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We heard him bellowing, but couldn't see him at the back of the darkened theatre. We were all onstage, nervous during a dress rehearsal. The opening night of the play was almost upon us. He was still yelling, as he took the stairs two at a time, down to the front of the stage, leaping in his uncontrolled fury. We had stopped reciting our memorized lines, wondering what was happening and why our beloved drama coach was shouting at us. He paused, slightly out of breath, (it was the year of his retirement after all!). He was finally able to shout...

Pottery has been a passion of mine...forever, it seems. My collection started before I was twenty and I continue to use these handmade pots for everything from fruit to paper clips. Some were gifts from dear friends, some from artists I've discovered over the years, while others are found treasures from the bottom of a box in a thrift shop. They are each a wonder to me. A cup without a handle means my fingers encircle the same spot as the potter's did when the cup was being turned on the wheel. We are forever connected. Although the pandemic was...challenging,...

It happens quickly, my reaction; it causes me to yell out loud. The influx of videos: someone pours tea; slowly, barely dripping the water into the cup, the steam gently rising. It's all about the sigh they expect you to have; the quiet...THIS is the answer of how to have a great life in this New Year... These calm souls slice bread too, a serrated knife barely cracking the surface as they gently saw away for what seems like hours. THIS is how to appreciate your food... Sigh...unless you're me, shaking with fury, screaming at the person's hands as they...

Saturdays were about rituals when I was four or five years old. First, the card table would be set up so we could play games like Crazy 8s or Checkers. After that, a record would be put on the turntable, usually a jazz version of a popular song. The conversation would go like this: My Dad, Smiling: "Do you know this song?" Me, Not looking up: "Norwegian Wood." My Dad, Still smiling, "What is the name of the band that created this song?" Me, Still not looking up: "The Beatles" My Dad, Challenging: "Ah, but who is the COMPOSER of this song?" Me, Staring...

Eleven pirouettes. Ten is unheard of, but ELEVEN?! The film White Nights from 1985 features Mikhail Baryshnikov performing this impossible feat to settle a bet between his character and the character played by fellow dancer and actor Gregory Hines. No matter how many times I've watched the video clip, my heart leaps into my throat as I count while the incomparable Baryshnikov spins. Life's challenges for me, are measured to a scale of eleven pirouettes. Functioning in a chaotic world after the untimely deaths of my Parents? Eleven pirouettes. Quitting smoking cold turkey? Eleven pirouettes. Learning to paint in middle...