Author Archives: Manny P

Be a Barbara: June 2025

When vacationing with a tour agency, I inevitably come across a fellow traveler or two who seem to be cut from a different cloth. They are often traveling by themselves and when everyone appears to go left, they veer right. The most recent encounter was with Barbara. On the first day of our trip toContinue reading “Be a Barbara: June 2025”

Proactive Positivity: March 2025

We recently vacationed in Thailand and while perusing one of the many street fairs, I came across a stand with beautiful teak and semi-precious stone jewelry. I’m not really into personal ornaments, but this earthy necklace caught my eye. This is beautiful, how much baht? The vendor replied with a very reasonable price and added,Continue reading “Proactive Positivity: March 2025”

Making Lemonade: August 2024

Whilst I was working (I’ve always wanted to use that word, “whilst”), I was a firm believer in the power of doing. Since retiring, I have pretty much moved all that to the side. That is until I planted a dwarf lemon tree. Living in the desert, one might question: How do you grow anythingContinue reading “Making Lemonade: August 2024”

Presence is a Present: August 2023

Having recently celebrated a non-milestone birthday, I can say I have finally gotten to a point where I can appreciate the gift of just having another birthday. As a child, these days were always filled with excitement. The paper ripping, the candle blow outs, the beating of donkey pinatas and the overall feeling of beingContinue reading “Presence is a Present: August 2023”

Cartoonification: May 2023

Has anyone noticed that our lives have come to resemble cartoons, a cartoonification if you will? What with all the CGI, AI, VR, meme-ification and the like, it is a wonder we can still see ourselves as living, breathing beings and not Woody Woodpecker avatars. Everything we see, touch and feel has become altered, editedContinue reading “Cartoonification: May 2023”

My Passage to India: February 2023

I remember a Scholastic magazine article I read in fifth grade on Mahatma Gandhi which detailed how he led India’s movement of nonviolent resistance and helped the country gain independence. Over the years, that article stayed with me as I was impressed that such a little man could have such a big impact. I madeContinue reading “My Passage to India: February 2023”

Dog Man: November 2022

The other evening while having drinks, my friend casually mentioned, “I was cooking Fidel lunch as he’s been finicky about what he’ll put in his mouth…” I could only look on incredulously and remark, “You were doing what?” “Well, cooking is cheaper than buying those little gourmet cans,” he retorted. “Those cases are expensive andContinue reading “Dog Man: November 2022”

COVID Cruise Calamity: September 2022

My family recently took a dream cruise to Alaska, home of the amazing Mendenhall Glacier and Endicott Arms, majestic bald eagles, fierce black bears and the cunning COVID calamity. Whoa there, back up the bus! You read right. Out of 13 family members who boarded this love boat, about seven of us came home withContinue reading “COVID Cruise Calamity: September 2022”

It’s a Dry Heat: August 2022

Summer is my favorite season in Palm Springs. The tourists have flocked back home, lengthy lines have subsided at local eateries (some of which close for a siesta), and a general sense of calmness settles upon the city. Alas, this world of well-being does come with a bit of heat, but at least it’s aContinue reading “It’s a Dry Heat: August 2022”