Are we hoping for tragedy or triumph? — Humans love stories; it’s how we share our lives and often how we try to make sense of the world. As an aspiring memoir writer, I need to know what makes readers want to delve deeper into other people’s experiences. So this year, I kept asking memoir readers Why do…

Naturalist. Humanist. Teller of tales. Autodidact. Lover of people, plants, places, and ideas. — When I was a child, I listened to the words of Big Wicked Bill and cried for the dog. Now my heart knows why Stuart Hamblen sang, “Sometimes in the hush of an evening when the winds have grown tired and are stilled, By the fire, I sit dozing and…

And what does home-less or un-homed really mean? — I was born in July under the fourth astrological sign of the zodiac, Cancer, if one believes in such things. The sign of Cancer is represented by the crab, a crustacean carrying its home with them. …

Don’t let hungry pests waste your time, money, and eat your vegetables. — You’ve spent countless weekends hauling dirt, improving the soil, and planting. But, unfortunatly, the dollar signs are adding up, too—$25.00 for plants and seeds, $30.00 spent on a new hose, and another $50.00 for compost and fertilizer. But it will be worth it, you say to yourself. Soon I’ll have…

I am learning to be at peace in an unknown space. — I’ve been in a strange place for the last six months—a place in the middle, of waiting between beginnings and endings. Until a couple of weeks ago, I had no name for this space, but now I know. It is a place known as liminality. We all know the meaning…

Some memories are worth more than gold. — I grew up on a homestead in Eagle River, Alaska, which wasn’t as exciting as you may expect. Yes, gorgeous scenery and lots of peace and quiet. But mostly the inconveniences of no water, plumbing, or electricity. And then there was Breakup, the season after winter and before summer: mud…

When can positive thinking be harmful? — What makes you pick up a book on display at your local bookstore or library? Is it the bright color or intriguing cover? Or maybe it’s the title that grabs you. Then you pick it up and read the inside of the dustjacket, trying to decide if it’s worth investing…

We must ask, “What can I do to help?” — First, Do No Harm. I’ve always loved that statement, even if it’s been erroneously linked to the Hippocratic Oath. I’ve always loved it for its simplicity. It seems easier to not be harmful than to be helpful. Lately, it’s hard to know how to help make things better. …

A simple blood test can now reveal the answer — When I was younger and raising children, I learned as much as I could about nutrition and early childhood education, hoping to raise happy, healthy kids. Then, in middle age, I was consumed with business and making a living. Now that I’m older, my time seems well spent reflecting on…