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Detours and Tangents

Side trips off the straight and narrow

Anxiety
Taking Arms Against a Sea of Robocallers

Susan Hooper on November 13, 2021

We are unlikely to win the robocalls war, but we still may feel compelled to fight back, even though doing so defies the sound advice to not worry about things we can’t control.

We are unlikely to win the robocalls war, but we still may feel compelled to fight back, even though doing so defies the sound advice to not worry about things we can’t control.

Friends
Am I Smart Enough to Own a Smartphone?

Susan Hooper on September 28, 2021

I am finally ready to buy a smartphone. Sadly, my telecommunications provider seems uninterested in helping me make that happen. What am I doing wrong?

I am finally ready to buy a smartphone. Sadly, my telecommunications provider seems uninterested in helping me make that happen. What am I doing wrong?

Coronavirus Disease 2019
Not Hearing Live Jazz Is Giving Me the Blues

Susan Hooper on September 20, 2021

Listening to live jazz in small clubs was a big part of my pre-pandemic life. I will feel like things are back to normal when I can safely do so again.

Listening to live jazz in small clubs was a big part of my pre-pandemic life. I will feel like things are back to normal when I can safely do so again.

Mating
Downsizing With an Eye on the Past

Susan Hooper on June 25, 2021

My small townhouse is now the repository of family heirlooms dating back to the 19th century. How can I successfully downsize while still preserving some treasures from long ago?

My small townhouse is now the repository of family heirlooms dating back to the 19th century. How can I successfully downsize while still preserving some treasures from long ago?

Anxiety
My Crazy Heart

Susan Hooper on May 27, 2021

I’ve always thought I would live into my 90s, like so many of the women in my mother’s family. After a recent health scare, I am wondering if Fate has other plans for me.

I’ve always thought I would live into my 90s, like so many of the women in my mother’s family. After a recent health scare, I am wondering if Fate has other plans for me.

Boredom
Why Poetry Matters Now—And Why It’s Gaining Readers

Susan Hooper on January 30, 2021

Even before Amanda Gorman delivered her inaugural poem, poetry was surging in popularity. It may be the perfect vehicle to describe this perilous time in our country’s history.

Even before Amanda Gorman delivered her inaugural poem, poetry was surging in popularity. It may be the perfect vehicle to describe this perilous time in our country’s history.

Gratitude
How Old Am I, Anyway?

Susan Hooper on December 30, 2020

I have spent decades concealing my age. Now I am trying to accept the truth and be grateful for each year I have been given.

I have spent decades concealing my age. Now I am trying to accept the truth and be grateful for each year I have been given.

Anxiety
Anxieties and Apologies

Susan Hooper on November 29, 2020

I have battled anxiety for decades, but I generally controlled it enough to function in the world. The pandemic has made it much harder for me to keep anxiety at bay.

I have battled anxiety for decades, but I generally controlled it enough to function in the world. The pandemic has made it much harder for me to keep anxiety at bay.

Child Development
The Consolation of Photography

Susan Hooper on October 30, 2020

In March, I bought a new camera—a long-delayed purchase. During these seemingly endless months of the pandemic, taking photographs has been a source of solace and inspiration.

In March, I bought a new camera—a long-delayed purchase. During these seemingly endless months of the pandemic, taking photographs has been a source of solace and inspiration.

Scent
When Fragrance Is Not Your Friend

Susan Hooper on September 28, 2020

I used to be allergy-free. Now my list of products, plants and foods that trigger adverse reactions grows longer every year.

I used to be allergy-free. Now my list of products, plants and foods that trigger adverse reactions grows longer every year.

Friends
Things I Miss in Our Strange New World

Susan Hooper on July 28, 2020

The pandemic has upended all of our lives. As I endure the isolation required by this frightening new reality, I am rethinking my lifelong craving for solitude.

The pandemic has upended all of our lives. As I endure the isolation required by this frightening new reality, I am rethinking my lifelong craving for solitude.

Bias
Do I Dare to Go Gray?

Susan Hooper on June 28, 2020

If I stop coloring my hair, will I suddenly look 10 years older? Or will I be freeing myself from living a lie?

If I stop coloring my hair, will I suddenly look 10 years older? Or will I be freeing myself from living a lie?

Coronavirus Disease 2019
A Plea for Kindness

Susan Hooper on May 28, 2020

In the coronavirus epidemic, we often hear, “We are all in this together.” Not everyone behaves as if this were true. But our lives would be more harmonious if we all did.

In the coronavirus epidemic, we often hear, “We are all in this together.” Not everyone behaves as if this were true. But our lives would be more harmonious if we all did.

Depression
The Courage of My Parents

Susan Hooper on April 26, 2020

My parents lived through the Great Depression and World War II. Their experiences then may offer hope in our current global crisis—the coronavirus pandemic.

My parents lived through the Great Depression and World War II. Their experiences then may offer hope in our current global crisis—the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus Disease 2019
Thoughts on Jury Duty

Susan Hooper on March 27, 2020

Jury duty reminded me what ordinary people can accomplish when gathered together for the common good. Someday, let's hope, we will be able to gather together again.

Jury duty reminded me what ordinary people can accomplish when gathered together for the common good. Someday, let's hope, we will be able to gather together again.