Between the Spaces of A Writer's Life collects just some of my personal reflections on the everyday human condition, at least as I myself have observed and participated in it. And I think my experiences will be recognizable in others' lives. I've tried to retain my sense of humor where it is appropriate However, so many individuals lie around like rocks, either expecting to be waited on hand and foot, and/or using their arrogance to annoy and bully others. It is for the rest of us to pay attention, to throw up an arm in our own defense, and to step in and fight for others where there is any hope of not making things worse for them. Even then, we are obligated to speak up or act in some way on their behalf. The smallest kind gesture can lift their spirits and give them the courage to go on. Note that I have left the grand philosophizing to those who enjoy taking on something larger than windmills. It is the smaller aggravations and repeated insults that can wear us down and erode our self-esteem, like the stinging abuse of wind and rain against the canyon walls of the western states over many decades. We deal with the ongoing maintenance chores of life, push back when someone does not give the proper service value, or worse, starts to act as if he/she (or they) owns us. Life is full of challenges and frustrations to be resolved. Sometimes we must wait for karma to catch up with the offenders. Retribution is the first law of the universe, after all. And should you have reason not to believe this now, stick around And finally, I've made no attempt to please everyone. Consider yourself warned Table of Contents Introduction A Lone Voice Does Make a Difference Camping in the Uinta Mountains Old Age? We'd Better Start It Young It Isn't Too Late to Make a Change Defeating the Tyranny of the Telephone The Butterfly The Express Checkout Someday My Ship Will Come In Doing It Right No Longer Seems to Matter Of Tents and Thistles and Things Mom, My Shoes Are Still in the River When the Whole World Wants You Awake Bootlegged Books