I signed on to another year at the academy in April. The decision came after mulling over alternatives, applying to a museum job, and finally settling on one more year. There is a give and take here in Western Maine. At my disposal: the wonder of nature that surrounds me, solitude, and creative space. WhatContinueContinue reading “Western Maine – Give and Take”
Category Archives: Personal Essays
How to Write 5 Pages a Day
I’m looking ahead at my stack of papers needing revision: 47,000 words that attempt to weave two story arcs together. To put that off for just a little while longer, here are five thoughts on how to write five pages a day for thirty days. If you have an idea, please share in the comments.ContinueContinue reading “How to Write 5 Pages a Day”
Structured and Unstructured Time: A brief thought bubble
My girlfriend stepped over the roots ahead of her. They rose up in loops — perfect toe catchers. While my gaze certainly fell on the sway of her hips, she pulled me up by talking about “touching grass” and the appreciation she had for nature. The rest of her day, she explained, would revolve aroundContinueContinue reading “Structured and Unstructured Time: A brief thought bubble”
Mortality is Meaning
This is a continuation of my thoughts on the Universe Experiencing Itself. Death is inevitable, waiting like a patient golden retriever. To live is to die. More importantly, to live is to experience. The precious and unrepeatable passing moments are occasions to celebrate. I once thought that the Universe would find its own end oneContinueContinue reading “Mortality is Meaning”
Spending Time Alone in Your Own Company
This essay’s foundation was a voice memo dictated on a five-mile walk. Green pines and firs. A quiet blue sky. Textured white from the birches or a cloud. The exertion in my feet midway through the walk. We live within ourselves throughout life. Be grateful for our bodies and minds, and use our faculties untilContinueContinue reading “Spending Time Alone in Your Own Company”
Lessons from my 14th Great-Grandfather
Here are three lessons I’ve learned from my great-great-great-great… ninth great-grandfather, Mathieu d’Amours. I wanted to see if we could still connect across centuries, and, in doing so, push his second death (the last time a name is spoken) a little further away. So let’s keep speaking it. Lesson 1: Be confident The Conseil SouverainContinueContinue reading “Lessons from my 14th Great-Grandfather”
How to Spend Spring Break as a Teacher
18 Things I did over spring break this year. I Travel to Quebec with your parents to explore family history. Eat nearly no Canadian cuisine. Pizza. Burgers. More pizza. Some poutine. Challenge yourself to speak French — especially at your last stop at a diner, where they don’t speak English. At least use “Bonjour,” “BonneContinueContinue reading “How to Spend Spring Break as a Teacher”
Multitude of Books
I always have several books spread in the various regions in which I frequent. Currently, two books are stacked on the small table in my living room. They earn my attention briefly when I sit on the blue-green futon, before indulging in Netflix or filming a podcast. My bedstand recently watched one book leave inContinueContinue reading “Multitude of Books”
I wrote 90 Pages in 19 Days. It Messed with my Head
For the month of March, I wrote five pages a day in the world of Aurum Ledger, a fantasy realm I created last year. The writing consumes two hours per day. On my best days, I wrote in the morning, feeling fresh and capable. However, I wrote every day, even if it meant starting atContinueContinue reading “I wrote 90 Pages in 19 Days. It Messed with my Head”
Fingertips of the Universe
I wrote this after a Tarot card reading I performed around identifying my spirit guide(s). I came up with a type I call the “Philosopher-Explorer.” The following was handwritten in the span of 15-20 minutes. These are merely notes rather than a complete thought. Bear that in mind before you read further, please. This descriptionContinueContinue reading “Fingertips of the Universe”