Boyhood Memories
Our lives are full of stories; indeed, you could say that our lives are made up of the stories we accept and the stories we reject, all of which make us the person we are. Some stories stick around, consciously or not, and resurface from time-to-time. In the past year, I’ve been living a retelling…
Read MoreNew Day, New Story
It has been a long break. I haven’t paid sufficient attention to my website in some time. As always, there’s a story. Just after my last book, Back Side Of A Hurricane, came out, I was diagnosed with a serious health problem that made marketing a book seem not so important. Not surprisingly, the book…
Read MoreWith Liberty and Justice for Some
It has been a long time since I posted. I’m editing my newest novel, and don’t spend much time noodling around the computer, and as you know by now, I’m not very attuned to marketing, so I’ve neglected my site. But I’ve been reading a lot, and three recent books have gotten me thinking. I’ve…
Read MoreListen to Sleary
Today I read a post on social media that referenced a printed quote from a male physician that sounded misogynistic about the work ethic of female physicians. There were an avalanche of comments from readers who called for the physician’s ruin. I was reminded immediately of the Chicago Cubs’ fan who was captured apparently taking…
Read MoreAnother View Of The Magic Of Music
Not too long ago, I wrote a blog about how music can grab the members of the band when things are going well. This week, I was reminded of what music often does to those who are listening. First, some context, and maybe even a bit of marketing. On July 4th, the band I play…
Read MoreThe Company You Keep
Since early spring, I’ve been keeping company with the work of some great writers. I began in early April by re-reading one of the great novels ever written (in my opinion)—Philip Roth’s Everyman. This meditation on aging and death was as rewarding the second time as it had been back when it was new. I…
Read MoreHail and Farewell To Another Great Class
My class at University of Texas at Dallas ended a couple of weeks ago. I’ve just finished reading all the final papers and posting the final grades. Since the Honors College has been kind enough to ask me to teach again next spring, I will soon begin thinking about revising the syllabus, adding or subtracting…
Read MoreThe Magic of Music, and How It Happens
The band that I play in—The April First Band—played a gig yesterday. It was a brunch benefit for a community nonprofit in Denton, Texas, a great music town that we’ve played once before. It is always a privilege to play in Denton, and especially nice to do a benefit for a worthy cause. And, given…
Read MoreWhat A Week It Was
Last weekend, I departed on a trip that combined work with play, although the use of the word “work” is a stretch. I was returning to my alma mater, the University of Virginia, to deliver two lectures, so I guess I was working, but I take so much pleasure in talking with students about the…
Read MoreWell…..
I thought I was back, but apparently, I wasn’t. At the new year, after a fairly long break, I thought I’d return to somewhat regular blogging, but it hasn’t happened, and there must have been reasons for that. I’ve kept up my resolution, recording daily how I’m doing with eating, exercise, gratitude, generosity, compassion, and…
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