The Neighborhood

I am unusual among my friends in that I live close to the place I call home and enjoy spending time with my biological family. My parents still live in the house I grew up in on a block where we knew everyone and the kids streamed in and out of each others homes. We don’t see a lot of that in our neighborhoods these days. In many places it’s rare to know our neighbors. On a block of six houses, I’m only on friendly...

Tune Out the Barking Dog

I’m currently in uncomfortable territory in a couple areas of my life. Experimenting with a new medium in my artwork and developing two public talks have me feeling anxious and out of my comfort zone. (That commotion you hear is my mentors cheering in the background.) Learning doesn’t happen in the comfort zone. Our words and what we give voice to have power. I have to be mindful not to get sloppy with my...