Alexis Rankin Popik's Blog, page 24
June 5, 2017
ARE YOU DREAD FULL?
I dread going to nearly every event on my calendar. Hartford Stage: “Can’t we just skip this play?” Eating out: “Do we have to dress up?” Just about any party: “Will they even notice we’re not there?” I even dread … Continue reading →
May 29, 2017
MARRIAGE AND CHANGE
Yesterday Bill and I celebrated the 39th anniversary of our marriage. “Celebrated” may not be the appropriate word because we didn’t do anything special. We have been lucky enough to share so many special trips and meals that it … Continue reading →
May 22, 2017
SHIVA AND MAKING DAYS COUNT
Jack Popik died last week. My father-in-law was six days short of his 96th birthday and quite ill; he was ready. Jack was, however, the last of his generation from two large extended families and it was strange to think … Continue reading →
May 8, 2017
PENELOPE LIVELY AND BIG SMALL DECISIONS
Penelope Lively The idea that our entire lives can be shaped by early, small decisions is the lifelong subject of British author Penelope Lively’s novels. When you think of it, it makes sense. If forty years ago a long-lost boyfriend … Continue reading →
May 1, 2017
BIRD SEX ON THE BEACH
The words “bird” and “sex” don’t automatically belong together but that has been the spectacle this weekend. Spring has come to the south coast of Massachusetts and osprey love is in the air. A pair of these large, beautiful “fish … Continue reading →
April 24, 2017
IS IT GOOD TO BE NICE?
It’s nice to be nice–at least that’s what I was raised to believe. I think it’s a good approach to life but sometimes the reflex to be nice is inappropriate. I am in agony every time I return an item … Continue reading →
April 17, 2017
IS TIME WITH FRIENDS WASTED?
Time is precious. For a long time, I didn’t believe time passed quickly. An hour of elementary school seemed like 24 hours of my life today. The late poet, Richard Brautigan described it best: I remember all those thousands of … Continue reading →
April 3, 2017
APRIL FOOL’S DAY
Will Spring Ever Come? I am writing this on April Fool’s Day and it is not a joke. Outside our window, it is sleeting. Our deck and lawn are thick with ice. It has been 13 days since the first … Continue reading →
March 27, 2017
FIVE CURES FOR TRUMP FATIGUE
I’m tired of Trump. Despite the urge to follow the news entirely too closely, I am taking a timeout to focus on what makes me happy. You may find some of it useful, too. Pay Attention This seems obvious … Continue reading →
March 20, 2017
THE WINTER BLAHS
The Winter Blahs hit hard this time of year. Christmas is long past, Valentine’s Day only a memory, and St. Patrick’s Day not that much fun. The first day of Spring is next week but you’d never guess that by … Continue reading →
