6 Comments
User's avatar
Bela Fidel's avatar

I savor your style, vocabulary. Issues 191 and 198 got me reading the Notes twice. I've kept them all, to enjoy when less tired, or needing inspiration for something. Growing up I wanted to be a writer. Ended up painting. Just a difference in tools. Wishing you the best of years and a well deserved rest.

Expand full comment
Charles Schifano's avatar

And to you too. I appreciate the thoughtful comment and I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the issues. Thank you very much, Bela.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Tedious and banal? Charles Schifano? Never. I vote for more travel stories, please. Happy Holidays to you and to all those who love you, Charles.

Expand full comment
Charles Schifano's avatar

And to you too, Sharron. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Brian Reindel 👾⚔️'s avatar

This was the first year in 47 years that I consciously recognized after the first day of Winter, the days have grown longer, and the nights shorter. What an odd thing to appreciate after so long, even though I'm sure I learned this fact in some science class in elementary school. Instead of looking at the next several months as the deep dive into a dark, dreary winter, I'm looking at it as a growing light, slowly ushering in springtime.

As far as what's working, or what's not, I say to continue to write what you enjoy, and that passion is what will be most contagious. Personally, I enjoy anything where you're talking about the culture you know best, travel, food and your personal experiences. There are a few of your essays in that respect that I still need to read. Admittedly, I tend to tune out literary topics, but that's not because you don't cover them well. It's just not my thing. Hope that helps in some fashion.

All the best Charles, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Expand full comment
Charles Schifano's avatar

Thank you very much for the kind words and for your thoughts Brian. I appreciate it.

Expand full comment