Marvin Kalb, at age 97, recently published an article meticulously untangling a Russian plot to assassinate Pope John Paul II. As a fellow member of a national Zoom book group, I watch him with awe; he is often more engaged and “with it” than most of the other participants. His work is more than a…
Doing Nothing
Yesterday, while at a check-up, a nurse asked me a simple, lighthearted question: “What do you like to do the most at the beach?” Without thinking, I answered, “Nothing.” We both laughed, sharing that brief, knowing connection that comes with admitting a small “laziness.” But as the laughter subsided, I tried to explain myself. I…
Chaos at the Shore
The peace and tranquility of the beach underwent a seismic shift yesterday. It wasn’t the arrival of a sudden Atlantic thunderstorm, nor was it the warning siren of a shark sighting that broke the spell of the tide. The change was far more profound, and infinitely louder. My daughter Kelley arrived with her husband and…
The Ocean Listens
Yesterday, while reading on the porch, I found myself captivated by a sudden, humbling question: Does the ocean listen back? We know the immense restorative power of listening to the tide—the way the rhythmic heave and sigh of the surf can recalibrate a restless heart. But we rarely consider if there is a witness within…
Could Be
Occasionally on vacation, I find myself watching a truly terrible movie. I don’t mean the “sappy-but-sweet” variety—which I’ll admit to enjoying—but the kind of obscure, bottom-shelf cinema that most people have never heard of. Last night, I did it again. It was so poorly made I won’t even tempt you with the title, yet it…