Brewster

Uncle Brewster died yesterday. He was an intellectual and spiritual guide for me and I will miss our discussions on everything from quantum physics to Eastern mysticism. He was eternally curious about the nature of reality and questioned our fundamental perceptions and beliefs, seeking enlightenment from a wide variety of sources and inspiring me to devote myself to this quest too. His recommended reading list were some of the most interesting books I've ever read; space and time, quantum phenomena, history and biography, as well as a library of spiritual works including The Bhagavad Gita and Aldous Huxley's The Perennial…

Summer -> Fall 2025

Back to the grind... almost. First day of school today and I woke up with coronavirus, postponing my return to work for a few days. Five years after its appearance on the scene, COVID-19 is still thriving and bringing me down. But its a beautiful day so I am relaxing in my backyard with a laptop and reminiscing over the past few amazing months. Two great trips to Maine, including our annual pilgimmage to Acadia, family time in Cumberland and Freeport, bonkers fishing expeditions, lunch at The Honey Paw, a 4th of July lobster bake, camping on Whaleboat Island with…

Winter->Spring->Summer 2025

It has been a very busy few months since my last opportunity to write here but a quick run down looks like this: Saddleback ski adventure featuring a two day blizzard of 60 mph winds with uphill limited to the trusty T-bar and our intrepid touring expeditions. Most importantly, though, a great family hang with kid cousins; Weekend trips to the Catskills for skiing with friends, and a solo day trip in 60 degree sunshine with perfect spring conditions; A sojourn to visit grandparents in Florida with gorgeous golf, beach and pool recreation and relaxation; An NYC visit from Maine…

Sun, Snow and Steve

Alaina and I were married 20 years ago in June, and as a celebration, we took a family trip to Puerto Rico. We went with friends 8 years ago, and stayed in San Juan for excellent food and culture, but this time we brought the kids and drove out to Isabela; we explored the beaches of the region, including Mar Chiquita, Playa Jobos, Crash Boat Beach, and made a jaunt down to the surfing capital of Rincon. We visited the beautiful Cascada Gozolandia, a series of waterfalls and swimming holes in the jungle, rode horses on the beach and ate…

2025

The count grows. 2024...2025. Our midnight countdown celebration occurred once again with friends in a stove-heated party garage in Vermont, including our kids, finally able to stay up for the official EST demarcation. Same place, same people, same time for most of the past decade, although we have all changed considerably during that time. A tradition of similar but different experiences, layered like evolving archeological strata in our cyclical memories. We skied, at Middlebury and Pico, and the kids are finally keeping up and charging ahead. I must be getting old. Christmas with my family in Maine is one of…

He Won

Alaina spoke these words to me as I woke up on Wednesday morning and I was seized with dread and despair. As Tuesday night had descended into a familiar darkness, my hope waned and I recognized the very real possibility that the result might be tragically terrible; I wrestled with the potential outcome throughout my fitful sleep, but it was not until the morning that I fully accepted the bleak and horrific reality. Two days later, I am still tortured by our country's choice and am experiencing deep sadness, anger, confusion, disgust, and fear; I imagine what horrors await us…

Fall 24

Northeast USA, Earth weather and temperatures are in the sweet spot now, cool and mellow. The seasonal passage into Fall is always appreciated, although it is accompanied by an absolute hurricane of repopulated schedules and quotidian commitments. The past several weeks have felt like months as our family clambers back into our routine. I am glad we return to such great schools and work, but it is quite an orchestration to get everybody synced. Ivy has ventured into Middle School, which is exciting and involves a new independence, while Miles has joined his first organized sports team, Flag Football, and…

Summer 2024: Entertainment and Recreation

It's hot! Brooklyn is blazing right now and I am baking in this atmospheric energy. Fortunately I have enjoyed ample time off and have ensconced to cooler climes frequently over the past month. Our annual Taylor convention in Maine is always a highlight and while our general itinerary is the same; great company of siblings, parents, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and cousins, fantastic food, boating, fishing, island camping in Casco Bay, hiking in Acadia and relaxing at the cabin, we somehow manage to improve it every year and enjoy it even more as the nine cousins rise in…

Comprehension

I am eternally curious! I know I'll never know all there is to know, but learning is always exciting. I could engage with just about any subject and find it fascinating; if I gain any context, perspective or insight into existence, I am enlightened. I seek the Ultimate Truth, and I am on a lifetime quest to understand the nature of Reality; it sometimes seems that the more I learn, the less I know. Most books that I read are non-fiction, but sometimes stories can reflect a truth beyond facts and inspire me in profound ways. I present here my…

Long Play

This is my perfect music festival; situated in my hometown across multiple venues over three days, featuring an eclectic mix of some of contemporary music's most interesting composers and performers, this year's Long Play Festival was beautifully curated and well-organized, and it introduced me to some phenomenal new music while showcasing some of the best modern classical and avant-garde of the past 50 years. The range and diversity of the concerts was vast and every one that I saw was unique and fascinating! Patti Smith and Soundwalk Collective performing spoken word with field recordings, ambient sounds, cello and percussion to…