Every spring I teach a course on the American Dream. That means I have the same conversations on this topic with some regularity. For instance, I can always count on a heated discussion of…
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About a week ago, I came across a link to these drawings by artist Yao Yao Ma Van As. They do such a magical job of illustrating the pleasures of living alone that I…
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A few days ago, I mentioned to someone that I’m a professor. “That’s so cool,” she said. “I always wanted to be a teacher.” I pointed out that she already is. She teaches Sunday…
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For the last two months, I’ve really enjoyed having these monthly challenges to give my creative mojo direction. But alas, tomorrow is the first day of August–and we all know what that means. Even…
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When I think about being a kid, three things come to mind right away: riding my bike all over Boise, Idaho; singing in various choirs; and drawing. I live in a busy city these…
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This is your life: You are born into a family with a history. One child has already died. As children themselves, your parents endured abject poverty. Their greatest fear, now, is loss of control.…
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Last week I went to my stylist for my usual haircut and color. This time, though, I told her I was done coloring my hair. I expected her to try to talk me out…