There seems to be a lull, a quiet time in my life that I've chosen to fill with writing and searching for that spark of inner peace that is so illusive in this modern day, fast paced world. I have taken to listening to TED talks. I would highly recommend them to all. The subjects are varied, the speakers interesting, the talks entertaining. There's a category for almost anything you can think of. I've listened to stories about personal growth, art, education, and technology. These fifteen minute talks have renewed my faith in man. They have restored my soul, given me inspiration, and educated me on many new and different levels. Instead of watching some banal tv show or playing another computer game, I'm letting my grandchildren ages 13,11 and 9 watch talks on floating cities, robots, stage sculptures, air quality, health and science.  The app is free. The talks are fascinating and its better than anything on TV. I began watching them when I was browsing the book by Chris Anderson about how to give a TED talk. I thought it might help me when I give my author reading speehes. And they have. But the best part of the book is how it made me curious to hear one of the talks. The first talk that I listened to was Michelle Kuo on the Healing Power of Reading. Wonderful story. The talk that brought me to tears and helped me most, was Nora McInery- "We don't "move on" from grief, We move forward with it." This TED talk has helped with my deep sorrow. After the tears I realized that I still had life ahead of me.  I think I want to get an electric bicycle. I want to learn a language, I want to move into the future and take my love for Dave with me. Maybe I'll get to travel with my grandchildren. Maybe I'll write more books. Thanks to Ms. McInery I feel more alive.
It's mind boggling to encounter such remarkable people who are helping to build a better society. If you aren't interested in social change, how about giant squid, or black holes. There are talks about this as well.
I will be joining other speakers at the Harbor Lounge, Commercial St. in Provincetown on Friday June 28th  between 2 and 4pm. I will be reading chapter 4 Swimming and Racing, from my yet to be published work entitled: "Arethusa"  The reading is part of the Provincetown Portuguese Festival. My favorite weekend at the tip of Cape Cod.  Portuguese music, dancing, food, boats and parades fill the most beautiful place in the world. I love Provincetown.
I hope to see you there. Wishing you festive days and fair winds.