à la carte spirit by ilona fried
Starting Over
Knitting as Zen Practice
For years, I’ve had a knotty relationship with knitting. As a teenager, I envied friends who, having learned the skill from their mothers, aunts or grandmothers, whipped up scarves and sweaters. In my freshman year at college, I decided to learn, and took a lesson at a yarn shop down the road from my suburban … Continue reading
Taking Stock at the Stock Show
For a few weeks every January, the Denver Coliseum hosts the National Western Stock Show, a celebration of livestock and the men, women and children who tend them. When I first moved here, the event sparked both curiosity and aversion. Having never been to a stock show, I wondered what it was all about. At … Continue reading
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
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
à la carte spirit by ilona fried 
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