From books to music to theater and fine art, from TV and films to spiritual teachers with insights for the recession, this blog takes a look at current culture through a spiritual perspective — with a touch of humor. Betsy Robinson, laid off from a job as managing editor for a spiritual magazine, continues the work that makes her happy — sharing what makes her happy through reviews*, interviews, news spots, and more.

*Unless otherwise specified, reviewed materials have been received as journalist's "review copies" and have not been purchased by the reviewer.

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A Really Bad Hair Day (Feb. 13 blog)

The Art of Collapsing (Feb. 6 blog)

John Patrick Shanley on transcending fame (Jan. 30 blog)

Life is only temporary says Evan Handler (Jan. 28 blog)

The New World of Finance (Jan. 28 blog)

The new slimmer You after 30 days on the unemployment diet (Jan 23 blog)

All about growing up in a cult (April 16 blog)

How to Get Fat and Sound Evolved Even if You're Not (Jan. 13 blog)

Fierce Giving (Jan. 8 blog)

Betsy's Blog: Notes from a Crusty Spiritual Seeker
—an eclectic mix of soul-stirring cultural stuff—

Chaos Help

December 31, 2008

Tags: Unemployment

“Advancements always come from chaos,” said the carpenter as the little house-like structure he’d made of carefully stacked three-inch pencils toppled to the table. This was yesterday in the Orientation room at the NYC Department of Labor … where I and 60 other battered, depressed, resentful, tired, or slightly drunk, recently unemployed people shared each other’s company. (more…)

Starting Anew

December 28, 2008

Tags: Unemployment

Like a lot of people, I have to learn the same things, as if for the first time, over and over. Today I re-learned that when you're in a funk, connection and action can totally transform you. I was recently laid off from my job at Spirituality & Health magazine, and to say I've been grieving is an understatement. But what a difference friends and action can make.

For a treasure trove of possible work activities, I recommend Idealist.org. I ran into an opportunity there that inspired me to contact an old book design colleague. She said "Yes!" to partnering on a job bid. (For a fabulous designer, check out Davidson Design, Inc.)

For a feeling of community and lots of help, check out Linkedin.

Life is good when you've got friends and action. Happy New Year. (more…)

Selected Works

anthology of stories and plays
Girl Stories & Game Plays
includes Darleen Dances and stories below

play
Darleen Dances
1-act play

short stories
Pretending
what we all do ... don't we?
Ice Cream
a Baskin-Robbins love story
Jakey, Get Out of the Buggy
the problem with worrying about the future

novel
Plan Z by Leslie Kove
a funny, sometimes sad, story of negotiating life without a clue

true story
Marbles
Why I don't believe in death.

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