Teacher. Lifter. Lyricist.
Kaizen. Good change. I adopted this Japanese concept several years ago, and have since made a consistent effort to apply the idea of constant growth to my life. This year, kaizen manifests as an art class. My first finished piece in three years is pictured above. I have never used color or collage before, so … More Shape Shifting (for Dummies)
“Life and death are in the hands of the tongue.” – Proverbs 18:21 Judaism stresses the dangers and destructive nature of Lashon HaRa (evil speech). It is an egregious infraction that, when committed, has the potential to reap irreparable harm. Indeed, once a person has been defamed, it is nearly impossible for him to reclaim … More Pretty Little Liars
Joyce Carol Oates is one of America’s most respected and controversial female authors. Admittedly, I haven’t read many of her essays, but I have read dozens of her novels and stories. I.D. is one of her less graphic short pieces. If you want a longer work, I highly suggest We Were the Mulvaneys. Another recommendation is Black Violin. This … More Get Lit with Kit # 18
It seems like our world is tearing at the seams. The regression of ideas and behavior, after years of effort and sacrifice, is discouraging. We are losing our ability to connect with others and with ourselves. Yet, “we can’t change a situation if we haven’t taken responsibility for our share of it.” (I lament that … More Histories
I read Marie Kondo‘s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and her simple philosophy has helped me declutter my home and my life. I will finish up with the little pile pictured above and then enjoy my newfound perspective. The beauty of Kondo’s tidying method is its relevance to all aspects of life: Remove whatever … More Clean your house, clean your life
I had a great “argument” with a dear friend on Facebook last week. Although we don’t fully agree with each other’s perspectives, we were able to go back and forth addressing one another’s points, respectfully. I think the key point is that we care about each other and are genuinely interested in understanding each other’s … More Get Lit with Kit #17
Caught between two worlds, the children of refugees seek to reconcile the old and the new. They live in a dichotomy where deep-rooted culture clashes with progressive dynamism. At home are the vestiges of a life left behind; in the streets, novel experiences. I recently met Ify, the daughter of Nigerian refugees (her art is … More The Lost Children
Are you ready to grind? Yes? Great! Check out the Sade + MF DOOM mashup. “Invent nothing, deny nothing.” David Mamet – This is one of the key principles writer/director David Mamet presents in his book True and False. This book was required reading for my students when I taught Acting back at the turn … More Get Lit #16
This world breaks my heart. I simultaneously think “No one understands” and “I know I am not alone”. Chris Cornell. Chester Bennington. Suicide. The statistics from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reflect that more than 15 million American adults are affected by depression. There are various treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes through … More When suicide is the only option…
Music is a powerful thing. It can forge political protests, define a generation, or simply set a mood – historically and notoriously, one of sex. From Elvis shaking his pelvis to LL Cool J licking his lips, music and sex are forever intertwined. (Of note, LL’s Doin’ It references safe sex TWICE.) With the prevalence of … More Sex, Drugs, & Rock ‘n Roll
Find the balance. 