So I think I squandered my big birthday wish on the gorgeous weather. At the risk of jinxing it, it appears that spring may have FINALLY arrived to these parts, and that makes me happy. I’d like to take a brief moment to point out my selflessness,…
The Freedom of Silence
“…but you’ll NEVER take my guns.” A comment, said in passing. A handful of words that fell echoing into my brain, shocking in their casual indifference to context and surroundings and simple human decency. We walked and ran this morning in support of Newtown, Connecticut. Friends…
As Explosive as a Dog Sneeze
“As explosive as a dog sneeze.” There’s a phrase you don’t hear every day, and here’s another: I am no stranger to being sneezed upon by dogs. I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. I’m haunted by the thought that…
The Perils of Doggie Bath Day
“Someone smells like a dog.” “Why are you looking at me?” Our dogs are pretty clean, overall. They don’t have many chances to get dirty, although in our old house Sophie managed to find stinkbugs in the basement with alarming regularity. She’s smart, though, and soon…
Heartfelt Thanks
Thank you. Because of you – my friends (online and offline), my family and my readers – I was honored with the title of “Best Celebrity Bartender” for Evening in the Stacks: Sparkle and Spurs. But the real winner is the Howard County Library System, which is as it should…
An Open Letter to Dave Barry
Dear Mr. Barry, Where to begin? I suppose the most logical place is this: I swear I am not making this up. I’ve been a fan of yours since I lived in Miami in the 90s. Your ability to sum up the absurdity that is South…
Evening in the Stacks: Sparkle and Spurs
I walk in the doors and inhale, smelling the slightly sweet, dusty scent of old paper. I walk straight to my favorite section and stop in front of a particular shelf, pull down a book and smile at the soft crackle of the plastic-cased cover as…
Will Exercise for Food
I don’t exercise because I love exercise. I exercise because I love food. I like fitness in theory, but to me it’s more of a means to an end. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life flailing around in my living room to…