Article May 17, 2010 Issue

DEAR ANNIE,

BY TOM BLACK

IT WAS GREAT TO SEE YOU last weekend. Those visits are always fun. I had no idea you were so skilled at Wii tennis. Before we play again, I'll need some practice time! But you're right that the highlight is always your mom's chocolate chip cookies. It's easy to understand why you say they're the greatest in the world.

As Nanna and I drove home, nibbling on them, I thought about your questions. They're really thoughtful, Kiddo. I'll do my best to answer them, but don't hesitate to ask further if you want to.

Thanks for writing them down. Here's what you gave me on that slip of paper: If mortal mind is not real, then why does it seem so real? If it doesn't have an origin, why does it even seem to exist?