Years ago, Fred and I would routinely meet at lunchtime for a run in Central Park. With its circular road and crossroads, the park offers the potential for runs of many varied distances. We would plan to run a long run one or two days a week and shorter runs on alternate days.On those long runs, we would approach the cutoff that would take us on a …
Last Monday evening. We were at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts for the traditional July 4th James Taylor concert (actually July 3rd and 4th).I’m not sure how many James Taylor concerts at Tanglewood we’ve been to over the years, but this was not the first. Many years ago the rumors began that that concert would be his last. And I promised that …
I was at the movies with my grandson. It was one of those upscale theaters with reclining seats and food brought to you.And a bowl of popcorn appeared and was placed on the little table in front of me.As I reached for the popcorn, the voice resonated in my ear: “I bet you can’t eat just one!”A challenge of self control. And I lost.Thinking about it …
The quotation, attributed to Winston Churchill, was tacked on the wall behind the desk.“However Beautiful the Strategy, you should Occasionally look at the Results.”As I gazed upon those words, other familiar words came to me and I considered… do the “Ends justify the Means”?
The simple question was posed to a world reknown glass artist after his inspiring talk about his life’s work.“What is your best work?”He answered, “My next one.”That equally simple answer reveals the key to creativity.
Flo and I were taking a walk in Great Barrington last weekend and passed a lawn that was covered in dandelions. A carpet of yellow. It was pretty.But my initial reaction was “weeds!!!”Then we talked as we walked.“Who labeled them weeds?”“Do they know they’re weeds?”“Is that bad?” and“Do they care?”It doesn’t change the beautiful yellow.But they’re …
Last weekend, we attended our nephew’s graduation from Brandeis University. It was nice being back at my alma mater. But that’s for another blog.My takeaway was from the graduate who told that she was failing organic chemistry in her first semester. She recalled how her professor took that special interest in her and mentored her through the challe …
A picture on the front page of Tuesday’s New York Times caught my eye. It was a room at the Friars Club. The familiar seal on the wall looked down at the empty tables and chairs.The title of the article tells it all - “Haven of Cigars and Laughs Seeks a Savior”.I remember the many Gotham meetings and events at the Club. My first Gotham meeting. The …
Early morning. Sun rising. Window open. The birds are chirping. Talking to each other. I’m eavesdropping.Springtime.
We recently saw “Plays for the Plague Year” a wonderful and worthwhile musical/play by Suzan-Lori Parks at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater.At the beginning of the lockdown, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Parks set out to write a play a day. The result is this production.As you entered Joe’s Pub, you were offered a little note card asking what you re …
I was speaking to my ten year old grandson and we began to fantasize about a Time Machine that would allow us to travel in time and be the same age and be friends - rather than grandparent and grandson. We considered whether we should be his age or mine. It wasn’t difficult to agree that his ten years was the better choice.We laughed about what we …
I had never given it much thought -- until recently.The thought is that I may become a victim of gun violence. Just "being at the wrong place at the wrong time" has taken on a new perspective and a new concern.Not that it wasn’t there in the past but it has moved to a new place in my thoughts. And, perhaps, my behavior and routines are impacted.As …
It was probably September of 1967. I was coming home for my first visit after starting my freshman year at Brandeis. At the last minute I thought about bringing my parents a little something from my college. I picked up a mug (possibly a ceramic beer stein) with the school emblem. That mug was prominently displayed in their home - sometimes to my …
I gazed at the plant several times. A small myrtle topiary. Perfectly shaped with its foliage in a ball atop its stem.I was warned. A hard plant to keep alive. On the other hand, water as needed and keep it by a window and it should be fine. A challenge.Finally, after several visits, I took “Myrtle” home.Sunshine and water. She seemed fine.Then I n …
Today is a special day. Although it is someone’s birthday, everyday is someone’s birthday. Today is special because it’s Opening Day — the Mets in Miami and the Yankees at home.Opening Day is very special. No statistics, hope and optimism reign supreme. Like race horses starting in the gate. All at the same place, waiting for the start.And it’s tim …
