writer, storyteller, speaker
A current freshman at my alma mater, Vanderbilt University, recently attended a campus talk by Billy Joel. Turns out, the freshman, Michael Pollack, like his idol Billy Joel, is also a pianist from Long Island. During the Q&A, the freshman asked Joel if he could accompany him in his favorite Billy Joel song, “A New York State of Mind.” Billy Joel said okay. The rest is magical.
For the most part, I am fine using my flip phone. My basic communication needs are met. I can call and text people. People can call and text me. And I don’t mind when people spot my phone, roll their eyes, and mutter, “pitiful.” But I know I’m missing creative opportunities. I can’t take decent photos and videos. It would be a heck of a lot easier for me to tweet, which my agent is begging me to do, so I can build my audience. It’s time for me to bite the bullet and invest in a new phone. [Read more…] about The Last Flip Phone in America
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” — Pablo Picasso
Yesterday, I found myself wandering the grocery store, exhausted, trying once again to figure out what to have for dinner. In my house, there are only three of us to feed: my husband, myself and a geriatric Jack Russell. The Jack Russell enjoys kibble; unfortunately, meal planning for my husband and me requires a bit more effort, although some days I’m willing to give the kibble a try (at least our dog’s brand is organic). Still, planning that dinner, even just for two, finished off my already dwindling internal resources — how my friends with children prepare multiple meals every day I will never know. Driving home from the grocery store, I noticed my gas gauge was on empty. I thought, this is me right now. I am driving on fumes. [Read more…] about Dog Food for Dinner
Several years ago, a dear friend of mine held an intimate dinner for her 50th birthday party. She didn’t invite me. The exclusion hurt a great deal. We’d spoken daily for the past two if not three years, we’d guided each other through major personal crises, and enjoyed a cup of tea or a meal together at least once a week. We were close friends, I thought; it never occurred to me I wouldn’t be included. When I asked her why, she bumbled through several excuses and then finally said, “Well, you know. You have that big personality.”