Cure Laziness, Heal the World
I was walking my dog Rosco one morning recently, on our usual route, past the gas station, when he stopped dead and refused to step over a particular patch of…
Does Anybody Else Work Anymore?
It’s 1:45 on a Monday afternoon as I write this. School is still in session (for a few more days, at least), and it’s not a holiday of any kind.…
In Praise of Memorization
I love to memorize things. Ever since second grade, when my dad helped me learn all 50 state capitals, I’ve felt strangely powerful when I manage to master a new…
Why Comparisons Are Absurd
I once had a writing client call me, close to tears, on his 33rd birthday. He was upset because he had reached the age Jesus Christ had been at the…
The Salon
For lots of women, the salon is a luxurious place—a safe haven away from the demands of the real world, where they can shuck off the need to be “Mom”…
Where Has All the Good Food Gone?
Back when I was married (and fat), I fancied myself a halfway decent cook. My repertoire basically consisted of deep-fried chicken, pasta with alfredo sauce (extra cheesy!), and sandwiches. It…
Writing and the Green-Eyed Monster
I’ll admit it. Whenever I hear about some writer getting an amazing contract, receiving a massive advance, winning an award, or even getting a halfway decent book review from some…
On Mutts
My friend and fellow Blydyn Square Books author Everett De Morier has a theory when it comes to dogs. He says a purebred dog is carefully created to DO something—whether…
On Dogs, Death, and Betrayal
I have a new dog. Now, in most homes, a new pet is cause for celebration—a new family member to love and enjoy. And yes, there IS some of that.…
Being Ernest Hemingway
Please note: I wrote this (and did the “experiment”) a few months ago. I am NOT in imminent danger of alcohol poisoning, nor do I need to be enrolled in…
Can’t We Please Speed Things Up?
I always hear people say that the world moves too fast and how much they wish they could slow things down, stop and smell the roses, yada yada yada. To…
Lady with an Ermine
One of my favorite pieces of artwork has always been Leonardo da Vinci’s painting Lady with an Ermine. I’m not sure why I like it so much. Maybe it’s because…
Sleep and M: An Unhappy Friendship
I’ve never been a good sleeper. Even as a child, I don’t recall ever feeling well rested in the morning, and when people talk about “waking up,” I hardly know…
S.A.D.
Lots of people get depressed during the cold winter months—so many, in fact, that there’s a name for it: seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Me? I’m the opposite. I thrive…
On “Spring” Cleaning
I was throwing out all my hoarded-up paper and assorted and sundry trash, trying to get myself organized, and vacuuming behind those tough-to-move pieces of furniture the other day when…