Ideas for a Better Life
Improv Wisdom
I’ve fallen in love with a gem of a book, Patricia Ryan Madson’s Improv Wisdom. Madson is a retired professor of drama at Stanford University, with lots of credits in the areas of improv and creativity. Less than 150 pages, the book is a quick read. It is organized by principles of improvisation that, when…
Read MoreWhat Hell Really Looks Like
Quote from composer Gian-Carlo Menotti: "Hell begins on the day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might have achieved, of all the gifts we have wasted, of all that we might have done which we did not do." The friend who sent me the quote goes on to say: "For…
Read MoreMoney Does Buy Happiness, Sort Of
A personal finance columnist for the Wall Street Journal wrote his last column recently, providing his last bit of advice and learning from writing over 1,000 columns. He addresses a an underlying question of his work: "What is the reason for all this saving and investing?" His advice points to money providing happiness in the…
Read MoreUpping Your Game
Many years ago, as a young engineer, I never thought about playing a bigger game. I just wanted to do my job, get paid, and go home to a quiet evening with my husband. What I’ve discovered over the years, as I’ve played a bigger game–connecting with more innovative thinkers, taking on more pioneering projects,…
Read MoreKites and Other Useful Metaphors
Yesterday, I flew a kite. It was the first time in over thirty years. It was exhilarating and joyful. My husband returned home from a trip. The proverbial question, "What did you bring me?" was answered in the form of a kite for the kids. Andy, my twelve-year old, was eager to try it out.…
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