Monthly Archives: September 2018

“It’s the fifth time I stand on this shore, the Cuban shore, looking out at the distant horizon, believing again that I’m going to make it all the way across that vast, dangerous wilderness of an ocean….this year, the mantra … Continue reading →

A short story: One day his conservatory teacher, Nicolay Rubenstein, gave a young Tchaikovsky’s composition class an assignment to write out variations on a given theme. Emphasizing that he wanted his students to deliver as many as possible, Rubenstein expected … Continue reading →

Nantucket William Carlos Williams   Flowers through the window lavender and yellow changed by white curtains – Smell of cleanliness – Sunshine of late afternoon On the glass tray a glass pitcher, the tumbler turned down, by which A key … Continue reading →

Finding our voice is all about finding the courage to write dangerously, to speak out from our hearts onto the page. A wonderful gathering of inspiring quotes about voice and the writer’s calling to inspire us all: “The role of … Continue reading →

“You have to sweep the temple steps a lot in hopes that the god appears.” Dean Young Whatever we’re writing, we’ve all had the same experience: There are many times — moments, days, and even weeks — when we simply … Continue reading →

Remember Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay. Remember me when no more, day … Continue reading →

“You can only be as good as you dare to be bad.” John Barrymore John Barrymore is considered one of the most thrilling, chilling Shakespearean actors of all time. Here’s a great story about his huge success on Broadway playing … Continue reading →

Hope is the thing with feathers   Emily Dickinson   “Hope” is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all – And sweetest … Continue reading →

“It took me four years to learn how to paint like Raphael. It took me a lifetime to learn how to paint like a child.” Pablo Picasso When I heard this quote, it blew my socks off and I knew … Continue reading →

“Our fears are always more numerous than our dangers.” Seneca, ancient philosopher and statesman Seneca was a wise man and a wise writer. Though he lived in a very different age, the dilemmas he faced are much the same as … Continue reading →