As the first verses of "Lovers in Japan" give way to the chorus, Coldplay launches thousands of colorful paper butterflies into the audience. And I mean thousands, tens, maybe hundreds of thousands. And the butterfly cannons are re-loaded for the second chorus. Then the third. More butterflies each time. If I hadn't attended a recent [...]
I travel with my family, a lot. Travel, or adventure, really, has become a priority to us. Cash flow can slow to a drip. The car rusts, pings, gently begging fiscal attention. Our home awaits rehab, updates, perhaps a luxurious addition, for years on end. But our priority is clear. Whenever we can, we always [...]
I have just crossed the Mississippi, heading west into Iowa this third of July. Night is gently falling here, and it is gorgeous, the setting sun, the seemingly endless rolling fields. This is America, the heartland, and it is gorgeous. I’m listening to the hopeful, plaintive sounds of The Rising. My eye is drawn toward [...]
The Columbine massacre took place ten years ago this week. In the wake of that tragedy, many in my field went to work trying to determine the root causes. Gun control was an issue. Where were the parents? What preventive role should the school have played? When the dust settled, though, most of us concluded [...]
Honestly, man, what is with some people? I am really beginning to wonder. Case in point: A friend of mine was in town visiting from Philly a couple of weeks ago. More accurately, Rich is more like the friend of the family of a friend, or vice versa, or something like that. It's complicated, but [...]
For me, writing is a curious, sinewy, writhing joy of a process. As I continue to write, one issue I will almost certainly need to contend with involves, literally and ironically both, my availability to write what and when I need to write. It is not, for example, that the source material is there, logged [...]
I was asked yesterday to write a bit about self-esteem and confidence, how to foster these in teens. I found myself, time and again, returning to the word "competence". I realized that I use this word all the time. My online reference tool informs me that competence refers, quite simply, to the ability to do [...]
So, I give this radio interview on relationships, a Valentine's Day thing, a few weeks ago. I'm feeling good, enjoying clever banter, offering some sweet expert advice on connecting and availability in relationships: "Look each other in the eyes," I suggested. "Consider one another in your thoughts and decisions," I laid out, um, expertly. "Remember [...]
I've been in what they call a “bit of a funk" the last few days. I feel sluggish, exhausted really, and slightly under the weather. I feel a little blue. I'm dragging my feet. I'm definitely not entirely present, so I know I'm missing moments, probably important ones. I went skiing with families from my [...]
It’s a little bit funny This feeling inside Elton What is it about music that brings us to such a different place? Julie and I attended a dinner party last night, a good one. Great food, thoughtful, interesting conversation, beautiful house, the whole bit. A nice, memorable night. That would have sufficed for a damn [...]