Writing from the Heart with Brian
Think, Laugh, & Cry Each Day
When my three kids were young, Christmas Morning was about all the normal things: Santa Claus and his reindeer; presents under the tree; and ripping the wrapping paper and playing with all their new toys. As a parent we tried to teach them about giving and sharing. We worried about them getting the true meaning... Continue Reading →
(A version of this story first appeared in November 2023. We're still a few weeks away from Thanksgiving, but the story is still very appropriate.) Each November, I like to reflect on a story author Kurt Vonnegut, best known for the novels Cat’s Cradle and Slaughterhouse-Five, used to tell about his friend and fellow author, Joseph Heller. ... Continue Reading →
(I first published this piece in February 2019. I've added a few extra items near the bottom of my list.) In the comic book world, Superman was brought to his knees by Kryptonite. He'd be kicking some bad guy's butt and Lex Luther or one villain or another would sneak some Kryptonite onto the scene... Continue Reading →
I write a short blurb down on a piece of paper. It's not much. Just a few scrawled words. If I'm being honest, the handwriting is awful. Just horrible. I’ve been known to exaggerate on occasion. I’m not exaggerating now. If I've been away and haven't looked at the scrawled words, I return and find... Continue Reading →
I ran this story in October 2016. My son was 12 years old and complaining about life's demands. It's interesting to look back on our conversation. He's a senior in college now. I doubt he'd want to go back in time. Funny though. I'd go back in a heartbeat -- just to see him at... Continue Reading →
When I ask about my wife's day, I learned long ago to brace myself. She's reserved and never uses the names of the kids in her class. But, oh when she gets started, she's got some war stories. Real doozies in fact. When we lived in Washington D.C., there were the stories about the young... Continue Reading →
(I ran a version of this story in September 2018. I've made some updates.) I looked around the dimly lit auditorium and noted the thick cushioned seats, large stage curtain, and cement walls. I sat in an auditorium just like this one more than thirty years ago at my high school baccalaureate service. Like then,... Continue Reading →
(I first ran this story nine years ago in August 2016 when my kids were much younger. For the first time in years this summer, all five of us got to spend a few weeks together. It was the best. I thought it was a good time to rerun this.) We didn’t get to enjoy... Continue Reading →
(I first wrote this piece in July 2021. I've made a few updates.) A policeman stood in front of a yellow barricade. He was stopping anyone from passing. When I showed him my press pass, he said I would have to leave my car and walk the rest of the way. He waved me to... Continue Reading →
Writing from the Heart with Brian 
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