The Heart of the Matter

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We were up in Maine last week, cat-sitting for my wife’s friend Lori. I have to confess, the sudden switch to “pet care” was a bit of an adjustment. It’s not like I haven’t done it before; we had a dog for more than ten years. But having to suddenly deal with food, hair, vomit, and poop again … well, it was like having someone hand you a toddler and say, “Feed her twice a day; I’ll be back on Thursday.” Fortunately, it went pretty smoothly and with few surprises. […] Click to read more…

Hold On to Your Business

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We were out in Oregon last week visiting our daughter, Emily, who apparently prefers breathtaking landscapes, super-friendly people, and reasonable rents over whatever the opposite of all that is that we offer here in Massachusetts. We spent some time in Portland where she lives, but also traveled to Bend, Oregon, which is about three hours southeast. Bend is in a beautiful desert location, and we took full advantage one day by hiking at nearby Smith Rock State Park. We did the Misery Ridge Trail Loop which, despite its well-earned name, […] Click to read more…

A Snail Mail Tale

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Up until I turned 40, I never earned a cent that didn’t come in the form of a paycheck. But when I finally left my last job, I realized something: I prefer working alone. Before that, working in restaurants through college and in companies later on, I was always involved in some sort of group effort. It was fine. But for me, I now realize, doing my own thing is a better fit: I make my own hours (10 – 6); I decorate my own office (postmodern college dorm); I […] Click to read more…

A Hard Habit to Break

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I’ve heard it said that clothing-wise, whatever you are wearing at 50, you will be wearing for the rest of your life. Apparently, this is when the fashion cement hardens for good. I don’t know if that observation is science-based, but I can tell you that my father, who turned 50 in 1971, was a living, breathing example. The 1970s was an era of extremely short shorts and my dad rocked those well into his late 80s. In my case, as a man whose fashion cement also hardened long ago, […] Click to read more…

How I Write This Newsletter

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My wife and I were in Atlanta last week visiting our son Evan who moved there from Memphis a few months ago. Wow. What a great city. And it didn’t hurt that the weather was beautiful, bringing people outside for all kinds of eating, drinking, walking, pedaling, and scootering activities. I knew when we headed down there that I’d uncover some story fodder worthy of inclusion in this newsletter. But, rather than just writing it as I usually do, I’d like to walk you through the process I generally use and […] Click to read more…