Dawn & dusk dog walks — Layers increased over the weeks As thin sunlight decreased. Please poo near a streetlight. Shortest holiday season — Thanksgiving fights for its 3 weeks As The Jolly One encroaches. Doorbusters! The bird is barely carved. Black Friday. Small Business Saturday. Cyber Monday. Christmas club (remember those?) Spent. And then …
Inspiration
Feeling bookish in October
My Intro to literature professor had taught this course for fifteen years or more by the time I sat in his classroom. By now, he has likely taught it for three decades. No October passes without me remembering him, looking like Santa Claus dressed up as a college professor in khakis and knit ties. (And …
Interesting People: Ron Zorn
A series where I revisit the fascinating stories of interesting people I’ve had the opportunity to meet while writing for a living. Have you met a Renaissance Man? Also known as someone whose skills and interests lie in a number of subject areas? I have. I met Ron Zorn back in June while writing about …
An Ode to Fall
–Hark! Fleecy vest You are welcome warmth, but not on my arms, Because, though the air is cool, The noon sun is still bright. –We stock cider and Octoberfest ale To drink with steaming chili At a suppertime growing dimmer; Sun sets earlier Every day. –Pumpkin Thy girth increases, Thy green skin ripens To orange; …
Interesting People: Michael Czarnecki
This post starts a new series where I revisit the fascinating stories of interesting people I’ve had the opportunity to meet while writing for a living. Earlier this week I went on a solo road trip into the hills of the Southern Tier of New York State. I went to meet Michael and Carolyn Czarnecki …
Summer Classics: Outdoor Adventure
Do you know how easy it is to kayak? I didn’t either until I tried it about 5 years ago. Upper body strength is not typically part of my self-description. However, reclined in the cock-pit or on top of an open kayak with a long two-bladed paddle, I found, much to my surprise, that I …
Summer Classics: Barbecue
I know vegetarians and respect their choice to dine meatless. I also appreciate that they typically do not mind sitting across from me at a barbecue while I gnaw on a beef short rib. Because, you know, that’s the whole point of a summer barbecue – to grill and smoke meat! As a typical human, …
Summer Classics: Dog Days and Afternoon Storms
Hot. Hot. Hot. I can barely form more syllables sitting here in my un-air conditioned home. This summer has been at least as hot and dry as last summer. Since I quit my job to freelance full-time earlier this year, this is also the first summer in two decades that I did not have a …