Today (when this was written) is voting day: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026. By the time you read this post, the power dynamic in the US will have shifted… or perhaps not. I’ve done my best to maintain a non-political stance on the blog. Plenty of other folks are political enough. Yet, I feel called toContinueContinue reading “The American Dream”
Category Archives: Personal Essays
Sylvan Esso at the State Theater
The purple light, matching the color of my blog drafting notebook, flashes at me. Lightning. Synth-heavy music pounds my ears. Thunder. I’ve been to a few concerts, but this Sylvan Esso (https://www.sylvanesso.com/) show at Portland’s State Theater reminds me to attend more. Concerts are one of the best collective experiences to feel human, besides sexContinueContinue reading “Sylvan Esso at the State Theater”
True Character is Defined by Action, not Praise
Opening As we begin studying Ancient Rome and prepare to watch Gladiator, I asked my History Through Film kids to respond to one lesson from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations – a collection of statements written during his rule as Emperor of Rome between 170 and 180 CE. Aurelius was a Stoic. I thought to add myContinueContinue reading “True Character is Defined by Action, not Praise”
Time with Python: Automations in Personal Use
The 4th Go-Around print(“ As any good teacher who finds lifelong learning fulfilling, I seek the next skill to satiate my dopamine craving. Adapting and uncovering newfound tools is like discovering the Temple of Doom. Adventure, danger, and uncovering something from deep within. Even though “for x in list” held up the first three attempts,ContinueContinue reading “Time with Python: Automations in Personal Use”
Western Maine – Give and Take
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”
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”