Silencing our inner critic. It is one of the biggest challenges most of us face as we go through life. We all know the harsh, abrasive voice of this critic. The critic is the one who tells us that this latest obstacle is insurmountable, that we are not good enough to overcome this latest challenge,… Read more »
It involves the reduction and careful aging of Italian grapes. It is treasured by chefs and lovers of gourmet foods for its ability to add complexity and subtle character to foods. The very best varieties are aged between 25 and 50 years, and can cost from $100 to $500 dollars US per bottle, making each… Read more »
It is an easy and perhaps natural human reflex to speak of what happens to us as being somehow out of our own control. “If only I had had the same opportunities as so-and-so,” we might say, “then my life would have been so much different.” Or, conversely, we may attribute our good fortune to… Read more »
I’m feeling a little bit discombobulated these days. My head is filled with a strange new terminology from an alien realm of knowledge. I’m talking about words and concepts such as sapwood, carcase construction, tung oil, ripping, and a bewildering variety of joining techniques (dado, biscuit, butt, rabbet, mortise-and-tenon, etc.) none of which I had… Read more »
1. Walk in the rain with your head held high. 2. Learn a new skill, like sailing, drawing or flying an airplane. 3. Don’t pass up opportunities to do things that are positive and exciting, but also scary and outside your comfort zone. Grab the opportunities to lead a seminar, volunteer at a horse camp… Read more »
An acquaintance of mine is young, single, and involved in a very demanding career. She has a job that frequently requires her to travel and very often on extremely short notice. When she is in town, she leads a very active social life. She spends little time in her own downtown condo. Due to the… Read more »
As much as I like the idea of a romantic dinner for two at a wonderful French bistro (you know, the type with the crisp white table cloths, glowing tea lights, crushed velvet draperies, and perfect foie gras and creme brulee), the very best meals I’ve enjoyed in my life did not come accompanied by… Read more »
I remember when I was in grade twelve, one of my mother’s friends telling me that one of the keys to having a long and happy life was to learn to lower one’s expectations. I remember this woman as someone positive and vibrant, and with a perpetual mischievous twinkle in her eye. My recall may… Read more »
When I was in elementary and high school, I was a relatively well-rounded but mediocre student in many areas. I got good marks in math, but fairly middle-of-the-road results in English and social studies. Chemistry I enjoyed because of my zany teacher, who had everyone convinced he was always just one test tube away from… Read more »
A few years ago, I found myself going through a phase of being particularly concerned about my diet. I had just taken a health studies course through a local community college relating to nutrition and lifestyle. One of the course projects was to compile a journal of foods consumed on a daily basis. Although I… Read more »