Curiosity guides different people in different directions, opening us to possibility and wonder. Its lack leads to stagnation. How can we better develop and use the power of our curious natures as a positive attribute?
Everyone Has a Story
It is said that everyone has a story to tell. In her new book, “Write for your Life,” author Anna Quindlen advocates for the value of writing, of capturing our histories through letters, journals, or memoirs ― for the power of finding our voices and sharing our stories: “That is a kind of afterlife all […]
“I’m Fine”: 12 Books on Mental Illness and Disorders
Heart & Soul: Another Kind of Love Story
I am playing “Moon River” on the piano – that dreamy, famous melody from the romantic classic movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” It is music that deserves to be played gracefully, unlike my halting rhythm and jagged notes. From somewhere in the Great Beyond, I swear I heard Henry Mancini groan. I recently rekindled my piano playing after […]
Literary Feasts: What is your Favorite Serving Platter?
‘Tis the season for culinary feasts and time to break out our favorite carving boards and pie plates. When it comes to literary feasts, what is your favorite serving platter? I’m still partial to printed books, but I suspect that is due to their aesthetic appeal. There’s something comforting about the sight of book jackets […]
Breath Marks
Breath marks are little musical symbols that indicate when it is time for a singer, or a wind musician, to take moments breath–a sort of grace mark in the score that signals a short reprieve. We typically don’t have signals to breathe factored into our everyday lives; yet sometimes they show up in various ways—watching […]
Summer Fitness or Shedding the “Quarantine 15”
If you dread the thought of trading your comfy sweats and trying to squeeze back into “hard pants,” you aren’t alone. Despite the proliferation of online calisthenics, Peloton rides, and nature walks since the start of the pandemic, lots of folks are hoping to shed the “quarantine fifteen.” Last month, a new study showed the […]
For the Love of Libraries
Does anyone else recall hours spent in front of one of these? While printed card catalogs are now a nostalgic relic for folks like me, I’m thrilled that actual libraries are still a thing of the present and hopefully future, ad infinitum. In fact, during the pandemic shutdown, I heard many people lament about just […]
Surprise Pass
In a recent phone call with my Mom, we talked about the usual suspects…weather, food, family. Then she threw me a surprise pass:
Mom: I’m listening to a book about football. It’s real good.
If anyone should know (or care) less about football than I, I suspect it is my 97-years-young mother. Had Candid Camera launched a new series and was I being spoofed?