Floods. Fires. Famine. Heatstroke. A man attacks the husband of the Speaker of the House with a hammer. And the response from some of the nation’s Republican leaders is to hint at a possible justification. Conspiracy theories. The polarization continues, because instead of looking for common ground, places to find mutual agreement, the emphasis isContinue reading “Too Many Parking Lots in Paradise”
Category Archives: Spirituality
Coping Mechanisms for a Divided World
A gentle breeze caresses my arm as I reach for a cherry tomato. Gathering our summer harvest puts me into an altered state. It’s just me and the smell of the tomato plants and lavender. The chirps of birds and crickets are all I hear until a driver at the corner street intersection honks hisContinue reading “Coping Mechanisms for a Divided World“
The Chautauqua Experience
A summer camp for adults is how I described where I was going to anyone who asked, because I wasn’t sure if I said to Chautauqua, there’d be instant recognition. How do you explain to someone who has never been to Chautauqua what it exactly is? The word itself originated with the Iroquois Indians whoContinue reading “The Chautauqua Experience”
Take Nothing For Granted, Not Even Winter
The contrast of the white snow on the dark tree branches is a beautiful sight as is the dusting of white on the evergreens.
Covid Confusion; Misinformation and Wishful Thinking
When the word coronavirus became part of our everyday vocabulary, back in February 2020, I stumbled over its pronunciation. The idea, that something invisible could travel so quickly and infect millions and cause death was scary. For many of Americans it was an easy decision to retreat, shut our doors and wait it out untilContinue reading “Covid Confusion; Misinformation and Wishful Thinking”
Hunter Biden, Artist or Opportunist?
Hunter Biden, recently announced two upcoming art exhibits of his works on paper and canvas that will be opening September in Los Angeles and October in New York. Or rather I should say his publicist made the announcements to the press and in no time at all, stories were aired on National Public Radio andContinue reading “Hunter Biden, Artist or Opportunist?”
Writing About Unlikeable Characters: Household Words by Joan Silber
In the quest to find novels that focus on families, loss, and conflict by female Jewish authors, I recently discovered Joan Silber. In May, her novel, Secrets of Happiness, was reviewed by Joshua Ferris in the New York Times. Ferris refers Silber’s signature style as “the relay narrative” and this intrigued me because I likeContinue reading “Writing About Unlikeable Characters: Household Words by Joan Silber”
The Best Exercise for Health and Serenity
I’ve kept the same routine for many years and it works. It doesn’t matter where I wake— city, forest, beach—the day begins with a walk. Climb a steep mountain. Look down at the sights below, the world in miniature, and your cares will shrink to minor nuisances. The cure for self-pity is within your grasp.Continue reading “The Best Exercise for Health and Serenity”
The Plague by Albert Camus Teaches Valuable Lessons
This week in between listening to news clips reporting on the Derek Chauvin trial and the events surrounding the death of Daunte Wright, I’ve been thinking about the difference between action and intent. Millions of us have watched portions of the video showing Chauvin, the police officer, kneeling on George Floyd’s neck. We witnessed theContinue reading “The Plague by Albert Camus Teaches Valuable Lessons”
Easter 2021 Helps Redefine Normal
We’re just on the cusp of returning to the world we left in Spring 2019, only it’s not going to be quite the same world.
Nicknames, My Name and the 2020 Presidential Race
In first grade, I was given a nickname. It made me miserable. The name on my birth certificate reads “Suzanne.” When I was a very young child, my parents called me Suzie. The first time they introduced me to one of their friends as Suzanne, I didn’t even know who they were talking about. I made aContinue reading “Nicknames, My Name and the 2020 Presidential Race”
A Prayer for America and Why We Should Care
Now I feel as if I have woken up into an alternate reality of the United States, a reality where humanity aspires to be the worse version of ourselves. I call it the “It’s All-About-Me” society.
Mourning Death and Social Injustice in the U.S. During The Covid-19 Pandemic While Listening to the Natural World
Will the Pandemic enable us to reflect on our past actions and see more clearly?
State of Maryland Starts to Reopen; but Solitary Walks and Virtual Socializing a Safer Option
Week #9 of the Covid-19 Pandemic and life in Annapolis, Maryland USA continues to feel as if someone pressed the pause button. Some restrictions have been lifted, but as one news pundit aptly said, “People will vote with their feet.” So despite the loosening of some of the regulations in Maryland that allow many retailContinue reading “State of Maryland Starts to Reopen; but Solitary Walks and Virtual Socializing a Safer Option”
Exploring Cemeteries and Learning New Recipes As Pandemic Restrictions Continue
Week # 8 during the Coronavirus Pandemic in Annapolis, Maryland USA Waiting for the world to once again become “puddle-wonderful” We are now at the two month point in our “stay at home” orders and I sense everyone else’s restlessness each time I take a walk. Just the volume of walkers in itself isContinue reading “Exploring Cemeteries and Learning New Recipes As Pandemic Restrictions Continue”
Nadja Maril, Writer & Author 