Our rooms shape our thoughts, and our possessions change our moods. It can be challenging to influence our thoughts and actions directly; by improving the state of our surroundings, we can improve our state of mind. Because our minds feed on the experience of our five senses, pleasing our senses raises our spirits. Thoughts That… Continue reading Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin
Write down the ten word symbols that tell who you truly are
books color lights garden cold drinks smiling faces solitude music solutions weather
Five Perfect Quotes
“Each obligation on its own seemed laughably easy. It was the sheer volume that threatened to bury her.” “She was all-powerful when she knew without doubt that she was in the right. But how often did you know for sure that you were right? Hardly ever.” “The three of them laughed that self-satisfied middle-aged-woman laugh… Continue reading Five Perfect Quotes
Letting People In
“Oh well. There was no way we weren’t going to entertain, including inviting people we barely knew (which, in the beginning, meant most of the time). Sometimes it takes guts, but I stand firm by the conviction that if we want friends in life then we have to be prepared to let people see our… Continue reading Letting People In
At 40
“It’s strange, to not be the youngest kind of adult anymore.” – Writers & Lovers: A Novel by Lily King
Never To Fit
“I had tried in different ways over the years to fit. I thought I could discipline my body and later my manners to take up less room.” – Thick by Tressie McMillan Cottom
Lovely Summer Ideas
Pashminas stacked by the garden door White wine chilling for unexpected company Fill a freezer drawer with ice and as many ice pops and homemade lollies as you can manage Create a “garden basket” with hats for the kids, sunglasses, sunblock, citronella candles and matches From “The Summer House” by Alison May
A better AI
I suspect “Artificial Intelligence” is the wrong framing for the technology; Doug Engelbart was probably more correct with what he called “Augmentation”, so think “Augmented Intelligence”. Augmented Intelligence makes machines better thought partners for people. This concept is clearer for considering both the technological and economic consequences. What we should see in a world of… Continue reading A better AI
To be of use
The people I love the best jump into work head first without dallying in the shallows and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight. They seem to become natives of that element, the black sleek heads of seals bouncing like half-submerged balls. I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy… Continue reading To be of use
A New House
Buyer’s remorse is a very common affliction among new homeowners. Just because you have a sudden urge to weep, that doesn’t mean you’ve made a mistake. Everybody knows old houses have their quirks. Especially 200-year-old houses. I have inherited empty wine bottles, one grape every issue of “La Nazione”… Continue reading A New House