Author Archives: John Swinburn

Embers smother under their own ashes.  An ember can rekindle with a breath of air and a tiny spark.  A long-smoldering memory can erupt into a welcome conflagration in an instant.

When fantasies become dreams…and dreams become visions…and visions become obsessions, one’s place in the world becomes fragile. For if  one cannot realistically hope to live one’s fantasy,  he or she obsesses over impossibility. Such a situation leads only to disappointment and madness. Stay sane; wish … Continue reading →

You have memories; they are secrets you can share with no one, not even yourself. But they are delicious memories you’d give your soul to experience again, if only you could.

As we walk along the road of life, we learn it is a brittle road.

A few years ago, I had an idea to spend each week for a year at a different job, then write about the experience. It’s since been done (One Week Job Project), but the idea still appeals to me. The downside, … Continue reading →

Self-imposed slavery—whether to a philosophy or to an artificial constraint on our own freedom to do what we want when we want—is just as confining as shackles. We allow ourselves to label as impossible those endeavors that certainly are possible, although difficult or … Continue reading →

With proper planning and sufficient luck (or absent both), you may be assured of a spectacular, downright wonderful September.  It is in your hands. Make it so.

Forgive yourself.  That’s what I got from the advice I heard given to someone else.  But it fits me just as well. Even when you behave badly, make stupid decisions, or create chaos with ill-conceived ideas, forgive yourself.  Take ample time … Continue reading →

Power was restored at 5:35 a.m., not 11:30 p.m. as originally promised.  So, I guess it was out for about ten hours or so…that’s a long time without light and AC and fans. After my long-delayed shower, we’re ready to hit … Continue reading →

Last night, I listened to music by Dave Bromberg, an amazing blues guitarist.  And songwriter.  And singer.  And so forth. And on and on!   On occasion, it’s nice to let my imagine go and just listen to an incredible … Continue reading →

Hummingbirds are territorial beasts.  When another hummingbird encroaches on what they have defined as their territory, they attack and run the invaders off.  Their territories are far larger than they would ever need…at least here. Despite the fact that I … Continue reading →