I sing the praises of my small charcoal grill that defines homecoming for my godsons Nelson and Will (and me) on their cross-country visits. No longer young apprentices, these now early twenty-somethings commandeer the operation. Nothing intervenes—snow, sleet, rain, nor my occasional (faint) reluctance. Our love renews as the corn turns.
Read MoreThe world is learning more each day of huge strides made in another “long walk to freedom,” this time in Burma, aka Myanmar. Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of this lengthy and surely ongoing struggle, links arms with King, Mandela, Gandhi and others who used nonviolent means to achieve many of their goals. Nonviolence wins in the long haul. I first learned of her in 1998 when I was in the audience for a gathering of Nobel Peace Prize Winners at the University of Virginia. Why was she under house arrest?
Read MoreMy fourth Philosopher’s Lunch Table of this year was this past Saturday, December 13. I chose to celebrate Stone Soup in my talk—the place embodies every single topic of my book The Philosopher’s Table: The community that comes with breaking bread, persistence and grace, learning through conversation, love, simple pleasures, ecological mindfulness, embracing change and daring, good decision-making…the beat goes on. Stone Soup is a haven. Roam the streets of Paris and lively chatter wafts through the doors of “café-philos,” eateries guaranteeing philosophical discussions over breakfast and/or lunch. Ideas matter. Communication matters. Soulful invigoration fuels like a chocolate croissant. A small town in the Central Virginia Valley has for a bit longer its very own such spot for convivial, comfortable conversation. Saturday I arrived at 11:30 and left with the last dining philosophers at 4:30. I’ve never seen a closing business bustling with cheerful patrons and eager employees.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's Fall 2014 newsletter includes summer highlights, information on Marietta's Newsmaker 2014 award announcement, upcoming events, two blogs, and more.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's Summer 2014 newsletter includes a snapshot of The Philosopher's Table coming to life at a dinner party, upcoming events, a snapshot of upcoming private events, and two blog posts.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's June 2014 newsletter includes links to her NPR radio interview, an article featured in Energy Times, two blogs, upcoming events and more.
Read MoreJoin the author of Little Big Minds, Marietta McCarty, in Charlottesville in July, to learn more about her approach as she models her teaching style in sharing philosophy with children.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's April 2014 newsletter includes a blog, upcoming event listings, beautiful photographs of food and more.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's March 2014 newsletter includes a blog on mental clarity, upcoming event information at Stone Soup Books and Over the Moon Bookstore, a testimonial from author Beatrix Ost and more.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's late February 2014 newsletter includes a link to videos recently added on her YouTube channel, her latest blog on being busy, upcoming events at Stone Soup Books, Over the Moon Bookstore, Commonwealth Restaurant and more.
Read More“I was too busy.” “I am so busy.” “I will be busier than ever.” Suddenly phrases likes these strike me, more than ever, as at best inaccurate, and at worst self-important. The “busy” excuse rolls off tongues…just listen for it. Count the times in a day you hear or say it. But I have never, ever, heard someone with great responsibilities, much to do, complain about being too busy—they are getting it done, each thing receiving the amount of attention it deserves.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's newsletter includes several blogs including her very first on her website, event information on The Philosopher's Lunch Table at the Commonwealth Restaurant and more.
Read MoreAuthor and Philosopher Marietta McCarty answers five questions about the value of philosophy in this guest blog that appears on EnableEducation.com. In both of your philosophy books for adults, you discuss the role that philosophy can play in everyday life. What was your inspiration for taking this “grass roots” approach? My study of philosophy in college was exhilarating, liberating, and a true liftoff. It seeped into my every day easily, unasked ...
Read MoreThanks for joining me in wonder, introspection, and questions “From the Philosopher’s Desk.” Devotion to The Arts of Clear Thinking and Good Conversation lies at the heart of all my work—my books, teaching child philosophers and college students, talks and workshops, and travels with my philosopher’s toolkit. Hopefully this blog will offer readers plenty of fodder for zesty discussion and private musings. If I can give you just a touch of what a philosophical outlook has brought to my life, then hooray!
Read MoreJoin Marietta McCarty on Feb. 22 for a leisurely lunch featuring South American food to toast the chapter set in Brazil in The Philosopher's Table.
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four-legged Luna / watches her namesake show off / best moon pie dog treat. The wind hints at rain so we see grandpa off and head for home, its windows “brazen in the setting sun.” pansy faces wink / as four Beatles sing their song / “I Want to Hold Your Hand”