“Sex and the City” and the urban cult of misery

Over the weekend, I found myself hate-watching the cringe reboot of Sex and the City, which they are calling And Just Like That. I realize hate-watching television shows does not seem like a pleasant activity, but I do this from time to time as a quasi-anthropological project. It is fascinating to me what cultural influencers … Continue reading “Sex and the City” and the urban cult of misery →

A checklist for maintaining your peace of mind

For some time now the impression has been growing upon me that everyone is dead.It happens when I speak to people. In the middle of a sentence it will come over me: yes, beyond a doubt this is death. There is little to do but groan and make an excuse and slip away as quickly … Continue reading A checklist for maintaining your peace of mind →

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink

The Deluge (1840) by Francis Danby (Tate Gallery) I breathe in, I breathe outGot friends to call who let me talk aboutWhat ain't working, what's still hurtingAll the things I feel like cussing outNow and then I let it goI ride the waves I can't controlIf it's working I don't knowWhen I get done the thing … Continue reading Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink →

Bach played on weird and beautiful musical instruments

Bach played on an enormous structural xylophone constructed above a forest in Japan (this is actually a commercial, but you have to see it): https://youtu.be/VD44QhKuG1U Boomwhacker Bach: https://youtu.be/Y5seI0eJZCg Glass harp-Toccata and fugue in D minor: https://youtu.be/XKRj-T4l-e8 Bach on Nyckelharpa: https://youtu.be/Zs3aUCM8BX8?list=PLCBB4B7BB868DBA79 Kintzing Clavichord - Goldberg Variations: https://youtu.be/SUg6zuZNKlY

The secret language of children

Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to loseNothin', don't mean nothin' hon' if it ain't freeKris Kristofferson, Me and Bobby McGee One of the silver linings of this moment in time is that it has turned our neighborhood into The Sandlot. Our daughter is finally getting the childhood we'd always wished she'd have during … Continue reading The secret language of children →

The art of noticing

Even in your hobbies, has there not always been some secret attraction which the others are curiously ignorant of--something, not to be identified with, but always on the verge of breaking through, the smell of cut wood in the workshop or the clap-clap of water against the boat's side? Are not all lifelong friendships born … Continue reading The art of noticing →

Pruning and weeding as frames of mind

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.George Washington Carver Adam was a gardener, and God, who made him, sees that half of all good gardening is done upon the knees.Rudyard Kipling For behold, the kingdom of God … Continue reading Pruning and weeding as frames of mind →

There is nothing more persuasive than a good example

“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”Marcus Aurelius, Meditations "You must be the change you want to see in the world."Mahatma Gandhi Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring,Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,Of myself … Continue reading There is nothing more persuasive than a good example →

The most beautiful package I have ever received

I love Turkish ceramics and textiles. A few weeks ago, I found the QubiccaHandicraft page on Etsy, which is unbelievable. I ordered a handmade copper tea kettle and sugar bowl. My package from Istanbul finally arrived today after being hung up in Customs. Half of the box is covered in stamps! Now I know this … Continue reading The most beautiful package I have ever received →

Habits

Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.Carl Jung Virtues are formed in man by his doing the right actions.Aristotle After exhausting my music and podcast options, I have been searching for quality audio books to listen to while I am on the treadmill each morning. … Continue reading Habits →