A fundamental conundrum in 21st Century life is finding something of intrinsic, compelling ultimate value into which we can unreservedly pour our time, energy and “unbridled spirit” for the duration. Life is changing so fast, and there are so many superficial diversions/distractions to navigate through and around, that we remain largely adrift and unanchored in…
Looking in the mirror and having it talk back to you is an unnerving experience: “What have you got to say for yourself?” “ Are you of any salvageable earthly account or not?” “ And by whose measure or reckoning?” [While there may be higher “Callings”, the very least we can do is become members…
PREFACE: This is one of an increasing number of entries related to the challenge of living without a GOAL, MISSION, PURPOSE or PASSION in life – a privation with which I’m finding so many are unfortunately saddled. Most entries on this topic are about practicalities, though elements of philosophy creep in. The most important first…
Dateline: July 10, 2017 DEAR ABBY: My son, Allen, is 27 and a pretty good writer, mostly fantasy stuff. I don’t like that genre myself, but I have enjoyed reading some of his work. He writes not only short stories but also entire books. I have tried to convince him to submit his work to…
In our barbershop chorus, The Kentuckians, our Director keeps challenging us to keep our pitch up and stay on key by imagining the addition of “onion skin” layers of higher frequency sound, particularly when holding notes of long duration. Without acute consciousness of this kind, the pitch will invariably drop in unaccompanied vocalization – no…