"You only have what you give. It's by spending yourself that you become rich.” - Isabel Allende This Thursday we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States, and I know that other countries celebrate a day of thanksgiving at various times throughout the year. Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a day to be thankful … Continue reading A Thanksgiving Reminder: Give, Be Present, Love Deeply
Category: Ed’s Notes
The Dark Chocolate Myth
Most of you who read my "About Me” page know that I have a degree in Chemistry. I didn’t pursue Chemistry as a profession in the Army because they don’t do the kind of Chemistry I was used to—laboratory work, scientific experimentation, etc. Later in my career, I thought about transferring to an area of … Continue reading The Dark Chocolate Myth
When a Story Finally Finds Its Moment
I read an article this weekend in The Wall Street Journal and immediately thought about all my writer friends in my WordPress community. It’s a story of never giving up and of writing without worrying where your words will land. Maybe one day your book will be discovered and become a hit—but the writing journey … Continue reading When a Story Finally Finds Its Moment
An Hour with Surviving Sue
Early this year, I read a wonderful book written by Dr. Vicki Atkinson titled Surviving Sue, and you can read what I wrote about her book here. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend an event sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts Department of Harper College in Chicago’s northwest area. I spent a little … Continue reading An Hour with Surviving Sue
Printers Row Lit Fest 2025
As I was reviewing today’s post, I realized that today marks my 2nd year of blogging. I can’t believe it’s already been two years. I guess my trip to the Printers Row Lit Fest in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday turned out to be my 2nd Blogniversary celebration. I didn’t plan it that way, but it … Continue reading Printers Row Lit Fest 2025
Book Bans Hurt Education
This is not the first time I’ve commented on book banning in this country and my frustration with this insanity. Trying to change history or pretending that current events are not occurring by banning books is not going to succeed now, just as it didn’t succeed during the many attempts in the past. To this … Continue reading Book Bans Hurt Education
How much coffee is too much?
Well, that’s a good question. I think the more, the better, but a few bloggers know that I reach my limit when my left eye starts twitching. When that happens, I usually stop drinking until the next day. I read a good article with the same title in The Economist that discusses the subject. It seems like … Continue reading How much coffee is too much?
Keeping the Brain Sharp
The brain weighs about three pounds, and it’s a complex organ. It controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger, and every process that regulates our body.1 We often hear that we need to keep the brain sharp and healthy so it can support our functions throughout the years. Suggestions such as … Continue reading Keeping the Brain Sharp
52 Summers
On AgingWhen you see me sitting quietly,Like a sack left on the shelf,Don’t think I need your chattering.I’m listening to myself.Hold! Stop! Don’t pity me!Hold! Stop your sympathy!Understanding if you got it,Otherwise I’ll do without it!When my bones are stiff and aching,And my feet won’t climb the stair,I will only ask one favor:Don’t bring me … Continue reading 52 Summers
It’s Not Complicated—Unless You Make It: My Thoughts on Male-Female Friendships Part 2
Last week, I mentioned an article titled Can Men and Women Just Be Friends? that I was planning to read, and I gave my answer to the question without having read the article. I said that my perspective is: No, if you see women as objects. But Yes, if you see them as equals. Well, … Continue reading It’s Not Complicated—Unless You Make It: My Thoughts on Male-Female Friendships Part 2
