Cathren is a community collaborative artist who has been working with the Community Libraries of Providence and other non-profits since 2012, developing arts and literacy programs and creating public art installations. She has been an artist in residence at Hattie Ide Chaffee Home since 2023, implementing visual arts and health programs with seniors and dementia patients. Website: ArtHouseRI.com
MALE, AGE 58, NEVER MARRIED, SINGLE I used to see love as a romantic epic, with a dazzling beauty who would take my breath away and cartoon birds that sang when she appeared. Later, I just wanted someone I could tolerate after a few hours. In my teens, I was really impacted by Hollywood’s view […]
Dear C; I have had it. I am sick and tired of myself. Every year I resolve to make the same changes and I start off with such a great attitude and so much enthusiasm, and then it just kind of dribbles off. I didn’t even bother to try this year. I know I have […]
Dear C, I recently had surgery, and oddly enough, the hardest part of recovery is that I can’t do things for myself that I normally do. I need help — and I really have a hard time asking for help. I was raised back when women were supposed to make everyone else happy, and they […]
Over 40% of Americans are obese and despite the fact that weight loss clinics and diet fads abound, these statistics continue to rise. The experts have been helpless to stop these burgeoning numbers so it is no wonder that the pharmaceuticals Ozempic, Wegovy, and other semaglutide medications seem like the miracle drugs Americans have been […]
Dear C, I’m a single homeowner with a creatively rewarding albeit low-paying career. I was married for 12 years, so I don’t feel like I missed out on anything. Honestly? I like living alone. I have been very independent in the last 30 years of my life but now that I am starting to get […]
Death Café. The name itself evokes a visceral response in each of us. From the moment we are born, we have a sense of what this unknowable event means, and as we grow, the culture and circumstances that surround us influence our perception of death. It is generally a grim view. I spoke with Jay […]
Dear C, My friend Lou lives one state away. His dad is 82 now, with no family left but Lou, and for the last few months all I’ve heard about is how stubborn dad is, how his recliner has to be fixed every week, etc, etc – and the sheer amount of time it is […]
Dear C; I really want to lose about 15 lbs before my high school reunion. I know this sounds vain and stupid, but I would really feel like crap if I showed up looking like I had a baby when I didn’t. The event is in a couple of weeks and I need something to […]
Air and Silk is a family trio of circus artists based in Providence, RI. Once a year, they bring the circus into their own backyard. The idea began in 2020 during the COVID pandemic lockdown. Simone Jogl and her daughters Skye and Anneken, created a story in movement as a gift for a friend who […]
Dear C and Dr. J, I have a theory and I wonder if you can support it. I am convinced that every man in the world secretly goes to Bonehead School before they start dating. There, they learn how to:• pretend they don’t know how to use the washing machine• leave food crusted on the […]