Montmartre’s Cat, Montmartre Cemetery. Paris, France. June 19, 2009. Photo: Christopher Pollard

“There are two means of refuge from the misery of life — music and cats.” ― Albert Schweitzer

Do you tend to write in an apologetic tone for things that don’t need justification? How many times do you make a point by saying “I’m no expert, but…”? If that sounds like you, downloading Google Chrome’s extension Just Not Sorry could help. The free Gmail plug-in warns you when a word or phrase you’re about to send undermines your message.

Source: Stop Undermining Your Professional Voice with a Gmail Plug-In | PSFK

Snowy Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis, Minnesota. December 2, 2012. Photo: Christopher Pollard

“There is a feeling of solidarity that swirls in the blowing snow. When I shoveled the walk this morning, I noticed my neighbor had already done part of it. I looked down the street and saw other people shoveling. As they looked up from their work, we smiled and nodded at each other. It felt like we were engaged in common work.”
— Vikki Reich

Source: I Love Who Minnesotans Become When it Snows | StarTribune.com

My Snow Shovel and 12″ of Snow. Uptown, Minneapolis, Minnesota. February 3, 2015. Photo: Christopher Pollard

Minnesotan Snow Shoveler’s Creed

“This is my snow shovel.
There are many like it, but this one is mine.
My snow shovel is my best friend.
It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.
My snow shovel, without me, is useless.
Without my snow shovel, I am useless.
I must use my snow shovel true.”

Pre-Smiths Morrissey cultivating the melancholy persona that we all know and love today.

Source: Miserable in Manchester: Amusing Letters and Music Reviews from a Young Morrissey | Dangerous Minds