Shortly after I released this post, which included embedded Mp3s of the three songs mentioned, it appears a visitor downloaded them all. I have to admit to ignorance on this front; I think that implies he/she got them for “free,” which wasn’t my intention. I think artists should be paid for their work, so toContinue reading “a deliciously diverse playlist”

My doctor called the other day to remind me I needed to make an appointment for an annual physical. Her reminder actually reminded me I need to find a new doctor. I’ve broken up with a lot of professionals in my life. I don’t enjoy it because it’s tough to find doctors and dentists andContinue reading “the professional break up”

This is a photo of me and Sunny taken by the Google Earth folks. A neighbor alerted me to it. Throughout the series, I’m oblivious to the camera–no doubt absorbed in a podcast–but Sunny is looking straight at it. I think we’ve identified the ham in the family. I haven’t had as much time toContinue reading “you didn’t ask, but here’s my podcast list”

It’s New Year’s Day and for most of us that means a fresh start, a new beginning, another chance to get things right. We exercise more, drink less, whatever fits our interpretation of the Big Reset. One common practice in a new calendar year is decluttering. We reassess a lifetime of acquisitions. There’s a lotContinue reading “on decluttering with joy and regret”

I sometimes imagine a world in which we all have signs over our heads that expose our darker selves–our character flaws, our idiosyncrasies. Not the really big stuff. Just a few of those rough edges we work hard to hide from friends and families and co-workers and tradespersons and random passers-by. I mean, really, wouldn’tContinue reading “editing the christmas newsletter”

I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve never baked a bad batch of cookies. Let’s be honest: it’s not much of a brag anyway. Even if you fall short, there is still the flawless marriage of flour, sugar, butter, vanilla…all the good things. But my unblemished record came to a screeching halt last week withContinue reading “the ispahan cookie fail”

The featured image (above) was taken at Silfra in Iceland. You can actually snorkel in Iceland, who knew? The water temperature is a steady 35 to 39 degrees. Organizers provide pretty hefty wetsuits, and they recommend a warm underlayer. Your face goes a bit numb, but the experience is worth it. OK, so this isContinue reading “wim hof method: one-year anniversary”