Writing from the Heart with Brian
Think, Laugh, & Cry Each Day
I pulled the ax over my head and thrust it down hard on the large log in front of me. Thwack! I took another swing. Thwack! And another and another. When I was in high school, I worked several summers on a small farm. The farmer hired me to do odd jobs like mowing his... Continue Reading →
For better or worse, I'm back. I had a busy two week break. Here's what I learned (or was reminded) on my blogging vacation. --Life goes on. Good or bad, it goes on. You can’t stop time. --Life is simple. We make it complicated. Or is this just me? --Your worth isn't your output. You... Continue Reading →
I'm a strange sort. I'm attracted to sarcasm. I love to use words that mean the opposite of their literal meaning to mock or be humorous. Most people use sarcasm to criticize or insult. I'm not a fan of that. Instead, I use it as “gallows humor” to point out the crazy situations that I... Continue Reading →
I met a hero of mine. The often quoted advice is that you should never meet your heroes, lest you be disappointed. I met a hero of mine a few months ago and he was kind and caring and better than expected. He reminded me that "not all heroes wear capes" and that we have... Continue Reading →
(The original version of this story ran in September 2022. I've made several updates.) I walked away with tears streaming down my face. I couldn’t have been more than six or seven years old. I turned around to try my case before the judge and jury one more time, but my mom had enough of... Continue Reading →
The movie The American President was released on this date thirty years ago. For my money, it’s the best movie made about the presidency. There have been others that have touched on politics and power including Dave (1993), Dr. Strangelove (1964), All the President's Men (1976), and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). But I... Continue Reading →
When I think back on my dad's heart attack in 1980, I see everything happening in slow motion. My father in a flannel work shirt lying down on the sofa for a nap. My oldest brother rushing to call the local ambulance. My heart pounding with fear of the unknown. The thing that sticks out... Continue Reading →
When I was in middle school, my friends and I were on the football team and raced from class at the other end of the hall to the locker room. We had to get into our football equipment and out onto the field. Our coaches wanted us on time. They didn't want us to be... Continue Reading →
My wife came home the other day exhausted and drained. She works as a special education teacher and the days can sometimes be tough. Her students were especially rambunctious and were in no mood to be pent up all day. They whined and complained and didn't want to listen. She came home with her head... Continue Reading →
Writing from the Heart with Brian 
You must be logged in to post a comment.