Archive for May 2023
I was naked onstage after all.
Last week I wrote about the unlikelihood of me performing storytelling or standup while naked. Then it occurred to me: I’ve already been naked onstage once before. I had forgotten. Here is the story: I am quite susceptible to hypnosis. This trait may run in the family. My mother, a smoker for more than twenty-five…
Read MoreHappy birthday, Charlie
Charlie turns 11 years old today. This joyous boy has been in my life for 4,017 days. On his first day, I wrote this on Greetings Little One, a blog I wrote to my children every day for their first eight years. I’m so happy that I did. I certainly remember the day that Charlie…
Read MoreMemorial Day 2023
On this Memorial Day, in addition to honoring the fallen servicemen and women who gave their lives for this country, I will also be thinking about the men in my family who came before me and fought for our country abroad. My great-grandfather, who served in the US Navy and fought during World War 1.…
Read MoreBig moment in a big game
Charlie’s Little League catapulted into first place on Friday night with a decisive victory against the league’s then-first-place team. Charlie played second and third base. He knocked down – and nearly snared – a line drive hit to his right. He cheered on his teammates. Backed up every throw from the catcher to the pitcher.…
Read MoreNaked storytelling
My friend recently read about a naked standup show in New York City and texted: “Please don’t invite me to come watch if you decide to do this.” I was honored by his thought that I might consider doing such a thing. Standup is hard enough already. The possibility in my friend’s mind that I…
Read MorePlaque and a player
My friend and former colleague, Rob Hugh, who taught vocal music in West Hartford public schools for 39 years, returned last week to play percussion for our inter-elementary school choir. The choir was also singing one of his songs. Rob is a renowned composer of music for children’s choirs. His music is performed all over…
Read MoreStorytelling for Parents workshop
Got kids? Know someone who has kids? Check out my brand new Storytelling for Parents workshop. Saturday, June 17, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST. I’ll be teaching all of the strategies that I use to both tell entertaining, meaningful stories to my children and students and teach them to do the same. It’s…
Read MoreFixed!
In the event that you haven’t seen a blog post from me in nearly a week, fear not. I was still writing and posting. You were, perhaps, just not seeing them. The problem has been corrected. If you go to matthewdicks.com/blog, you can see all of the posts that you missed over the past seven…
Read More50 years of Barbara and Gerry Green
My in-laws, Barbara and Gerry – celebrated their 50th year of marriage last week, which is astounding. They have been married nearly as long as I have been alive. They’ve been married through ten Presidential administrations. When they were married, gas was 38 cents a gallon, the minimum wage was $1.60 per hour, and for…
Read MoreUnexpected surprise at laser tag
Charlie and I played laser tag on Sunday at Nomads Adventure Quest, an oddly named indoor amusement center in South Windsor, CT. We also bowled, spent an hour killing zombies in virtual reality, played a round of mini golf, rode the bumper cars, rock climbed, and played lots and lots of video games. We like…
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