Writings and Curiosities

Tag Archives forsummer

Ten Ways to Love the Autumn

At my house, the last day of summer is a joyous occasion, but for others it’s a harbinger of dread. As my (northern hemisphere) friends step with me into The Dark Half of the Year, here are some tips and tricks to get as much joy out of the autumn as I do. Summer is […]

Surfacing

At last, I’ve come up for air. Oh, how sweet it tastes! I’ve felt my lungs burning—bursting with the spent carbon dioxide of a summer of toil—and here, finally, is my grand exhale. And as I float here on the other side of my recent travails, I know this long, hypoxic journey was worth it. […]

How To Become an Accident(al) Farm Hand

Call it the butterfly effect. Call it whatever you like; sometimes life’s seemingly insignificant twists and turns carry a big impact. If you’d told me two years ago I’d be spending one day a week on a farm, I’d have said you’re crazy. But accidents happen, and sometimes they result in pounds of tomatoes and […]

Fifty Words for Rain

It is rumored that the Eskimo had fifty words for snow—you know, a word for the big fat flakes, and for the little tiny ones that don’t amount to much, for the driving blizzards and the gentle, sound-muffling windless storms. I have not independently verified this, but I’d like to believe it’s true. I love […]

Air-Conditioning or ‘How I Became Weak’

I used to be tough. I could weather a heat wave barely breaking a sweat. Sure, summertime meant a small degree of discomfort, but it was eclipsed by fourth of July fireworks, barbecues, and afternoons at the outdoor pool. It meant fun, freedom and adventure; it was a season to look forward to, and being […]