Stepping Stones

As I mentioned in our last episode, I was recently visited by a screeching demon of a panic attack, followed by days of anxious malaise– all less charming than Woody Allen movies might suggest. One particularly nasty problem with a panic attack is that you feel isolated. Of course, you are isolated, to an extent. […]

Whaling

I had a boyfriend who refused to read “Bartleby the Scrivener.” Over and over again he refused. Some people get that. Some people don’t. I’m in a Melville mood lately. Forgive me. I was at Silver Dollar City last weekend. The weather was perfect, and people were making things with their hands. If I were […]

Paine ‘n’ McCain at the OK Corral

“We have it in our power to begin the world again.” –Thomas Paine “There will be no cooperation for the rest of the year.” –John McCain I just got back from the southwest, where I met and insulted a charming cowgirl. I expected Tombstone, Arizona to be sort of like Frontierland at Disneyland. Instead, we […]

Houses and Graves

No one else on the FDR home tour was about to wet herself with excitement like I was. He sat in this room! That was his lamp! He pulled himself up this dumbwaiter! (He did– even long after electricity, both to keep himself in shape and to assure himself he could evacuate in case of fire.) Inside the house is neat– but you have to stay with your tour guide to make sure no one spits on the floor. Outside the house is even better.