à la carte spirit by ilona fried
Perfectionism
Lessons from a Road Trip
On Monday morning, I hit the road. Meticulous planners will be horrified to learn that I made the decision just days before (maybe they are shaking their heads and clucking their tongues at this clinically extreme case of Last-Minute-Itis). And that is exactly why I needed to take off, to give my inner perfectionist the … Continue reading
It’s All Invented
In The Art of Possibility, after decades of teaching music and seeing how students’ anxiety about grades interfered with their playing, co-author Benjamin Zander decides to give each pupil an “A” at the beginning of the semester. Their only requirement is to write him a detailed letter explaining who they will have become by the … Continue reading
Dental Chair Delight: Is it Possible?
Mostly, I take good care of myself. I meditate almost every day, exercise several times a week, eat a diet heavy on greens, beans, and grains. I don’t smoke or drink (coffee or alcohol). Yet, when it comes to my teeth, I can be a bit of a slacker. Perhaps this is because, despite a … Continue reading
The Darkness behind Pink Bows and Ribbons
For months, Denver has been festooned with the image of a “Paris rose” satin bow from an evening dress in Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective at the Denver Art Museum (the exhibit ends today). Colorado’s capital was the exclusive US venue for this extravaganza, which made for the unexpected troika of “Paris. Madrid. Denver.” on … Continue reading
Potlucks as Spiritual Yardstick
Years ago, I loathed potlucks. As a former Manhattanite, I had dined at my fair share of upscale restaurants, thanks to a foodie boyfriend. Having traveled and lived overseas, I’d enjoyed lots of authentic if not exotic cuisine. At some point, I decided that if I were to eat a meal out (in a restaurant … Continue reading
à la carte spirit by ilona fried 
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