Writing from the Heart with Brian
Think, Laugh, & Cry Each Day
The couple of days after Christmas in the U.S. are the tween days of all days. They're strange days. Here's why? --Are they still part of the holiday or are they work days? Many people have off, but not all. If you do have work, you have to fight the rough surf and waves to... Continue Reading →
Hear ye, hear ye, we'll now have the airing of the Festivus grievances. If you ever watched the TV show Seinfeld, you know that today is Festivus -- created to fight the pressures and commercialism of Christmas. After the traditional dinner, participants express specific annoyances or disappointments with the others present. It's a moment of public critique.... Continue Reading →
We had our first snow of the year on Tuesday. The first snow in many cultures is linked to magic, love, and new beginnings. For example, in Korean culture it's believed that witnessing the first snow with someone special can lead to a lasting relationship. The snow wasn't much, not much more than a coating... Continue Reading →
Retailers have long used the phrase Black Friday. They like to create anticipation for sale prices. For the upcoming 2025 Black Friday, U.S. online sales are estimated to reach between $11.7 and $12.5 billion, with global sales reaching $80–82 billion. Discounts are expected to average 25–30%, with some tech products seeing up to a 40%... Continue Reading →
I have a tendency to lose things. I hate that feeling of needing to pull out my wallet and finding that it's missing. "Damn it, where did I put it now." To avoid that feeling, I try to put my keys, wallet, change, and phone in the same place each night. I put them in... Continue Reading →
(I first ran this post in October 2020. No bald-faced lies here!) Let’s talk hair. When I was a kid, I had wild, wavy hair that had a mind of its own. I’d be in our tiny little bathroom and I’d comb it one way and by the time I’d walk out to the kitchen... 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 →
The shop manager at my local garage pulls me out of the waiting room. He talks in quick, muffled bursts and carries a clipboard that has billing sheet with an outline of a car. He points to the tires. I make out only a few words, but I definitely hear tire rotation and alignment. For... Continue Reading →
The sun is starting to set. There are dark shadows everywhere making it hard to see. I'm out for a quick run. My senses are on high alert. I see the guy walking towards me. I size him up. He's wearing a hoodie. But his jeans are baggie and falling down. He keeps needing to... Continue Reading →
Writing from the Heart with Brian 
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