Look, they need to get your attention to get readers so they can get money. It’s that simple-and that’s not going to change. The best way to get your attention is to yell, “Fire!” We naturally respond to threats to our health and safety, right? So we tune in and become outraged by exaggerated BS. … Continue reading
I was asked to take charge of these 100+ people to accomplish this big multi-faceted project. As a volunteer. All I could think of is “herding cats.” So I said I’d draw up plans, but won’t micromanage the kitties. How about you? Ever lead a group on a big project? Ever feel like a cat … Continue reading
I was talking with a young woman, a Southerner, Christian and business woman. She was describing historical research she had done, coupled with some deep thinking, and concluded that she is a Democratic Socialist. Amazing. But then young people haven’t spent their entire lives pounded with Cold War propaganda that labels anything left of Mussolini … Continue reading
I usually see something beautiful then paint it. But this time I only saw it in my head, which is very hard to photograph for reference. It was quite a struggle hauling it up from the depths; from the Land Below the Waves. Turns out it is an allegory, but that shouldn’t be too surprising … Continue reading
I just turned 71 going on 35 and am often, to my surprise, confronted with romantic invitations. Which I avoid, claiming to only have one hormone left. I mean, what-are you planning to start a family? My son says, no, senior romance is about companionship. Companionship is nice, but my wealthy 78 year-old friend, Shelly … Continue reading
Azaleas falling “There’s something sad about the falling camellias,” a family member said. This spring, when the azaleas put on a glorious show, and then their fragile blooms carpeted the sidewalks with pink, we glimpsed that sadness. What is that something sad? Simply that it reminds us of time passing, the cycle of of budding, … Continue reading
Last Sunday, after a particularly uplifting church service, I was walking home down the pleasant tree-canopied streets of Tallahassee, when a red shouldered hawk landed on a bird bath not ten feet away from me. We stared at each other. This was highly unusual behavior for a hawk. “I wonder if I can take a … Continue reading
Full disclosure: I love this guy. We are apt to think he was just a writer of beginning-reader rhyming books with wonky illustrations, Though his sixty children’s books sold over six hundred million copies translated into twenty different languages, that was not all he did. He was recently called out for racism, due to his … Continue reading
Do you have a car, to like, DRIVE places? I used to and took it for granted. Now that I am broke and moved to the city, I figure I can use public transportation. But being a savage, I have to learn how to use it. I had two appointments yesterday: dentist and covid shot … Continue reading
Draffit Died Draffit was a long haired black retriever mix from a rescue shelter. He died Wednesday. He was fourteen years old. My son and his wife had him all those years, through two babies and several cats. Old dogs die, I tell myself. Then why am I so sad? Memories. He was a fat … Continue reading
