Category Archives: Lessons

   When I was 23 I fell in love with a brass-chased pewter box at Gump’s. It was made in the shape of a duck, it came in two or three sizes, and the perfect one sold for about $20. It … Continue reading →

   When I was around 10, I started mirror writing. I think my father first mentioned it to me; later I learned about Leonardo. I found it rather easy to write backwards in cursive. It got to where I could do … Continue reading →

     When I was 11 or 12, I had a little bout of insomnia. It was autumn, the beginning of either 7th or 8th grade, and for a few nights I couldn’t fall asleep. Nowadays that might have a different … Continue reading →

When I was around 40, I collaborated with Katie to create a shaggy dog story. We’d been chuckling about the genre, kind of collecting them. I think our favorite was the tale that ends with the line “people who live … Continue reading →

     When I was 47 I joined my parents and brothers for an emotional pilgrimage. Our folks were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, and they took us to their favorite city. So there we landed, seven of us in Paris. … Continue reading →

   When I was around 10, my father began telling me that you’re either a leader or a follower, with unsubtle suggestion about which one to be. I’m sure he would have told me earlier but I don’t think the subject … Continue reading →

   When I was 15 I went faster on land than ever before or since, and I did it more than once. I look back on those days and I marvel at how many of us survived to adulthood. The time … Continue reading →

     When I was 15 I was exposed to Synanon. I wouldn’t have gone without my quasi-beau Raymond. I didn’t drive and I’d never heard of the organization. But Ray was a grade ahead of me, nearly two years older … Continue reading →