Monthly Archives: December 2016

“Life is like a book with many different chapters. Some tell of tragedy, others of triumph. Some chapters are dull and ordinary, others intense and exciting. The key to being a success in life is to never stop on a … Continue reading →

The Fallow Deer at the Lonely House One without looks in tonight Through the curtain-chink From the sheet of glistening white; One without looks in tonight As we sit and think By the fender-brink. We do not discern those eyes … Continue reading →

“Middle-aged women, outsize in linen dresses, were huddled three or four to a table, their great legs battling for room in inadequate space, their feet hot and unhappy in unwise shoes.” William Trevor, From “The Day We Got Drunk on … Continue reading →

“Don’t let anyone steal your dreams!” Brian Cavanaugh A story told by Itzhak Perlman, one of the world’s great classical musicians: By the time he was four years old, two things happened to him that shaped his future. First, he … Continue reading →

After celebrating Louisa May Alcott’s birthday and literary life in my recent post, “Your Ship,” I was inspired to pull from a shelf a slim volume called “Louisa May Alcott’s Little Instruction Book,” which was gathered by two other writers, … Continue reading →

“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world unto itself.” Henry Miller As soon as I read this, I thought of us. As writers, this is one … Continue reading →

To an Isle in the Water Shy one, shy one Shy one of my heart, She moves in the firelight Pensively apart. She carries in the dishes, And lays them in a row. To an isle in the water With … Continue reading →

Post 2032 Obstacle Ode “Impossible tasks attract me. It’s good to create obstacles. I, at least, don’t work well without obstacles.” Robert Bresson, French filmmaker When I first read this quote, I did a double take. Someone who’s attracted to … Continue reading →

“Advice from a HORSE” — this headline, emblazoned on a fire-engine red T-shirt, caught my eye at a friend’s store. Since horses loom large in my children’s novel, I bought it to inspire myself. When it cropped up recently, I … Continue reading →