In the labyrinth of human experience, reality often finds itself overshadowed by the towering presence of perception. The aphorism "perception is reality" has been etched into our collective consciousness, not merely as a pithy statement but as a profound truth of human psychology. As Anais Nin astutely observed, “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” This sentiment underscores a fundamental aspect of human nature: the tendency to interpret and respond to the world not as it objectively exists, but as it appears through the prism of our individual experiences, biases, and emotions. more

Before I begin with some unusual holiday recipes, let me direct a heartfelt thank-you to a great editor, Abby Hess! Even if I leave her with nothing, she makes my effort look great! Thanks, Abby. You are the greatest! more

Dear Readers, more

Editor’s note: This is the conclusion of a two-part column. Part one was published in the Nov. 1 issue of the Quill. more