Essays on Life

Sometimes we just need to fall apart. And we need to do it in front of someone.  We need to do it in front of someone who listens attentively. With no judgment. And in silence. This is our time to scream and cry and rage against the indignities and capriciousness of life.  And to confess […]

Did I just make that callous comment? Probably. Yes, I’m the friend who’ll tell you your home is cluttered; your cat is neurotic; or your kid is spoiled. I’m usually right, but I can be tactless. I’m not good at sugar-coating these appraisals, and it’s cost me friends. But those who stick around usually end

I have a friend who says she’s not photogenic. She’s right. Even though she’s very attractive, I’ve never seen a good photo of her. Last week I found out why. Several of us were celebrating a special occasion. I wanted to commemorate the moment and brought out my iPhone. I pointed the camera and asked

Last week I was standing on line at Home Depot. It was the middle of the day. There was one cashier open and the line was over five deep. At the cashier’s there was a bottleneck. A question had come up about price, and a manager had been summoned. Customer and cashier were chatting amicably

After a successful 15-year run as a copywriter, media sales rep and agency owner, I did what many people in this industry do. I burned out. Fortunately I had some savings and assets. And I had a dream.  I sold my home in Orlando, Florida. I sold my business and most of my belongings. I

The last time I saw my friend Rick, our evening descended into a yell fest.  He and I were playing Scrabble when a disagreement erupted about word lists.  This brought us to a stalemate. We needed resolution before the game could continue. Yet we were both fixed in our positions. And so began the descent

Giving someone your undivided attention with kindness and respect is, well, priceless. Listening to someone with an open heart and a curious mind strengthens bonds and raises spirits. In short, listening to someone with your full attention is the best gift you can give. As a student of human communication, here are my musings on

Today I was thinking about my losses. We all have losses, don’t we? Some are relatively painless to reflect on. Being rejected by a lover five years ago no longer has the sting it did then.  Other losses are a well of sadness that will never run dry.  On occasion my mind returns to these.