If you’ve read a few of my other Music Moment posts, you know that I love story songs. You know, where the lyrics meld with the music to tell a story. Most songs are about conveying a feeling, an emotion, or setting a mood, which is fine, but I guess it’s the storyteller in me…
Category: Personal
Book Review – Buddhism Without Beliefs [Books]
I’ve been a follower of Buddhist philosophy for over twenty-five years. Not the religious aspect of it. I can do without that. But the philosophy behind it, the way to look at life, at the people around me, my perception of my world, that all appeals to me. And although I’m far from perfect, I…
A Little Motivation [Creativity]
“Commitment to the most worthy purpose is of little value if we lack confidence in our ability to realize it.” – Stephen Batchelor, Buddhism Without Beliefs I’ve been reading the aforementioned book the past few days, and this line stuck out to me. I read it several times because it resonated and made me think…
What’s the Best Writing Tool? [Writing]
This is one of those topics that can be contentious. There are so many tools available to the modern writer that it can be overwhelming. I can’t promise you that I’ll answer all your questions. However, I think I can provide you with some valid options and, hopefully, help you make an informed decision. First,…
What I Learned From Comic Books [Creativity]
When I was a kid I adored comic books. I was (and still am) a fan of Marvel titles, especially Spider Man, The Incredible Hulk, Doctor Strange, The Silver Surfer, and The Uncanny X-Men. I’d run down to the local convenience store the first of every month and pick up my favorites, along with a…
New Beginnings [Mental Health]
I never realized just how much influence our jobs have on our mental health. I mean, sure, we can get stressed at work, occasionally have to deal with toxic people, clean up mistakes, things like that. It’s a job and it comes with the territory. I recently read this article that explains how a toxic…
Finding Your Writing Voice [Writing]
An author’s writing voice is much like a fingerprint, or even their actual speaking voice. It’s special, unique, and identifies them as an individual. When I pick up a book and start reading, the author’s writing voice identifies them, much like if they had called me on the phone. When I was in my teens…
Quote the Writer, Not the Character [Writing]
Okay, I know this will sound strange, but it annoys me when someone quotes a character from a work of fiction instead of the writer. I should let it go, I know, but I think it comes from my belief that writers are under appreciated in general. It happens often enough in fiction. I mean,…
Saying Goodbye to Dick Robinson [Books]
Just a quick post to say thank you and goodbye to one of the people who helped me develop a love of books and reading. Although you may not know who he is just from his name, Mr. Robinson had a huge impact on getting young people to read here in the U.S. For nearly…
Music Moment – After the Gold Rush [Music]
One of my favorite singer/songwriters is Neil Young. He first came to prominence in the late 1960s as a member of Buffalo Springfield. Later, in between releasing solo albums, he also was an on again/off again member of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. While his efforts with other musicians has always been fantastic, he really…