The Rhythms of Urban Life Are Everywhere. We Need To Pause Them.

group of people playing drums during daytime

Rumble Rumble. Thump Thump. Grrrr Grrr. These are the common rhythms and sounds of life in an urban city perpetually under construction. At least it's been so in my city for as long as I can remember. Of late, however, it feels like it's worsening! The Noisy Rhythms Of My Habitat Photo by Robert So … Continue reading The Rhythms of Urban Life Are Everywhere. We Need To Pause Them.

My Car Saga Musings #3 — Why I Can’t Wait To Be Free From Cars

person laying in front of silver sedan

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

Living in my 50s #1 – Is this the time of my life?

a close up shot of a table number

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 #1 – Is this the time of my life?

My past prepared me for my online spoken reading

male employer gesticulating and explaining idea in light office

Three nights ago, I did something for the second time in two years. I performed a reading aloud online with not one, not two, but four poems I wrote to an audience of fellow writers. 'Performing' is nothing new for me. I've been a lecturer and tutor for over 20 years. But that night's spoken … Continue reading My past prepared me for my online spoken reading

Life after 500 posts — feeling stuck or in a sweet spot?!

woman in red t shirt looking at her laptop

A classic song from Sir Elton John starts with this line: It's a little bit funny; this feeling inside. I think it aptly describes my funny feeling now as I type this post, after announcing last week I've knocked out 500 posts since starting my blog four years ago. Despite what I claimed the past … Continue reading Life after 500 posts — feeling stuck or in a sweet spot?!

Indulging daily in “a memory of comfort” to “grow my emotional tank”

person sitting on rock on body of water

Do I really have permission to indulge daily in "a memory of comfort" in order to "grow my emotional tank"? This question has dogged me since my latest counseling session on Tuesday. Even though it's been two years now since I started visiting a counselor monthly to work through unresolved matters in my life, I … Continue reading Indulging daily in “a memory of comfort” to “grow my emotional tank”

A sobering Mother’s Day reminder from my mom

ambulance architecture building business

I know Mother's Day is tomorrow, and I know it's the time for every mom to receive flowers, treats, and presents. But unfortunately, this isn't that kind of celebratory post. So, if you're looking for something to warm your hearts and inspire you to celebrate this annual day of recognizing your great mom, stop reading … Continue reading A sobering Mother’s Day reminder from my mom

How renovating a toilet taught me what truly matters!

flushing water in white toilet bowl

We fought hard not to. Until we couldn't. This is the story of our toilet renovations that started three days ago. But in case you're wondering, this isn't a soiled and sordid tale about bowel movements and stinky water closets. This is a story about what truly matters in life. Sorry, I'm getting ahead of … Continue reading How renovating a toilet taught me what truly matters!

Film Review – A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

There's a scene in the film biopic "A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood" (2019) that's so sudden and violent, you wonder if the filmmakers forgot that this film centers around mild-mannered and famous US children's TV show host Mister Rogers (played flawlessly by two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks). The scene? A wedding reception. The sister … Continue reading Film Review – A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

My Monday Metrical Musings #121

Life is not just a promise Life is not just a promise,  It is what each day we seek. Our footsteps, not merely a stumble But how we progress or retreat. The lies we often say, In opposition to truths we think. Our legacies, all but stolen Never floating, only sink. But I want to … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #121