I am a somewhat elderly gentleman, retired from my profession, and generally in good health -- with one exception. I am afflicted with macular degeneration, an age-related malady that leaves me, more or less, legally blind. However, I find that there are ample compensations.

I am a somewhat elderly gentleman, retired from my profession, and generally in good health -- with one exception. I am afflicted with macular degeneration, an age-related malady that leaves me, more or less, legally blind. However, I find that there are ample compensations. For example, I have a certain thrill of victory coursing through my veins when, with the assistance of a magnifying glass, I can actually read fine print. And then of course there’s the glory of having Siri and Alexa, text

Collective trauma is the term used to describe a shared emotional response to a devastating experience. This past year presented more than its fair share of traumatizing events. From COVID-related fear and grief to horror and outrage at race-related tragedies, our collective well-being has suffered in unexpected and overwhelming ways. While there are no easy resolutions to the trauma, we can take steps to heal ourselves and our communities.

Collective trauma is the term used to describe a shared emotional response to a devastating experience. This past year presented more than its fair share of traumatizing events. From COVID-related fear and grief to horror and outrage at race-related tragedies, our collective well-being has suffered in unexpected and overwhelming ways. While there are no easy resolutions to the trauma, we can take steps to heal ourselves and our communities. Sharing our stories helps us make meaning of events and

“You talk too much,” my mother said, one arm on the steering wheel, the other holding the rim of the window. “People just aren’t interested.” Wind smeared hair in my face.

“You talk too much,” my mother said, one arm on the steering wheel, the other holding the rim of the window. “People just aren’t interested.” Wind smeared hair in my face. I did not realize how deeply her words sank in until I told a new therapist that I shouldn’t have told my stories. Though in college I nearly had a nervous breakdown trying to figure out how much to say to whom in a futile effort to honor my mother. I chose a graduate school where my poems about virginity were mocked. I copied

The wise philosopher Yogi Berra once urged, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it!" Republicans may need to take that fork, and soon.

The wise philosopher Yogi Berra once urged, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it!" Republicans may need to take that fork, and soon. The party is split between Trumpists and those who long to move on. This schism may be irreconcilable because it is rooted in both policy and personality. The personality problems are obvious. Trump's modus operandi is to attack and antagonize. Policies and opponents are caricatured for effect. Trumpists enjoy and applaud, but many others are put off and

My dad had visions. The kind that turn into things.

My dad had visions. The kind that turn into things. He would see things in his head -- and then make them. He was an artist. That's what artists do. They transfer what they see onto or into something we can see. Call it a skill if you want. But it feels larger than that. He liked to carve, but that process was different. He began with a vision but the wood itself would guide him. Artists must work in partnership with their particular process or medium. But I think that partnership is more