We used to have dogs. When I was little, our two pups were strays that we’d taken in. We gave them a warm home, many-a-kibble, an obscene amount of human food and a one-size-fits-all doggie door. They were happy. And so were we. Fast forward to 20…

One of the greatest things we’re capable of as human beings is the ability to stand firm and stay true to our convictions. It’s beyond easy not to do this, and I’ve wavered plenty of times. I probably waver on a daily basis, multiple times a day. …

When I was little, I used to think, “Maybe when I’m older, such-and-such will happen.” Interestingly, I still think in these terms. Such-and-such could’ve been — and still is — anything. Maybe my skin will look better, maybe my eyebrows won’t be…

“Every moment and every event of every man’s life on Earth plants something in his soul.” -Thomas Merton Today I found some time to purchase and plant four double impatiens, two African iris, two creeping fig and one yellow kangaroo paw. Save for …

I’m having a bit of an issue lately, and I’m hoping it doesn’t plague my weekend because I have big plans for it. It all ties back to my dabbling in the self-doubt arena. There’s a playwriting organization that I’m trying to join. “Trying” because…

On my way to work yesterday morning, I passed a bus stop where a young man was sitting, waiting. He looked tired, perhaps a little tattered. With both hands, he was holding a cup of what I assumed was hot coffee; he seemed to have a fixed stare on…

I stepped outside this evening and the air was cool, but not chilly; clean, but with no hint of dampness. There was a familiar scent on the slight breeze, and I recognized it in an instant: It smelled like the grounds of the Arizona Biltmore hotel…

There are some days where the culmination of a simple, otherwise inconsequential string of events has the most fascinating, most interesting impact on my life. Some days I’ll run late for work, and I’ll come upon an accident that has just happened…

Year after year, I find myself in awe of the fact that mankind can build pyramids, launch satellites, rockets and missiles, perform surgery with tiny cameras and tools of precision, and turn a grape into an alcoholic feat of goodness. Yet the one …

Sometimes I’ll be talking to a friend about an idea for a play, a movie, a business or a song, and they’ll say to me, “You know you could totally make that happen, right?” The question is as though they’re aware of my long-standing — yet occasion…