Category Archives: Stories

Where am I trying to go? Is there a place I think I will stay once I arrive there? Do I enjoy the process of “getting there”? So many times on my drive to work, I just want to stop and admire the view. I imagine how pleasant it would be to simply slow down,Continue reading “Running to Stand Still”

…300,000 words?

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: “I have too many ideas and I can’t decide which ones to focus on!” I know, what an annoying problem to complain about, right? Well, I’m not here to complain, per se — more like make a request. I love to write, and I do have plenty ofContinue reading “What Do YOU Want?”

Growing up, my family’s go-to “fancy dinner spot” was Red Lobster. Every time there was a special occasion, we were sure to go out to eat there, loading up on Cheddar Bay biscuits, New England clam chowder, and plenty of shrimp scampi. One time we were celebrating my grandma’s birthday, and the place was fairlyContinue reading “Leaving the Comfort Zone”

I’m no genius. Sure, I would love to be a literary titan. It would be great if I possessed greater mathematical acumen. Heck, I’d happy if I had musical prodigy…ness. But alas, I’m a mere teacher/author — I have spurts of creativity and a fair amount of ambition, which has resulted in a few memorableContinue reading “Lin Manuel Miranda’s Reject Pile”

Simplicity can be gorgeous. The luxury of space, of having just what you need. No clutter. No want, either. The balance of life on a knife’s edge. I try to do too much — to write too many things, plan too many activities, accomplish too many tasks at home. I’m trying to eat the wholeContinue reading “Simplicity”

A poem inspired by true events I often reject what is : I get annoyed Or refuse to accept And actual situation Or reaction Because I don’t think it should be The way it is — An angry outburst A rude remark Some irresponsible action Someone is crying But I don’t think they should be… So oftenContinue reading “The Problem of “Should Be” and “Is””

The Tim Ferriss Show is one of the most popular podcasts around. On the show, Tim typically interviews someone who is a “world-class performer” in their area of expertise — doctors, athletes, writers, musicians, actors, lion trackers — in order to learn skills and thought processes they have that can apply to anyone’s life. I’veContinue reading “Why I Should Be On The Tim Ferriss Show”

Toward the end of last year, I stumbled upon this excellent resource for authors: Critique Circle. It’s an online community of writers who post their work, and then they critique (or “crit”) one another as they choose. The mechanics of the site are brilliant: you have to give a certain number of detailed critiques inContinue reading “The Feedback Switch”

I love to travel. My wife and I spend countless hours planning trips, reminiscing about past vacations, and (occasionally) going on actual adventures. Seeing the world and being in new places revitalizes us, expands our horizons, and fills us with wonder. But I’m slowly realizing that I don’t need to go anywhere special to feelContinue reading “Daily Journal: Excerpt #2”