- @Pegeen
David is always so thoughtful in his writings but I feel the word challenge would be so much better than pain. No matter the degree of pain, most don’t want to experience it! A challenge just sounds more inviting, more like an invitation for expanding yourself. More of a reward afterwards, that you faced a fear and learned something valuable.
To literally imagine this woman’s life is heartbreaking, maddening. I feel such compassion but also inspired by her strength and courage.
It’s heartwarming to know there are kind rich people out there! What a story to tell and a tee shirt!
Wow, why would a 31 year old successful journalist risk her reputation and job on a 70 year old Robert Kennedy Jr., who seems seriously unstable? Plus, a known philanderer. And yes, she will get the worst end of this scandal while Kennedy goes on doing insane, bizarre things. Who could find this man even remotely attractive?!
Really well written because I did not know a thing about this man but could not stop reading once I started. Had such a clear visual of Dawkins followers.
Loved this. A good way to start my day.
Excellent advice, especially managing the mind. That takes awareness and consistent effort to make life altering changes. It’s not an end game but a process that’s best enjoyed or one could get very discouraged.
This story reminded me of an incident that happened over 8 years ago. I had fallen while rollerblading at an indoor roller rink. It was a horrific fall and required surgery where I needed both a metal pin and plate to reconstruct my left wrist. I am left handed so this was a massive challenge. I went with my husband to visit a friend once I was more stable and in a full cast. As we sat talking, I relayed a question to her that my husband had asked me: “What would you rather break, an arm or leg?” As painful as my broken wrist was, I did not hesitate to say arm. At least I had 2 good legs to allow me to move about freely, which was important to my healing, as I needed to get fresh air and walk in nature. My husband said leg because he is a pianist and artist who couldn’t imagine anything damaging his hands. After hearing us discuss our choices, our friend also said arm. Unfortunately, a week later, this friend slipped on ice while getting in her car and broke her leg. She was rushed to the hospital and her break required surgery - a metal rod inserted into her femur. Years later, and after extensive and painful physical therapy, I have fully recovered to the point of being able to do push ups. My friend has had more surgeries, physical therapy and still has many limitations and challenges. My husband has changed his answer! Hopefully anyone reading this will never have to experience any of it.
High School always conjures a strong reaction regardless of where on the emotional scale you find yourself. It’s a rite of passage that is folded in to who you are becoming.
I like the mixing of body weight (planks, push ups and pull ups) and dumbells. I used to prioritize cardiovascular exercises but as I’m aging, the weights, balance, flexibility and mobility exercises have gained more of my time and effort. And I like the feeling of being stronger. I feel more empowered.
I have been adding canned grilled mackerel, sardines and calamari (my favorite) into salads and sautéed vegetables. As the weather gets cooler, I want to roast my vegetables more frequently. It has been a really nice change of pace, adding more protein variety options.
I want more! There is a PDF of his account, but that won’t be transferred here. However, I will delight in its hilarity all by myself.
I would love to read David Foster Wallace’s account of being on a cruise ship, as I am one who could never imagine being on a cruise. I’m going to see if I can find his article in Harper Magazine’s archives. I could use a good laugh.
Sounds like a really important documentary that I will gladly take the time to watch. Bravo to the brave!
Another promising film to check out. Love the term “cassocked weirdos” as I always thought the pope selection process a complete joke.
Sounds really interesting.
It’s so important to remember the sacrifices others made in their own lives so the future generations would benefit. This is both inspiring but also very humbling.
A subject I never considered - incarcerated women desiring makeup to boost their morale, self esteem, courage and joy. When denied the basics, these women created their own makeup from the most unusual sources. Their resilience and creative spirit are inspiring.
I have a morning practice of tapping in my intentions for the day. And one of them is noticing - seeing. I love playing the game in all areas of my life. One of my favorite places is the grocery store. I always intend to find something new to try. Yesterday I went to Trader Joe’s. There, in a beautiful, colorful tin was calamari in olive oil. It’s rare to find calamari that is not fried. I had it last night with a sauté of new found vegetables: baby zucchini, butternut crinkles, shaved Brussel sprouts. All mixed in with bitter greens and broccoli rabe. Superb! The tin is so pretty, I now want to use it somehow in an art project. Noticing keeps me alert, curious, interested and joyful. It is an art.
I was transfixed by this story. First, because I was never one to have that burning desire to get married and have children. And secondly, I was really amazed this woman would have a child without a partner. The gauntlet she had to travel to try to get pregnant sounded so difficult and emotionally draining - even dangerous considering all the possible genetic issues. I’m glad things seem to be working out and wish them the best.
Interesting. I’m intrigued, since I would never put the adjective casual before the word sex. It even sounds boring! I know I am old, and this may sound so outdated, but there is such incredible excitement in taking things slow. Desire, anticipation, yearning make for great sex.
Can’t wait to see this one! Ron Howard usually delivers.
Really enjoyed this article. Clothes have always been a way for me to express myself. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and have kept that hippie vibe well into my late 60’s. My favorite items are platform shoes, big earrings, lots of bracelets and chunky rings on both hands. I’m more the hip hugger, long skirts, wide legged pants type. But lately I am liking tight jeans and tee shirts. The most important aspect of my wardrobe is that all my clothes have to be comfortable. Thrift stores are my absolute favorite places to shop. It’s always fun to find unusual, one of a kind items. Clothes that have a story, a history, are priceless. Some of my favorite clothes I have had for 15 years. I never care what’s in style, more, just what speaks to me.
This is such a good question to ponder about happiness. I recently read that Happiness is more conditional and outside of one’s self, whereas Joy is more intrinsic. For example, I recently lost someone very special to me. I was looking at a picture of him and listening to a brief recording of a phone message from 2 years ago. I was crying, but at the same time feeling deep joy for having known this man. Grief and joy coexisting.
Love the back story of the making of this film. I feel Angelina Jolie is up to the task, having seen her stellar acting performance in the thriller crime drama The Changeling. I’m a fan of Maria Callas and back in the 70’s you could not escape reading about her unfortunate relationship with Onassis. Never saw Spencer or Jackie but now curious to check them out. This director Larrain sounds really intense. He is drawn to iconic, complicated women, so he’s fearless!
I have always known vulnerability as strength and courage. It is a path to compassion and a deeper understanding of oneself and others. A heart centered way of life.
Extremely important. The argument from parents about needing to get in touch with their children makes me feel they are the one’s addicted! I would love to see a ban on phones in schools and all public places, like smoking. It’s toxic!
Betrayal is shocking and perhaps Jessica’s book can help navigate such a challenging time in one’s life. Bravo for her courage and willingness to be so vulnerable.
Love this! “An old person might say that he or she has forgotten more than you’ve known. An elder might say that he or she has lost more certainty than you’ve had.” When I was young, I did not know a lot of elders - very few. Aging seemed a dead end in all respects - physically, mentally and spiritually. If we, the old people, want respect, I feel we need to earn it. And not just from others, but most importantly from ourselves. Remaining open, curious, connected and active are important qualities. As is a diverse group of friends of different ages, cultures, backgrounds. A desire to live on purpose and with purpose. To give back, to use one’s talents and skills in ways that are fun, creative and beneficial to society. To be much more accepting of change, a willingness to be adaptable, to be uncomfortable, to become someone new.