Somebody in my household loves to do puzzles – words, numbers, it doesn’t matter. For spelling bees and crosswords, I’m the closer. Cryptograms don’t usually interest me, but he solved one recently that struck me. It said “summer used to last forever when you were a kid. Now it’s only 12 weeks.” And this one […]
Connecticut’s own Mark Twain is frequently cited for his witticisms. Even The Economist, in a recently published a special report on the future of travel, used a Twain quote: “travel is fatal to prejudices, bigotry and narrow mindedness.” I have certainly found this to be true. A perfect example was our trip to Andalusia in […]
Numerous studies describe, define, test and/or debunk the concept of decision fatigue. The basic idea is that if you have to make too many decisions in too short a time your ability to do so becomes impaired. In a related vein, I have found my paintings work better if I remember to step back, or […]
On the bright side, I am no longer calling this shelter-in-place. The preferred term now is “artist-in-residence.” Of course, there are times when it would be nice to be in residence elsewhere, or to at least have the option. Plans for NYC and for Portugal were postponed, but with the vaccines we’re optimistic again. I’m […]
All of us are feeling frustrated during this pandemic, wearing masks, being cautious about public spaces, staying home more, avoiding group activities, missing friends and family in order to keep them safe… For people whose jobs are gone, or whose jobs require putting themselves and loved ones at risk, this is terrifying. For black people, […]
Many people believe that “right-brained” folks are more intuitive and creative, and “left-brained” are more analytic (they could probably fix my cut-off image here!) and logical. For years I bought into that, and proudly claimed to be both. Turns out everybody is. Both brain hemispheres are involved in language and perception, with different specialties like […]
When we stop and think, we know this season is really about being grateful. Never mind manufactured celebrations like Black Friday. This is a time to gather with people who matter to us, appreciate what we have, and give to those in need. OK, and it’s also about eating too much. LOL There is much […]
It turns out I’m not crazy after all. Or at least not in a cranky old woman kind of way. Yet. Apparently other people also hate the beeping from modern appliances, so “beep rage” has become a thing. There’s also “second-hand beep rage” from having to hear other people’s toys beeping – seat belts, phones, […]
