Three things from DAH. Free every Friday!
You can subscribe and browse past issues HERE 

DAH is me, David Anthony Hance. Let's not talk about things that make me nervous. Unless they're a nice surprise. 

First up this week, Yaks … 
According to Britannica: "In the family Bovidae, the yak belongs to the same genus as cattle as well as the banteng, gaur, and kouprey of Southeast Asia. More distantly related are the American and European bison." That's super-interesting information, but with no direct connection to my life. The domestic yak is also known as the grunting ox … that's much closer to me: Lots of chatty talking folks, but I wouldn't call any an ox. They're just noisy, yakking extensively. Which could be annoying, if I need to get a word in. I usually don't, and the yaks allow me to relax with the yakkers without having to revealingly invest too much of myself. So, please, go ahead and yak. I'll interrupt if I must.

Second up this week, Yolks … 
I want to suggest that the yolks on you, but unless you're busy in the kitchen, it's likely not. You see, I often emulate an egg. Balding at the moment, indeed, but more that I take on the readily breakable shell, and within lies nourishment, especially in the golden heart. On guard I do put on my shell garb, but it's so readily cracked. I often crack myself, allowing my innerness to ooze out, hopefully to nourish with a golden heart. Even if you yak. I do get nervous that on occasions I am hard-boiled, unable or unwilling to ooze. Forgive me if you find me so. The heart will still be golden, just harder. Good for deviling, actually. Yum.

Third up this week, Yikes …  
I'm not always sure whether or not I like surprises. I think it depends upon how hard-boiled I feel. I like the idea of being surprised … surprised-delighted, rather than the sort of surprise that leads to dread. I'd like the surprise that leads me to yoicks, crying out to the hounds to lead on. Do I always recognize that nice-yikes surprise? Sadly, no. Often I'm still in my shell. I need a solid yikes to crack me. Then I can join in the fun. If you do try to yikes-crack me, be patient but insistent. Thank you.  

And a friendly book … 
Friendship In The Age Of Loneliness,
by Adam Smiley Poswolsky
Subtitled "an optimist's guide to connection" this is really a catalog of "rituals, habits, and exercises" aimed at making and keeping friendship connections. The ideas Poswolsky shares (based upon much interviewing) are simple and practical. The chapters (many) are short (a couple of pages). The book is divided into six sections: 1) Be more playful; 2) Be a better friend; 3) Invest in friendship; 4) Stay in touch; 5) Embrace ritual; 6) Be a minister for loneliness in your community. I adore my friends, and I long to be a better friend (and community builder) in every way. Handy "how to" tips are always welcome.

And a bit more:

Expect Nothing
by Alice Walker 

Expect nothing. Live frugally
On surprise.
Become a stranger
To need of pity
Or, if compassion be freely
Given out
Take only enough.
Stop short of urge to plead
Then purge away the need.

Wish for nothing larger
Than your own small heart
Or greater than a star;
Tame wild disappointment
With caress unmoved and cold.
Make of it a parka
For your soul.

Discover the reason why
So tiny human midget
Exists at all
So scared unwise.
But expect nothing. Live frugally
On surprise.


And that's all for this week.
From Mary Oliver’s poem Sometimes …  

Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.