Clara Susan Dicks: Storyteller
Clara performed in the Great Hartford Story Slam last month. Her story wasn't scored because two of the three judges were her parents, but here's the thing: She didn't tell…
Dare me to fail. I dare you.
During our recent west coast vacation, I played golf with my friend, Plato, at his country club on Whidbey Island. A total of 45 holes over three days. Plato warned…
The devil’s music
I'm walking through the Minneapolis - St. Paul airport. I walk past a restaurant playing music loudly enough to filter into the concourse. It's 10:30 in the morning, so it's…
Laugh Laugh Laugh Cry
Elysha has said that the best stories I tell are "Laugh Laugh Laugh Cry." Many of my stories fall into this formula, meaning: I tell an amusing and sometimes hilarious…
Woman on shoulder and chest
About ten minutes into my flight to Charleston, South Caroline, the woman beside me falls asleep and flops into my seat. Her head lands on my shoulder and chest, where…
Sam the Free Baby!
I've always hoped that my children's lives are filled with brilliant, joyous adults who make them feel loved, respected, valued, and happy. The more, the merrier. It truly takes a…
Payphone in the forest
The visitor center in Muir Woods National Park features an operational payphone. Cell service in the forest is spotty, so a payphone is available if you need to call someone.…
Charlie and his harmonica
Charlie asks for a harmonica in the Alcatraz gift shop. My initial response is no. He plays trumpet and guitar already, but more importantly, he likes to make noise whenever…
Grammarly seems a little too kind to me
If you use Grammarly, you receive a weekly analysis of your writing statistics listing your productivity, mastery, and vocabulary. Below is a portion of my results. I don't post mine…
