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Larry Carlat

Larry Carlat served as managing editor for Next Avenue. He is a writer and editor who lives in Venice, Calif.  

A closeup shot of a pen on a journal. Next Avenue

After the Loss of a Child: We Are Now Extra Ordinary Parents

A father reflects on what it means to be a parent after the death of his son
April 10, 2020
Grief

The Pain of Losing a Son

A poignant reflection on how saving his son wasn't an option
December 11, 2019
The Mad Man Roger Sterling and I share a good cry about our mothers.

Roger Sterling & Me

The Mad Man and I share a good cry about our mothers
April 10, 2013
In middle age, a man in love finds vegetables.

How I Became a Grown-Up Who Eats His Vegetables

Hating on yucky vegetables was one of my defining traits, a last-gasp attempt to hold on to my youth — until a curious thing happened
April 4, 2013
Here's a pep talk to stop procrastinating.

Confessions of a Procrastinator

Great ideas. Big plans. There's plenty of time to make all these dreams come true — starting tomorrow. 
March 28, 2013
According to a recent article in The New York Times, good news beats bad news on

The Good News About Good News

There's a very good chance that you'll share this post with your friends 
March 21, 2013
Illustration of Larry feeding his dog, Penny. Maybe you know a Larry.

Next Avenue to the Rescue: A Bedtime Story

A children’s book for grown-ups who want to keep growing
March 13, 2013

Why I Love Billy Joel's State of Mind

The original Piano Man is the epitome of cool while also exemplifying the spirit of intergenerational cooperation
March 12, 2013
When people get married, they let their friendships go.

The 30-Year-Old Regret That Keeps Me Up at Night

Looking back on how the woman of my dreams drove a wedge between my best friend and me
March 5, 2013
You can be cool at any age. It's about being comfortable in your own skin

The Rebirth of Cool

It’s taken me 50 or so years to finally become comfortable in my own skin, and I now see that as the epitome of being cool
February 28, 2013
Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) after delivering her famous line.

I'm Not Ready for My Close-Up

Reeling in the years with Norma Desmond of 'Sunset Boulevard' — she might've been crazy, but she wasn't as old as you think
February 21, 2013
Finding the right words over the years for the loves of my life

Valentine's Day Cards I Have Written

Finding the right words for the right woman, all my life
February 13, 2013
The fiftysomething diet can work for men, especially when using Next Avenue.

Putting the 'Fiftysomething Diet' to the Ultimate Test

If it can work for me — a guy who has eaten so many chicken wings I may actually sprout a pair — it can work for anyone
February 7, 2013
Watching the super bowl with loved ones can be the best part of the game.

What Makes a Game Super? Who You Watch It With

Forget the guys on the football field. The ultimate victory is scoring with your real-life home team.
January 30, 2013
Being a mentor can be truly rewarding.

The Rewards of Mentoring

Luke Skywalker had Obi-Wan Kenobi. Bob Dylan had Woody Guthrie. I had Bob Speisman.
January 24, 2013
A man in denial about his financial future in retirement.

Dealing With My Own Fiscal Cliff

My attitude toward money was always 'easy come, easy go.' Then I met Next Avenue's financial guru.
January 15, 2013
Finding love in middle age can be bliss.

Why Middle Age Is the Best Time to Fall in Love

We couldn’t have been in love with each other at any other time in our lives — only right now
January 8, 2013
Thank you is the best way to respond to a compliment

The Best Way to Handle a Compliment

Don't just sit there and cringe — say two magic words
December 15, 2012
A man holding a heart in his hand in talking about love to his sons.

Letter to My Sons: What We Talk About When We Talk About Love

Now that my kids are almost adults, it's finally time for yet another awkward conversation
December 11, 2012
A mature man standing alone looking at the sea.

Regrets, I've Had Way More Than a Few

A fave song makes me think of kisses never kissed
November 26, 2012
A collage of Larry Carlat's momentos, including Harold and the Purple Crayon.

Moving Day — and Moving On

Helping my ex-wife pack up the home we shared for 30 years, I realized it was time to close the door
November 16, 2012
One Good Thing About Hurricane Sandy

One Good Thing About Hurricane Sandy

A major storm forces you to connect with the people you love
October 30, 2012
stature of a sad young woman

The Savage God: Notes on the Suicide of a Friend

Sometimes death makes a kind of heartbreaking sense
September 5, 2012
Feng shui compass

A Skeptic’s Guide to Feng Shui

A journey to spiritual awakening — without ever leaving the house
August 15, 2012
headphones and sheet music

The Greatest Song About Aging of All Time

'Hey Nineteen' by Steely Dan has it all: sex, drugs and rock 'n' old
June 18, 2012
woman under a one way signpost, a man under an opposite one way signpost

Searching for a Long Lost Friend

You were young, sad and beautiful. I was your brother-in-law. 25 years later, would love to hear your voice again.
May 23, 2012
lc_10_back112-small.jpg

Capturing a Moment

Watching the aging process in accelerated time is a reminder of just how fast it all flies by
April 24, 2012
the authors sons holding Happy Birthday signs

For the Sake of the Kids

Why a father stayed in a marriage that was long overdue for divorce
March 30, 2012
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