Category Archives: Lessons

Bad Advice

Posted on November 30, 2017 by sputterpub

I married, bore two children, and divorced, and then I tried again to be a wife, but had to end that too – my talent coursed another way, and I determined life for me was happier, at least for then, … Continue reading →

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To My First Fledgling

Posted on July 22, 2016 by sputterpub

I’ve tried to show you everything I know. I’ve paid in parenting the patient price. But let me emphasize before you go away from me the gist of my advice. And take it with the wisdom of your time: react, … Continue reading →

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Precious

Posted on December 24, 2013 by sputterpub

I acted in a play when I was 3,adapted drama built of Gingerbread. The coach had to create a role for me so I played silent Heifer. On my head he set a giant mask he’d painted black.I wobbled onto … Continue reading →

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Smoking in the Rain

Posted on August 13, 2012 by sputterpub

I don’t smoke cigarettes any more. But I enjoyed them for decades. I bought strong, filterless smokes, and I took in so many that I know I’ve compromised some of my bronchial function. Even so, when I hear ex-smokers aver … Continue reading →

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A Little Death

Posted on July 9, 2012 by sputterpub

A raccoon died last night, I think. Actually I’m sure many raccoons died last night, globally, but I’m recording events in the backyard of _____ . That’s where I live. My home is a studio cottage in the garden. It … Continue reading →

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Constructive Criticism

Posted on February 13, 2012 by sputterpub

I object. I have a complaint. I may not have any right to voice it, but that’s never shut me up before. I think I understand how evolution works. Natural selection has made sense to me since I first heard … Continue reading →

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Notes

Posted on February 9, 2012 by sputterpub

Dad advised us not to take too many notes in school. He told us about his college days, sitting in a lecture hall, surrounded by other students who were trying to write down everything the professor said. They ended up … Continue reading →

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TED Talk

Posted on February 6, 2012 by sputterpub

I had lunch a few months ago with a friend, and she told me how exciting it had been for her to attend a TED talk, live. I can’t remember whom she saw, but she glowed with the recent experience. … Continue reading →

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How to Tell Them They’re Wrong

Posted on February 2, 2012 by sputterpub

Most of the time, if you say “You’re wrong” to someone, you just get his back up. Even if you make it funny (“R-O-N-G: wrong!” my dad used to declare), the accused gets accused, gets defensive, argues or pouts and … Continue reading →

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For Whom the Bell Curves

Posted on January 19, 2012 by sputterpub

I seldom speak to telemarketers or survey-takers any more. My caller ID warns me when it’s one of those folks and if I’m too distracted to read the display, there’s always that tell-tale silence after I answer – while the … Continue reading →

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