In yesterday’s episode of Ordinary Chaos, Chris talked about wanting his writing to make a difference to people, whether he made money on it or not. He’s not alone in this wish. I took the mic for a moment to tell listeners—and now I’m telling you, readers—if you are consuming content made by someone else … Read more
I saw a post on social media where the writer and those commenting were eye-rolling at a kit for videoing yourself. I concede that “Like Me Vlogging Kit” is cringeworthy, but a light, a mic, a phone holder, and a tripod were included in the kit, which would be handy for a lot of types … Read more
What follows is an edited-down version of something I wrote in 2014, the last time I was in a deep depression. (Hey! It’s been seven years! That’s a big win!) It’s been sitting here in my drafts folder for years with a note to either edit or delete. Unsure as to whether I should share. … Read more
I’ve always liked to read, even in periods of life when I’ve not carved out much time to do it. I’ve never been a social reader and didn’t like talking about books in school. So joining a book club was never on my to-do list. I don’t remember the first time I heard of book … Read more
Rocket Kid did some week-long theatre day camps over the summer, each of which ended with a performance in their classroom. Classes were small, and the teachers held the performance until each child had someone in the audience to see them. Due to COVID mitigation strategies, each child was permitted two audience members. Chairs were … Read more
The big news recently has been about Simone Biles’ decision to pull out of the team gymnastics final. I’ve had the opportunity to read several thoughtful pieces written by people in support of Biles’ decision, and I’ve learned a lot. I had no issue with her decision without knowing the things I’ve learned. She knows … Read more
I have a document where I save my current writing: complete pieces, incomplete pieces, complete but not going to publish pieces, and a slew of ideas for pieces-to-be. When I settle in to write, if I don’t already have something in mind to write about, I will refer to the unfinished pieces or the list … Read more
If all goes according to plan, I have a podcast that will be live on July 14—Ordinary Chaos. This post was born in that project, but the takeaway isn’t about the podcast. Hang with me. Ordinary Chaos has several different threads within it, but the overall premise is that people don’t need to be famous to … Read more
On a tour at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, while looking at the equipment and reproductions of the photographs that were used to discover Pluto, we learned about Clyde Tombaugh, the man behind the discovery. The story as I remember it is that Percival Lowell believed there to be another planet because of oddities in … Read more
In college, I had a repetitive stress injury that prevented me from playing my flute. A year later, an ear infection caused me to go deaf in my right ear. In addition to seeing medical doctors, I went to see a therapist. At the time, my relationship with my family was a mess. No one … Read more