Exits are gateways, too
Traveling north on Interstate 93, I couldn’t help but notice the orange signs looming in the distance. A closer look proved disconcerting. The signs read, Exit 33 closed; travelers use Exit 34A. To many visitors and most residents of the Granite State, this does not represent much of an inconvenience. But, think about this from the […]
The mystery of becoming a published author
I’ve been a mystery writer for two decades. I may not have the stack of publications James Patterson does, but I’ll bet I can make one claim that even Alex Cross’ creator can not. More about that later. Becoming a successful mystery writer requires six elements: a bit of skill, a compelling main character, a workable […]
Roadside attraction . . . who me?
In previous posts, you’ve read my comments about the style of travel that was popular during the 1950s and 60s. In those days, people left home with a map in hand, and drove until fatigue overtook the driver or drivers. Along the way, the typical vacationing family looked for roadside attractions. Why, you ask? It […]
At your (full) service
I was just staring at a picture I took of an old fashioned filling station, one that still adorns the Mother Road, Route 66. I know I sound like a codger, but life was undoubtedly more simple then. If there was car trouble, you could be assured someone working in a filling station would help repair that flat tire, […]
Use it or lose it
Many times, we have heard it said, “Use it or lose it.” While the statement is generally directed at the aging human body, it applies equally well to architectural treasures. I observed this first hand a couple of years ago. While researching my sixth book, No Vacancy, I had the pleasure of visiting with John Weiss. It was […]
When is an axiom not an axiom
Each of us goes through life convinced that certain things we’ve always known are true. Then, one day, we receive a rude awakening. I grew up thinking that cows always lie down as rain is approaching. Empirical evidence seemed to verify the veracity of this pastoral postulate. Besides, my father–himself a dairy farmer–had shared this […]
Boston was strong
I grew up having disdain for Boston professional sports (with the exception of the Celtics). Before anyone accuses me of being a Yankees fan, forget it; I’m not. Despite having spent the last thirty-five years growling at every Red Sox, Patriots, and (especially) Bruins victory, I’ll be the first to say that April 21st was […]
Looking for creative space? There’s no place like . . .
Everyone who writes, draws, dances, plays a musical instrument, or otherwise dabbles in the arts, requires a suitable creative space. I am particularly sensitive to this need. I’ve tried to be creative in a windowless library room, a spare bedroom, and at a cafe table in the middle of a living room. Results have been […]
It behooves us to save our heritage
Like other Baby Boomers, my childhood was a comparatively innocent, safe, simple time. My parents thought nothing of sending me out the door early in the morning, knowing nothing more about my activities for the day than the time of my return–at supper. My friends and I would take shortcuts through strangers’ properties, stopping only […]
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks . . . can you?
I’ve never been one of those people who has trouble grasping new things (at least moderately well). The first time I tried most sports, I was pretty good. The same was true of most academic subjects, and a number of the activities one encounters in life. There is one major exception: I have been, from […]