All articles
The Value of Traveling: Shifting Perspectives and a Moment to Breathe
Travel is Often Hailed as the Primary Goal of Youth, Regardless of the Expense It Brings, But It's Not the Only Way to Gain a Little Perspective
Feel Good Friday: Jerry's Bar
How a Pub with a History of Serving the Working-Class Became a Gastropub without Sacrificing its Historical Roots to Serve the Community
"Senlin Ascends" by Josiah Bancroft
A Book Offering Incredible World Building, Evocative Characterization, and a Blend of Fantasy, Adventure, and Airships
Feel Good Friday: Blue Bee Cafe, Delphi, NY
A Cafe That Offers Jumbo Cups of Coffee, "Hickster" Fare Made with Locally Sourced Ingredients...and a Lesson in How Pivoting Leads to Community
"The Lonely Hearts Hotel" by Heather O'Neil
A Novel Set in Early 20th Century Canada that Starts as a Love Story, and Quickly Becomes a Tragedy of Human Endurance
Why Writing Fiction is So Challenging
Dissecting some of the headlines around a "post-literate" society; plus, a review of a small, New England town, and a modern retelling of "The Great Gatsby"
Freedom Can Be An Opportunity to Isolate or Connect
Being Relied On By Others Can Be a Burden, Unless It's Seen as a Chance to Build a Sense of Community.
Feel Good Friday: Barcelona Wine Bar
How a Wine Bar With Spanish Flair Has Developed a Network of Locations that Add to Community Dynamism Rather Than Disrupt It
"The Blackbird Oracle" by Deborah Harkness
The Fifth Installment of the All Souls Series Offers Hints of a New Adventure, Higher Magics, and the Ends a Mother Would Go to so Her Children Are Safe
On Fathers and Father Figures
The Roles They Play in Our Lives, The Stories We Tell Ourselves About Them, and the Recognition They Deserve.
Feel Good Friday: A Tale of Two Bookstores
How Barner Books and Inquiring Minds Bookstore of New Paltz Found a Way to Thrive in the Highly Competitive Age of Amazon
"The Book of Life" by Deborah Harkness
The Third Installment of the All Souls Trilogy Sees Diana and Matthew Facing New Challenges, Some From Unforeseen Areas
"Malibu Rising" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A Family Whose Secrets and History Will Be the Spark that Burns Down a Whole Town...If They Let It
"Productivity" is the Wrong Metric for Culture
If We Measure Art and Culture By Its Productivity, Then We Risk Losing the Value it Creates Through Shared Community
Feel Good Friday: The Bakery, New Paltz
A Bakery Focused on Building a Third-Space Where Community Members Can Gather, Building Resilience for Their Organization Over the Decades in the Process
"Girl Dinner" by Olivie Blake
A Dark Academia Novel That Delves Into All the Contradictions Women Must Navigate If They Want a Seat at the Table
Feel Good Friday: The Ridge Cafe
A Shop in New Paltz, New York That Allows Customers to Enjoy Their Tea and Time Exactly How They Like It
Memorial Day is More Than a Brand Opportunity
Walking the fine line between remembering the falling and co-opting a moment. Plus: how culinary classes sell kitchenware
On Mothers and Mother Figures
Plus a brief discussion of how Nestle Tollhouse became the leader it is today and a review of a humorous novel exploring motherhood.
How Customer Service and Sustainable Coffee Help Build Community
Community and belonging comes in many shapes and sizes, but it takes dedication to making sure people feel welcome and seen to make it last.