A ballad about the time I drove a Chevy to a levee — In homage to the recent anniversary of “The Day the Music Died,” this is my lyrical account of the time I asked my friend, Jake, to join me on an all-day road trip for no reason other than to sing the song “American Pie” by Don McLean. A long, long…

Proof that both adventure and kindness can be found on the street — As soon as I set foot in New York City, I sensed how different it is from any other metropolis. On the surface, it’s just like all other major cities— skyscrapers crowd the horizon; taxis whiz by; trains rumble below; horns honk; locals rush, tourists dawdle; pedestrians chat, shout, laugh… …

The stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs — I grew up with three best friends: my sketchbook, my journal, and music. I’ve felt like an outsider my entire life; consistently misunderstood. Those outlets are where I’ve continually found solace and validation. They’re the only entities that have always been eager to listen to what I have to say…

Sending my undeliverable love letter — I am not a hopeless romantic. I don’t subscribe to the notions of fate or destiny; I believe in preparedness and recognizing opportunity. So when it comes to partnership, I don’t believe there’s one person out there, designed just for me. That said, I am still very much “a romantic.”…

The sound of falling and falling apart — This is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. (Start this song at Part 1.) Six months later, my feelings hadn’t changed. I tried healing through singlehood. I tried dating, but they all ended with me walking home…

The sound of falling and falling apart — This is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. (Start this song at Part 1.) A week later, Untitled told me he needed time and space to consider things between us. People were talking, although we’d thought we…

The sound of falling and falling apart — This article is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” where I share the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. Remember not to listen to the song until I link it. The context is important. (Here’s Part 1 of this story. Part 2 is here.) …

Dating as a single thiry-something — We sat side by side at the restaurant table, having discovered a mutual enjoyment at the intimacy of that seating configuration on our first date. The energy of attraction between us—physical and otherwise—had compounded in the week since then. Somehow, from the first conversation, we had both felt at peace…

The sound of falling and falling apart — This article is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” where I share the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. Remember not to listen to the song until I link it. The context is important. (Here’s Part 1 of this story.) The next several days…