One of my office partners has gone to South Africa for three weeks. She's teaching, studying, and helping to organize an event. She has long wanted to go there and has been working on arranging it for years. I'm not sure why that was the spot in all the world. Why are some Americans Anglophiles […] Read More

Email trouble is like running into a large spider web in the dark. Can’t quite see what has hold of me. And it still has hold of me. I hope to have my new address sent out to my whole list soon. But if you were expecting to hear from me and didn’t. Please send […] Read More

After my ten minute meditation break this afternoon, I opened my eyes and saw a tiny rainbow over the doorjamb. A little comet. Or an idea arriving. We get to interpret signs and symbols as we wish. Basic principle of interpretation of all things: choose the option that’s the most helpful, the one that would […] Read More

A heartening tale: a friend whose agent has been circulating her first novel to editors for three years and three months just got a two-book deal. Here’s to discovering one’s calling in life and keeping on! I find that such occurrences encourage me, not just at work but in every part of the day. Here’s […] Read More

It takes some bold individuals to start an independent bookstore of any sort at this time in history. All Booked Up not only opened this past May, but after only four months in business, they moved down the street to a larger location. The place sells gently used and antiquarian books and collectibles. It has […] Read More

A variation on yesterday’s idea: for moments when you need encouragement, keep a file in your desk drawer of nice notes or reviews or even a letter from your mother that reminds you that you’re dazzling and your work is important and worthwhile. –This idea came from psychologist husband Bob. Add to del.icio.us - Stumble It! - Subscribe to […] Read More

What I’ve discovered from writing the fellowship application I was blogging about yesterday: Affirmations work. Or they can at least stoke the passions and build confidence. You know what I mean by affirmations, yes? The empowering sayings we’re encouraged to repeat to ourselves, such as: I am a calm and capable person. I am a […] Read More

Two recent bits of bold living that I’m proud to claim: 1. Took the whole Labor Day weekend off and caught up on reading and sleep (in order of importance.) 2. Am now at work on my application for a Guggenheim fellowship, which is a very prestigious and sought-after plum. I just ran across a […] Read More

It appears that some alien has messed with my email addresses…causing a variety of confusions and miscommunications. Decisive action was called for: new email address. I spent the day semi-successfully working at viewing the complications as a “challenge” and an “opportunity.” Mentally tiring. But do-able, both the fix and the positive mindset. Add to del.icio.us - Stumble […] Read More

All grownups need the fresh start of the first day of the school year. Kids have this, of course. And my academic pals do, too. For me, time seems weirdly seamless. Gardening season eases into kayak season which cools back into gardening. And work is the same year-round: except that in August a lot of […] Read More