Overstuffed October
“We haven’t been able to do that because we’ve had a lot going on,” said my husband, accurately, a couple of weeks ago, in response to I don’t remember what. “Maybe too much going on, actually!” he continued, also accurately….
Over the Hill, and Maybe Over-the-Hill, Too
What’s “old” to you? How distinct is the difference between someone in this category and someone on the next rung down, say, “approaching old”? My mother preferred the word “elderly” to describe most anyone over the age of 80 —…
Roar into that Summer Evening
Stereotypes, like bad rules, are meant to be flouted. Here are a few nice surprises in possible identities: A librarian who never says “Shhhh” and brings a touch of glamour wherever she strides. A teenager who hangs out regularly with…
A Wedding: Two People…and Their Entire Teams
When two people marry, they form a new union. And in so doing, they also create an far-reaching set of relationships between two families who were previously unconnected. A wedding ceremony, with that exchange of vows as the centerpiece, brings…
Astronomical or Just Regular
Money may not be able to buy you love, but it sure can buy you a ticket to space. And family fame — that will land you a book deal sooner than you can say, “Would you like a spot…
Out with the Oppressors!
Yesterday began with a text from my friend Sally: “Happy July 4th, celebrating freedom from those tyrannical Brits.” In that she herself is British, and as far from tyrannical as one can get, the message was especially rich in contrasts….
Having and Not Having a Father
It’s a couple of days past Father’s Day now — perfect for this post, because it’s about how time can bend. Didn’t Einstein do a little work on this, pulling in the whole universe in fact? I approximate, but I…
Everything’s Blooming, but on TV, It’s Not So Rosy
“You don’t usually go for stuff like that,” my husband said the other evening in the kitchen. I’ve asked you to watch some dark shows with me before, like True Detective, and you left the room.” He was surprised that…
Taking a Leap of Faith
Recently, someone in the literary world asked me, in an email, “Got any podcasts?” Well, no, in fact I did not. If she’d asked, “Got milk?” or even, “Got blog?” I could have been all set. Taking the question as…
I Need a Fix
No, I haven’t become a drug user, and it’s actually not me exactly who needs the fix. Furthermore, it’s not just one but a couple of fixes that have happened in my life recently. So now you probably think that…