à la carte spirit by ilona fried
ilona fried
Can I Talk My Walk?
In our talkative culture, there appear to be many people who repeatedly say they are going to do something, or frequently verbalize frustration with a situation, yet who don’t translate their words into action. Their well-meaning (or fed up) friends might prod them to “walk their talk” rather than continue harping about whatever it is. … Continue reading
More on “No”
Flipping through the New York Times over the weekend, I was struck by two powerful “no” stories, coming on the heels of my last post. One was about a Ghanaian-German player on an Italian soccer team who, in reaction to racist taunts from fans of the opponents, kicked the ball into the stands, removed his … Continue reading
What Will You Say “No” To In 2013?
In our culture, no is sometimes considered a dirty word, synonymous with negativity, rudeness or abruptness, especially if it’s not followed by a disclaimer, plausible excuse or explanation uttered in a dulcet tone. Yes is often considered positive, supportive, agreeable, embracing. On the level of soul, however, no might be the most affirmative word a … Continue reading
Are There “Accidents”?
“Were you in an accident?” asked the chunky, spiky haired masseuse at my physical therapist’s office as I lay on a table. She was working on my left foot and leg, per her boss’ instructions. “No,” I said. “I walked more than 500 miles.” And maybe trekking that distance, in my case, created physical effects … Continue reading
Guns: On the Camino and Here
Not long ago, I walked a rainy, misty stretch of the Camino, between the farming villages of Hontanas and Castrojeriz, with a German man my age. He told me that he came to Spain because he was feeling alienated from the growing corporatization of his own culture and was out of sorts with himself. “Me, … Continue reading
à la carte spirit by ilona fried 
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