My new mobile-friendly website is up and running, and I feel the way I did when I got a brand-new inner tube with my name on it: ready to go places. Read more.
DON'T MISS!
I've written hundreds and hundreds of posts over the years. To help you find your way to the best of the best, I've tagged my favorites "Don't Miss!" Scroll down here to find them.
Another way to locate Riffs on Life that you might enjoy is to click above on your favorite category – "My Ever-Changing Family," perhaps, or "Funny Button." You can also use the search box located way up top to hunt for stories by topic. There's fun reading at "garden," "aging," "kids" and, of course, "Jon."
Ann Patchett — My Brand-New Favorite Author
I’ve got a new favorite author. It’s Ann Patchett. Step aside Marilynne Robinson and Annie Dillard, Leo Tolstoy and Richard Ford. You, too, Philip Roth. Read more.
Gun Safety — I’m Giving Up on the Cause. Here’s Why
I give up. I’m not going to get on my soap box and plead for better gun safety laws any more. It’s up to gun advocates to get that job done..Read more.
A Totality Disappointment in St. Joseph, Missouri
We traveled 1700 miles to see the eclipse. The moon came between us and the sun, as promised. But so did a big fat cloud. A totality disappointment. Read more.
The Writing Room: Am I Stuck? Or Am I Just Taking a Little Housekeeping Break?
Sitting at a blank laptop screen awaiting writerly inspiration isn’t that much fun nowadays. I’d rather watch the guys laying asphalt in front of our house. Am I stuck? Read more.
With a Little Luck You’ll Live Long Enough to Breed Flies in Your Attic
Back in 1987 old age seemed a long ways away. It still does. Read more.
A Case of the Human Condition: When Your Six-Year-Old Wants to Talk Money
Our 6-year-old wanted an allowance. Jon and I debated: 50 cents a week? 75? “Let’s not talk in cents,” said Peter. “Let’s talk in dollars.” Read more.