A SIMPLE PLAN: PACKING POST-MORTEM
Unpacking after an overseas trip serves as an informal inventory of new acquisitions, smuggled cigars and wrinkled bad decisions. You nearly always realize you needed far, far less than you brought.
Read MoreFRENCH DISPATCH: BACK ON THE CONTINENT
I’ve been to Paris just about every year for the last three decades. That’s shocking to realize—one of these days I’ll stop being surprised by the math that comes with aging. Arriving here after two years away was more moving than I expected.
Read MoreDEATH OF A MUSIC LIBRARY™: AN APARTMENT SANS STEREO
When we moved a few weeks ago I realized this was the first time I’d arrived in a new apartment sans stereo. Then it occurred to me that I may never have a stereo again. This was a curious feeling.
Read MoreIS ENOUGH REALLY ENOUGH?
On the last episode of Central Division, Michael took me to task for my ancient and beloved coffee maker. Apparently, coffee sitting in a glass pot upsets him. “You must like burnt coffee,” he said dismissively.
Read MoreTHE OPTIMIST GLASSES: THEY'RE HERE
When I started fishing I bought a pair of glasses at the Orvis store in Vermont. They had a 1970s aviator feeling and I loved them. Even though they were not fancy, or even particularly well-made, I was very devoted to these glasses.
Read MoreON THE WATER: THE COGGINS x RANCOURT BOAT SHOE
Hey now! Very excited about this new project I worked on with my friends at Huckberry and Rancourt. It’s an elegant boat shoe with a little more support and it’s made in Maine, a pretty good equation.
Read MoreIN ALIGNMENT: THE CASE FOR CONTINUITY
There’s something to be said for clothes that align with a situation or a location. Looking at a sportcoat and thinking This really puts me in the mood for dinner in Florence, can be a great feeling.
Read MoreTHE HOUR DRAWS NIGH: THE OPTIMIST IS COMING
Well, opening time is getting closer: The Optimist comes out Tuesday.
Read MoreA TIME OF NEW TRADITIONS: SPRING IN THE CATSKILLS
To celebrate my first trip to the water this trout season, I bought a case of Miller Lite. It felt good to stride into the walk-in cooler at Peck’s Market in Livingston Manor, NY, and stride out with a box of 24 cans of the good stuff. Well maybe not the good stuff, but at least the acceptable stuff. Anyway, I was happy.
Read MoreTHE FLY FISHING COMMANDMENTS (UNOFFICIAL)
My friends at Scribner, who are publishing The Optimist, are doing a little giveaway for friends of The Contender.
Read MoreTHE L.L. BEAN ARCHIVE: A LIVING HISTORY
Cracking into the L.L. Bean archive was an absolute delight.
Read MoreIN SEASON: THE WHITE ALBUM
Every year I wonder when to break out the white bucks the first time.
Read MoreSOME THOUGHTS ON WRITING
I get asked a lot about writing. There’s the formal advice you get from Elements of Style and that’s certainly useful. As you move beyond that it’s also worth getting more thematic, so I thought I would start a little series.
Read MoreCentral Division: Enthusiasms
On the latest episode of Central Division, Michael and I talk about what we’re into at the moment, like the New York Times Spelling Bee, a really good orange and smart dress socks.
Read MoreOPEN WATER: BACK ON THE FLATS
People don’t care too much about your fishing trips. Your girlfriend might care, she wants you out of the apartment. Your fishing friends say they care, but are usually more interested in the aftermath of a disastrous trip, when they can enjoy the sordid details.
Read MoreMASTER OF YOUR DOMAIN: DRESSING AT HOME
Now that we’ve been ensconced (against our collective will) in our homes, we all have interior dressing strategies. I hope this strategy does not involve sweatpants or anything with an elastic waistband.
Read MoreWelcome to the Game: Fly Fishing for Beginners
I get asked a lot about how to start fly fishing. It’s a good question since it’s not that easy to do. Sometimes the high bar keeps some people from getting involved in a sport that they might really like. But the bar’s not as high as you might think.
Read MoreTHEORIES OF DRESS: HIGHER EXPECTATIONS
Here are some more advanced sartorial thoughts, more theoretical, even more demanding. I think you can handle it.
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