From Evel Knievel stunt bikes and Pong to life-sized monster trucks, 300-foot roller coasters, and 28 mph e-bikes—a look at why today’s hyper-engineered toys make me drool with pure nostalgia envy.
Drooling With Envy at Today’s Toys
Forget the Meaning of Life—Why Do Wasps Exist?
When I get to Heaven, everyone else will be asking about the secrets of the cosmos—I’ll be in line asking why wasps exist, where lost laundry goes, and for the ultimate divine ruling on Five Guys versus In-N-Out. Priorities, people.
The Quiet Power of Truth
A casual summer trip to a craft shop took an unexpected turn when a simple quote stopped me in my tracks—and delivered a timeless reminder about the enduring power of truth.
Carving My Own Path
Watching my father turn rough wood into detailed sculptures with a pocketknife taught me the art of patience. I never mastered his sharp tools, but I found my own chisel in the pen—carving out words to find my voice and build my world.
“You Gotta Try This!” (And Other Phrases That Make Me Cringe)
From sweaty pickleball evangelists in parking lots to friends who think they invented the concept of retirement, people love giving unsolicited advice. Here is why I'm not buying into the latest trends just yet.
The Jellyfish Are Biting And So Are My Book Ideas
A brief warning from a state park attendant kicked off a flood of creative inspiration. From jellyfish apocalypses to mob bosses in flip-flops, here is what happens when your mind wanders on dry land.
An Angel When I Needed It Most
(A version of this story appeared on The Heart of The Matter in November 2023.) The thing I noticed first was his calmness. He wasn’t like the other teachers, coaches, or family friends in my life. He had a soft voice that you sometimes had to strain to hear and he rarely seemed to yell... Continue Reading →
The Best Show in the Airport Starts After Midnight
Stuck overnight at the airport after a canceled flight, I discovered that no matter how old we get, heavy machinery and late-night maintenance still bring out our inner ten-year-old—and apparently, my new dream vehicle is a $35,000 industrial floor scrubber.
If You’ve Heard It Once… Talking about Clichés
We talk in clichés. We love phrases that once were striking, but over time have lost their impact and power. Their overuse has caused the words to lose meaning for the listener. It's like a piece of bubble gum that's full of sugary flavor when you first start chewing it, but over time becomes bland... Continue Reading →
Writing from the Heart with Brian 
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