Someone once told me I was an expert in navigating life transitions. I didn't take it as a compliment. It was an observation about how many times I'd had to start over. That's where this book begins. Most of my working life in Asia was contract work — good jobs at hotels and retreat centers and then, on a fixed date, no job at all. Each time I landed in the same place: a wide-open void, and no idea what came next. I've been reading one of Gloria Steinem's memoirs, and she mentions a term I'd...

It's here. My Kickstarter campaign for The Art of Embracing Change: On Creativity, Contemplation, and Midlife Transformation is now live. Sixty short essays, journaling prompts, and an unexpected map for a second (or third) act: the nine stages of making a painting. Your pledge funds the printing; the book publishes in January. The first few days of a campaign matter most. Early backers help create momentum, carrying the campaign to readers who don’t know me yet. Back the book on Kickstarter...

The Yearly Roundup A look back at the exhibits and workshops of 2024 and the art of essentialism. It's a strange start to a new year. Usually, in January, I'm fired up and ready to dive into new inspired projects. But I find myself this year feeling lukewarm about starting anything new. I am not inclined to get involved in new projects or start new routines. I'm focused on letting go of what's inessential. I just finished reading the book Essentialism, by Greg McKeown. I highly recommend it...