Better Living Through Literature
Words + Projects + Stuff I Like
1. Want to send your name to Mars? The MAVEN atmospheric research spacecraft that will study Mars’ atmosphere is launching in November, and NASA is taking haiku submissions to be included on a DVD on the craft. You don’t have to win–if you just submit, your name will appear on a list on the DVD.
2. It’s been a hard month-to-six-weeks personally and professionally. I’m trying to tune in to my Buddha-nature, but sometimes even the Buddha just has to say, “Namaste, motherf***ers”:
The Internet led me to a short piece on Esquire.com yesterday about graciousness. It’s intended for men in business but I thought it was nearly as applicable as one of my hippie readings, including these two thoughts:
“You own the time in which you live. You grant it to others without obligation. That is the gift of being gracious.”
and
“If you can’t muster enthusiasm for the people you happen upon in life, then you cannot be gracious.”
I have not been doing so well on my goal to Be Kind, so that last thought in particular gave me a new way to think about it.
It’s construction on the pergola! (Also known as “is there anything my dad can’t do?”)
I also have a “construction foreman” helping out. He has to approve all the work at the end of the day:
