An Interview with Scott Dente, Co-Creator of Out of the Grey. — Q. Scott, I have witnessed your creative process for over thirty years, thanks to our musical and marital relationship. I thought it would be fun to get your perspective on creativity in general and songwriting specifically. Do you mind answering a few questions for me and my readers? A. You…

He may not be a sociopath but he sometimes acts like one. The way he manipulates her to get exactly what he wants and to make himself feel better. At her expense. One of the ways he does it is with his subtle deflections. A sleight of hand. He’s a…

In the Eyes of the Woke Beholder I know some folks who believe that the earth is flat. Although others consider their views a joke, they consider themselves woke. So, too, academy-awarded actors who proclaim their enlightenment from their platform. They clasp the golden man and parrot the current political narratives. They would say they’re woke. As…

Dear Me, Your life is now. I know you try to be in it, to stay present, to be here as it is happening. But I admonish you to try even harder. Not with sheer willpower, but with surrender. Surrender as hard as you can. Surrender to life as it is. And…

The natural world rejuvenates our minds and spirits, helps us to be present. A slow walk on a lovely rustic path improves my mental and spiritual health. Living in Tennessee, I have access to many outdoor havens including Cheekwood Gardens, Warner Parks, and my pretty little yard. Absorbing the benefits…

She was only 3 days old. We knew something was off: her breathing a little labored, her body a bit limp in her mother’s arms. But her vitals were within range and the experts on the phone said everything seemed all right. What could be wrong with my granddaughter? — The Wonder of What’s Coming My daughter, Carina, gave birth to a baby girl last June. In the months before her baby was born, Carina would sit in her rocking chair beside the waiting cradle, filled with the wonder of being a mother. She was preparing for something as close as her own body, yet…

Puff Piece: As It Is Grey clouds have shrouded the better part of this year. Even a sunny summer can’t hide the insecurities of the season. In the past week, I have been working on an article about suffering and grief. My family has had its share lately. Yours, too, I imagine. We found out…

You might be surprised by your answer. I sure was. My friend, Melissa, asked this question one evening at a gathering of friends. Whenever she and her husband, Ken, throw their doors open, my husband and I join the party. The conversation spins up a notch when Melissa invites her guests to invest some energy beyond the small talk. She…