Author Archives: pcostello

As Another Year passes into History- Living Stories revisited

Posted on December 9, 2019 by pcostello

“Living Stories” (LS) is alive and well and more powerful than ever. That was the conclusion we came away with last Friday when 50 members of AmeriCorps programs from across Maryland met to share their stories of service. WHY THE SURPRISE? … Continue reading →

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Making sure you show up in your own story

Posted on December 5, 2019 by pcostello

  Tomorrow we have our fourth Annual Storytelling Festival for the AmeriCorps programs of Maryland. Our hosts at Casa Maryland and Pablo Blank always provide a warm welcome in their amazing space. Each year, we try different things and end … Continue reading →

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RETURNING TO THE GROUND ZERO OF GRACE

Posted on November 28, 2019 by pcostello

  Thanksgiving is one pilgrimmage which, for most Americans, remains a solemn duty- causing family members in millions to travel today to get back home, to be back together with kith and kin one more time. It’s a mad rush, but … Continue reading →

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What the USSR could not win with Nukes, Russia has won with Narratives

Posted on November 26, 2019 by pcostello

  Who would have guessed it? RUSSIA’S NEW ASCENDENCY When the USSR was at the height of its power and had a military capability to wipe out most of the world with its nuclear arsenal, it exhausted itself and finally … Continue reading →

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The Story of Impeachment -a sign of the President’s Impairment

Posted on November 15, 2019 by pcostello

A story needs surprise– that uncertainty about ” what comes next” that drives any drama forward and keeps us as on the edge of our seats. Recent commentators in the “Washington Post” are  saying this current impeachment proceedings lacks surprise. … Continue reading →

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When the Doctor takes your blood pressure

Posted on August 12, 2019 by pcostello

You go to the doctors and he …..

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You win some and you lose some

Posted on July 2, 2019 by pcostello

“There are many battles you win by winning and there are as many battles you win by losing. There are many battles you lose by losing and there as many battles you lose by winning. ” Every battle we fight … Continue reading →

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THE COMIC LAWS OF WAR- THE EFFECT BECOMES ITS OWN CAUSE, OR HOW THE MOUSE SWALLOWED THE CAT.

Posted on April 7, 2018 by pcostello

“We have a right to defend our borders.” ….even when we keep moving them so more and more of yours comes to be ours. Ask the Native Americans or the Mexicans. Plus, borders are defended between sovereign states, not between … Continue reading →

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NSL # Rule One “Never underestimate the transformative power of individual relationships.”

Posted on March 15, 2018 by pcostello

During our first program back in the 1990’s with the two embattled communities in Northern Ireland, the USA ambassador to the UK was heard to make this comment. When we heard it, we knew at once it summed up our … Continue reading →

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NSL Rule # No. 2 “You are either part of the problem Or part of the solution. You cannot be neutral And every excuse is a choice.”

Posted on March 15, 2018 by pcostello

This saying grew out of the Northern Ireland work where, like most people caught in ” the Troubles,” their strategy of survival was to not get involved, to shy away, keep your head down, leave it to others to bear … Continue reading →

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