writer, storyteller, speaker
A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting at my computer, writing fitfully. I felt extremely uncomfortable, even claustrophobic. I looked around and realized that although my studio is 1,300 square feet, I was working in an area about 2 feet by 4 feet. Why? Because every other inch of space was filled with — how can I say this delicately? — every inch was filled with crap.
“There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you.” – Maya Angelou.
We call my car “the Self-Esteem Wagon.” In reality, it’s a 2002 Suzuki Grand Esteem, which is not a particularly popular car. We bought it used, sporting only 13,000 miles and an electric blue color that is way too bright for me. I have seen just one other Grand Esteem in the past five years and the owner of that car got so excited he honked his horn repeatedly as if we were old friends. My friend Howard Mansfield christened the car several years ago and the name stuck. When I make an appointment to get one of our family cars serviced, Sandy at Valley Automotive says, “Are you bringing in the Toyota or the Self-Esteem Wagon?” The running joke (or maybe it’s a theory) is that if you’re in a bad mood, just drive around in the Self-Esteem Wagon for a while and then you’ll feel really good about yourself. Works for me.
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
An enchanting and poignant video has been making the internet rounds and for good reason — it’s a wonderful message about how best to live our lives. [Read more…] about Avoiding the Dreadful Hoax