Author Archives: Nancy

Posted on February 7, 2013

I Never Have a Bad Day

Moments, yes. But never an entire day. Not anymore. But it’s not easy. It’s a balancing act; with a safety net that includes enough sleep, exercise, mindful healthy meals and meditation. Once I have those in place, the real work … Continue reading →

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Posted on August 13, 2012

Sugar Ain’t Sweet

The night before I quit smoking forever, 25 years ago, I chain-smoked a whole pack of cigarettes. I had a smoker’s cough; I wanted to free myself from the tyranny of nicotine; and I did not want to follow in … Continue reading →

Posted in Expect Nothing | 4 Comments
Posted on July 16, 2012

What Would I Do?

          What would I do if I couldn’t write? Read. What would I do if I couldn’t read? Have someone read to me. What would I do if I couldn’t hear? Learn to read with my … Continue reading →

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Posted on July 13, 2012

Good Fiction Needs a Pile of Shit

As I reinvent myself one more time, and at last begin to fulfill my lifelong passion to write fiction, I must finally learn how to practice the “cultivation of leisure.” This phrase: “cultivation of leisure,” which I know I got … Continue reading →

Posted in It's a Mystery | 3 Comments
Posted on July 11, 2012

Bike Writing

I write volumes in my head while riding my bicycle. Recently, while on vacation in Vermont, I averaged about 25 miles a day. By the end of 7 days I had written a best-selling novel and a few blog posts—all … Continue reading →

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Posted on July 3, 2012

Reflecting on Silence

You know that moment when you’re alone in the house, or no one is talking, there is no TV or radio or computer on, and all of a sudden the refrigerator motor turns off and the house is filled with … Continue reading →

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Posted on July 2, 2012

From Proust to Ayn Rand

How I wish Goodreads had been around back in March 1994 when my book group read and discussed our first book over dinner. I might have a more extensive account of the 80 books we’ve read so far, and the … Continue reading →

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Posted on June 14, 2012

I Lost My Mind & Got a Fat Lip in the Process

I don’t care what anyone says, it is not possible to multitask! When I first bit down hard on the inside of my lip while eating I hardly noticed. I was absorbed in some other task at the same time. … Continue reading →

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Posted on May 8, 2012

Bicycle Samadhi*

I hate riding my bike over the George Washington Bridge. Yet I do it every weekend at least once and often twice. I do it because once I get over the bridge and onto the other side, well after 10 … Continue reading →

Posted in Expect Nothing | 10 Comments
Posted on January 17, 2012

Day 5 of 90: “My Heart Burns Like Fire”

My 90-in-90—days of writing in that many days—is already 5 days old. I’ve established a routine: so far so good. Soyen Shaku’s heart burned for his daily meditation practice, as mine does for my daily writing practice. Like him: ‘Upon … Continue reading →

Posted in It's a Mystery | 1 Comment