Monthly Archives: November 2012

Exercises in Wonder: What If?

Posted on November 28, 2012 by John Swinburn

Many years ago, sometime in the early 1980s, I think, I was enamored of a film called Overdrawn at the Memory Bank,which starred Raúl Julia in the character of Aram Fingal, a programmer for NoviCorp, a global corporation that shared … Continue reading →

Posted in Dreams, Philosophy, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Seasonings

Posted on November 28, 2012 by John Swinburn

When I awoke this morning—which, at almost 7:00 a.m., was far later than usual—I could tell it was quite chilly outside.  Inside the house, it was toasty, quite a bit warmer than usual  for the cool Fall mornings we’ve been … Continue reading →

Posted in Weather | Leave a comment

Ritualistic Chanting

Posted on November 23, 2012 by John Swinburn

After spending two very satisfying days with a brother and my niece and her husband, I’m adjusting to my version of normalcy.   They were wonderful days, too.  I enjoy my family, probably far more than I’ve ever told them. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

Mood Altering Experiences

Posted on November 18, 2012 by John Swinburn

I’m sometimes surprised at the extent to which my mood can change, sometimes dramatically, in response to external stimuli.  My outlook can plummet toward depression if I read a news article, for example, that reports a beating victim’s cries for … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Philosophy, Wisdom | 3 Comments

The Appeal of a Buddhist Framework.

Posted on November 16, 2012 by John Swinburn

Some people consider Buddhism a religion.  I don’t.  I consider Buddism a perspective or a contextual reference, a  framework within which one can try to understand one’s relationship with the world in which one lives. I’ve struggled to understand why … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Religion | 2 Comments

Ennui of a Deeply Personal Nature

Posted on November 14, 2012 by John Swinburn

I have not been in the mood to write much of late. but I thought I should post a few notes just to prove to myself that I remain moderately alive. The reasons for my lack of interest in recording … Continue reading →

Posted in Depression | 3 Comments

A Tasty Disappointment

Posted on November 11, 2012 by John Swinburn

I made dinner tonight.  The idea was to have a nice vegetarian meal, tasty yet filling. So I browned slices of eggplant in olive oil, then layered the eggplant slices with slices of tomatoes and slices of onion, topping the … Continue reading →

Posted in Food | 2 Comments

Time Change

Posted on November 4, 2012 by John Swinburn

What does one do when one forgets to set the clock back an hour when Daylight Saving Time ends?  One wakes up an hour earlier than one planned.

Posted in Time | 1 Comment

Remembering Mary Eleanor Swinburn

Posted on November 1, 2012 by John Swinburn

I don’t know quite what to do to celebrate my late sister’s birthday tomorrow, November 2.  She died February 19, 2010.  I guess I’ll just remember how remarkable she was.  She, more than anyone I know, made me understand why … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Love | 1 Comment