Our puppy, Devi, has discovered an unusual place to hang out: perched on top of the back of our couch. Here she is, surveying the world from above while my daughter Ruchi and I occupy the more conventional seating below. At first, I thought it was just another one of her quirky habits. But I’ve
In early October 2011 Laura and I traveled to New Delhi to bring Ruchi home. One of the best decisions of my life. So grateful to have her in our family! When the orphanage gave Ruchi to us they asked for all the clothes she was wearing to be returned. The picture on the left
15-year Anniversary Read More »
I have been pondering this seeming paradox, having a dog with me actually makes me more independent. I’m willing to go farther, explore places I might otherwise skip, take the trail that disappears into the woods, and spend hours somewhere without another person around. My dog doesn’t restrict my solitude, she makes solitude possible. Devi,
The Independence of Companionship Read More »
Divya has gone off to college. She lives in an apartment with Ruchi, is adapting to a roommate, and accompanies Ruchi everywhere. Unlike most college students, she arrived already knowing how to sit, stay, and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink. She attends classes and goes to clubs where the music is loud while
Divya Goes to College Read More »
A few days after 9/11, I was at the World Bank stage-managing an event I had led the design of, working directly with Jim Wolfensohn, then president of the Bank. The atmosphere was understandably raw. During his short speech Wolfensohn did something I had never seen there before. He asked people to hold hands. At
Leading Through Uncertainty Read More »
Devi and I got rained out for my annual backcountry trip up north. Rain every day, all throughout the Adirondacks and beyond. I was able to find a weak spot in the storm in the New Paltz / Ellenville / Woodstock area. We travelled around there and spent lots of time in woods for last
A Different Adventure Read More »
I was at Politics and Prose, one of my favorite DC bookstores, when I came across this wall in the basement, the results of their 2026 bookmark contest me. From a distance it’s a wonderful explosion of color and creativity. Hundreds of bookmarks, all gathered together into one exuberant piece of art. However, each bookmark
This summer I’ve been learning something completely new: Mahjong. Once a week I join a neighborhood group around a kitchen table. I’m the only man, surrounded by a wonderful group of women who have welcomed me with patience, laughter, and more than a little good-natured teasing. Mahjong has reminded me that every beginner looks awkward,
This weekend Devi had two classrooms. The first was the woods on the shore of the mighty Potmac, close to where I live.. There, she began learning one of the fundamentals she will need for her first extended overnight in the back country coming up later in August: how to lead on the trail. Stay
Many Worlds. One Lesson. Read More »
The word competition comes from the Latin competere, “to strive together.” Originally, it wasn’t about defeating someone else. It was about bringing out the best in one another. Watching our two dogs race through our backyard reminded me of that older meaning. They chase, feint, sprint, and change direction in an instant. One pulls ahead,
