Monthly Archives: September 2015

Writer Envy

Posted on September 30, 2015 by vanbytheriver

Ernest Hemingway:  My opinion is I hate it. Gil: Well you haven’t even read it yet. Ernest Hemingway: If it’s bad, I’ll hate it because I hate bad writing, and if it’s good, I’ll be envious and hate all the … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Inspiration, Movies, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 36 Comments

Ponytail

Posted on September 30, 2015 by vanbytheriver

For most of my life, it is the way I have presented to the world. Long hair, pulled back into a pony tail. It started very young. My older sister and I shared an evening ritual with my grandmother. She … Continue reading →

Posted in Beauty, Childhood, Family | Tagged , , , , , , | 70 Comments

Beyonce and Bocelli

Posted on September 27, 2015 by vanbytheriver

Like many, I’ve been preoccupied this weekend with the comings and goings of Pope Francis; not because I’m a practicing Catholic, but because I’m fascinated with the media response. Living in suburban Philadelphia, I used to count myself among those … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Inspiration, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Walking Cross-Town. Heal the wounds. Heal the wounds from the ground up.

Posted on September 24, 2015 by vanbytheriver

Originally posted on Live & Learn:
“Pray for me.” Soft spoken and gentle, he leans into a man and his child amid the throng on the streets of DC. He repeats. “Please pray for me.” I ponder that for a moment.…

Posted in Education, Inspiration, Philanthropy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Lunch Table

Posted on September 22, 2015 by vanbytheriver

The high school lunch table is an interesting study in social relationships. It is a time to blend with peers, whoever they may be. I’ve had the chance to experience this as a student, a parent and a teacher. You … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education | Tagged , , , , , | 56 Comments

SNL Breaking Up

Posted on September 20, 2015 by vanbytheriver

There is something extraordinary that happens when you witness comic performers lose  control and break up during their own rehearsed sketches. It is infectious. Saturday Night Live was so much a part of my culture, I chose one of its … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Humor, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , | 45 Comments

3 Day Quote Challenge. Day 3.

Posted on September 19, 2015 by vanbytheriver

This one speaks for itself.  This is the final day of the 3 Day Quote Challenge. This is the third time I’ve taken on this challenge. It is one I always enjoy. Special thanks to Rich of Waffle Me This, … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

3 Day Quote Challenge. Day 2.

Posted on September 18, 2015 by vanbytheriver

I picked a quote from the brilliant Jim Henson, in honor of the return of  The Muppet Show next week. That show holds a special place in my heart. There was no joy in the house that particular Christmas in … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Family, home | Tagged , , , , , | 39 Comments

3 Day Quote Challenge. Day 1.

Posted on September 17, 2015 by vanbytheriver

Memento mori—remember death! These are important words. If we kept in mind that we will soon inevitably die, our lives would be completely different. If a person knows that he will die in a half hour, he certainly will not … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Random Thoughts, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments

Zzzzzzz’s

Posted on September 16, 2015 by vanbytheriver

I saw the cartoon recently, and laughed, but only for a few seconds. I have experienced these images, every one, at different times in my life. And that is not so funny. It seems to be a chronic issue with … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Issues, Hotel Stories, Movies, Work and Career | Tagged , , , , , , | 48 Comments