in every new minute that passes, you have an opportunity to change that.”

― Gillian Anderson

I am so glad that it’s finally Friday. Even though this was a short week because of the Monday holiday, it felt like a long week. Yesterday, I kept thinking it was Wednesday, not Thursday, and the day before Tuesday, not Wednesday. So, I did not write a quote post yesterday. I’m going to make up for it today with three quotes.

While I have never followed Louis Hay’s advice above, I’m going to try to do that each morning. Thinking positively doesn’t always work because of brain chemistry or bad things that happen during the day. However, I think we should at least start out with a positive thought for the day. I love the quote by Henry James because it reinforces the idea of the power of positive thinking. If we do our best to live the life we imagine for ourselves, then we might just achieve it.

I just have the feeling today is going to be a good day. At least, that is my hope. I’m working from home today, as I do on most Fridays, and that makes for a good start to the day. I’m also excited about next week. Monday through Wednesday are probably not going to be great days. I will be working in the office, but on Thursday, I leave for my weekend retreat. I had originally planned to leave on Friday, but there was an option to add an extra day, so I did. I’m sure I will be nervous. I’ve never spent that much time with just gay men, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve always been awkward around men, but I’m going to try to change that.

So, to quote Gillian Anderson, “I hope everyone that is reading this is having a really good day. And if you are not, just know that in every new minute that passes, you have an opportunity to change that.”

Mwah! 😘 Kisses ’til Sunday. (Don’t worry, my usual Moment of Zen will still be posted tomorrow along with the usual Pics of the Day.)

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May 18, 2023

Thursday’s Inspiration

By Joe

Thursday seems to be the day of the week that I struggle with the most to come up with a something to write about. Maybe it’s because it’s almost, but not quite, the end of the week. It’s on Thursdays that we need the motivation to make it until the weekend. In the Lorrie Morgan song “Except for Monday,” she talks about what each day of the week feels like for her:

Except for Monday, which was never good anyway
Tuesday, I get a little sideways
Wednesday, I feel better, just for spite
Thursday and Friday take too long
Before I know it, Saturday’s gone
But it’s Sunday now and you can bet that I’m alright

“Thursday and Friday take too long” sums up a Thursday just about right. So, to help inspire us to get through Thursdays, I’m going to start posting an inspirational quote. Today’s quote will be from A.A. Milne:

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

1 Comment | posted in Inspiration

August 22, 2022

Thought of the Day

By Joe

There’s a quote that says, “Life is a journey with problems to solve and lessons to learn but most of all. Experiences to enjoy.” The journey of life is really about finding one’s self, figuring out who we really are. Sometimes the road to finding yourself is bumpy, and it can even be dangerous. Often, we even get lost and take a wrong turn. However, if we are true to ourselves, that’s the only map we need on our journey. I saw this quote on Facebook. Who knows what it’s from, but it I felt like it was talking directly to me.

It’s taken a very long time, and I wish I’d figured a lot of things out differently a long time ago, but I’m constantly working on improving myself and being true to who I am inside. I am certainly not perfect (sometimes I don’t even like myself), nor have I fully become the person I should be, but all I can say is that I’m trying.

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December 23, 2021

Yes, Virginia 🎅

By Joe

When I was growing up, we always had our family’s Christmas on December 23rd. We had other family obligations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so my mother always put out the fine china and silverware and made a really nice dinner that we ate by candlelight on the twenty-third. It was just my parents, my sister, and myself. We would exchange gifts with each other, and my sister and I knew that Santa Claus would bring the bulk of our gifts after we went to sleep on Christmas Eve. One of our traditions was that before dinner my sister or I read aloud Luke 2:1-20 (ironically, I always hear these verses in Linus’s voice from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”). We then ate our meal and after we finished , we opened presents. After we finished with presents, my dad usually went and watched TV, and my mother took a book from our bookshelves that contained Christmas traditions. She read us “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and then she always read us the letters that have become known as “Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus.”

In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial on September 21, 1897. The response was written by veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church and has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial. It has appeared in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps. As I read the letter today, it makes me think that what Church said about people in 1897 is still true today.

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus? VIRGINIA O’HANLON. 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

As an adult, this letter hits very differently than it did when I was a child. I think the childlike belief I once had of Santa Claus’s existence imprinted on me a desire for open mindedness and curiosity. I may not believe in Santa Claus anymore, but I still believe in the essence of this letter. Maybe I still have a childlike belief in faith, fancy, poetry, love, and romance. I still hope that one day I will find love and romance, but even if I don’t, I still know it exists. Love, like Santa Claus, will continue to make glad our hearts, not only during the Christmas season, but all year long.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and I hope all of you remember to have faith in humanity’s goodness. Yes, there are those with no good intentions, but I believe that most of us are good at heart. So, have a very Merry Christmas!

4 Comments | posted in History, Inspiration