This past week I was asked to tell a story at my town’s Christmas celebration. I was nervous. The story I wanted to tell goes to a dark place before ending on a high note. I thought the kids and adults in the audience would prefer some Christmas magic instead. The shows producer, the extremely talented Jody Simpson, said matter-of-factly, “kids need to know that Bambi’s mother dies” and “this is no place for pablum.” As as artist, that direction itself was a bit of Christmas magic. [Read more…] about Christmas Magic, When You Least Expect It
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Quote of the Week for Dec. 12
Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, “Grow, grow.” — The Talmud
Quote of the Week for Dec. 5
“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott
A Passion for Risk
Risk means different things to different people. For instance, my husband, Eric Masterson, an expert birder as well as writer and photographer, went “hurricane birding” during Hurricane Irene. He was looking for rare bird species that may have blown off course. As a Floridian raised on hurricanes, I thought he was insane. Strongly averse to physical risk, I stayed safely at home, texting him, “Do the words flash floods and deadly projectiles mean anything to you?” To Eric, it wasn’t risk — it was passion. [Read more…] about A Passion for Risk
Not What I Had Planned
Fourteen years ago this week, my 68-year-old father told his wife that he was very happy with his life — he loved his three children, had rich friendships, and was looking forward to working from home after years of going to an office. Then he went to sleep and died. I am pretty sure that was not what he had planned. [Read more…] about Not What I Had Planned