Dear J, my Precious Son Guess what? I never thought it'd happen, but I learned recently that I was in fact a bona fide "Tiger Mom" Dad! Okay okay, I hear you. What's that you're asking? Well, in a nutshell, this term was made popular globally by a 'nutty' professor called Amy Chua. She's this … Continue reading Fathering Softer #2 — No More “Tiger Mom” Dad!
It's hard on parents when a child has a meltdown. Even harder if it's unexpected. And if the child has autism? Well, let's just say the subsequent combustion can be a mini supernova! That's what happened to us two days ago. But before I recount the incident, a quick background for new readers to my … Continue reading Daily Living with Autism #14 — Scared to go alone
Recently, I found out about a podcast singing contest helmed by one of my favorite singer/songwriters to walk this planet, Sara Bareilles. At the same time, I found a related interview with her in Forbes about this contest (aptly called Breakthrough; unlike other singing contests, judges in this one listen to but don't see contestants … Continue reading Curing Writer’s Block #2 – Going Deeper Together
Yes, that's right. I am finally saying it out loud. I wish to be free from cars. Or more specifically, my car! What brought this on you ask? Well, aside from the last two times I wrote about my car, I've actually had many more occasions to write about it. Not the least of all … Continue reading My Car Saga Musings #3 — Why I Can’t Wait To Be Free From Cars
Four months ago today, as I was leaving one of the many public libraries in my country, I chanced upon a makeshift bookshelf near the exit that displayed a series of books about dementia and health issues facing the elderly. At first, I didn't think much of it. These are probably monthly-rotated showcases. The next … Continue reading Living in my 50s #4 – Is this the time of my life?
Two mornings ago, my wife and I sent C -- our youngest with autism -- to a three-day church camp. He was kicking and screaming in protest as usual. It's what he does every time there's a change in routine. After a while, I too felt like kicking and screaming, as my wife and I … Continue reading Fathering Softer #1 — “being” not “doing”
I was planning to post the 4th installment of this mini-series -- on how to write unceasingly -- next month. But I just couldn't wait! You see, I believe what I'm about to share is the culmination of all the "how-to's" about attention collectibles I've been sharing since the start of the series. And wouldn't … Continue reading Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #4/4 — “Little Stories of Your Life”
Two months ago, I began this mini-series on what attention collectibles are and how they offer a constant source of ideas to help writers write well on a regular basis. This was followed by the second piece last month that named one "bucket" of attention collectibles I use regularly. [Do check out both posts if … Continue reading Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #3/4 – Writing course resources
A couple of weeks ago I started this mini-series to share what I call "attention collectibles" for reading and writing. These are any and everything we tuck away in a safe place to reference when writing. Like a "creative well" that never runs out. A lifeline for dry spells or the dreaded writer's block. And … Continue reading Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #2/4 – Reading Resources
For the longest time, I've blogged about how paying attention to the small things in life is what truly matters. Especially when it comes to novelists and memoirists. In fact, pretty much all kinds of writers. Now I've learned there's actually a term I can use to refer to these small things. It's called "attention … Continue reading Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #1/4 — Intro
