Writing by hand is magical. There’s something special in it, visceral. Yes, computers can reproduce calligraphy. But they cannot create. They are not people and therefore, they cannot make what we can. The sad thing about the ease with … Continue reading →
Weaving is one of the oldest textile arts in the world. The most complicated looms, like the huge one featured in the movie Wanted, are the same in principle to the simple back looms used in the mountains of Peru … Continue reading →
Vanuatu. An archipelago halfway between Hawaii and Australia, it’s been under many outside colonial jurisdictions in its history. In researching for my post today, I couldn’t think of a “V” to feature so I asked the internet. It gave me … Continue reading →
I love vinegar. I use it in salad with fruit instead of dressing; I splash it on vegetables when I steam them; and I use it as part of the seasoning when cooking chicken. I particularly like flavored vinegar. Making … Continue reading →
I always carry an umbrella. I live in Chicago, which is called “The Windy City,” but should be called, “The City of Unpredictable Weather.” When I arrived here over a decade and a half ago, I believed in the power … Continue reading →
Yes, I know. It’s an ugly chair. I, however, happen to like it. It belonged to my great-grandfather and is in serious need of re-upholstering, but because of its construction that’s not inexpensive. For one thing, the pegs that hold … Continue reading →
Temp work is a good way to learn the world of work without committing to a particular company. Temporary agencies are used by companies of all sizes, from small single proprietorships to multi-national corporations. You can spend your time learning … Continue reading →
A few years ago, I decided to try Tunisian crochet. I took a class at a local store and talked about the challenges of the art in a blog post, here. Since then, I haven’t played with it much, other … Continue reading →
I grew up on a ranch in the middle of the Sierra Nevada mountains, away from the lights of any city. At night, you could see the stars – the constellations, the Milky Way, the planets, and the moon. When … Continue reading →
Soap. We all use it. But do we really understand what it is? Most, if not all, of the stuff we buy at the grocery store or fancy upscale shops isn’t soap, it’s detergent – or, if you’re lucky, … Continue reading →
