It’s Hot Now; Frederick Douglass Was Fiery Then
Sometimes a merely middling writer knows when the time is right to defer to—get out of the way of — a Knock You Out Writer, the expert kind. That’s my plan for this blog. I’ll offer just a bit of…
Post Playoff Packing Up
Ah, the first half of June— time of fragrant blossoms, gentle breezes, lawns a-greening, birds a-twittering. And, depending on your perspective, either right in keeping with the burgeoning season or completely out of synch with it, the double whammy of…
Marriage Thrillers? Maybe Later
A hospital stay – OK, except for childbirth — is not anything we wish for. Anxiety can run thick and clumpy, unlike all those streamlined IVs. The food, once you can eat, carries an odd smell. (Not the orange Jell-O,…
Spring rites
We’re nearing graduations, a time for celebrating hard-earned completion of degrees. My mind, however, is mostly on that feeling of being immersed in ongoing work, trying in a variety of ways to get it, learning from someone else – or…
The Lawn Looks Lenten, But Easter Will Come
How many words do you know that have one “u” right after the other? And if you do know one, do you also know how to pronounce it? My husband, who regularly passes along interesting tidbits of knowledge to me,…
Hooping for Spring
“There’s no Jeopardy on tonight because of March Madness,” said my disappointed husband, much more a fan of the quiz show than of the N.C.A.A. That was on Thursday. Meanwhile, I’ve been well aware of March Madness, and not just…
That’s Quite A Haul
Feeling weighed down by anything these days? Carrying around any burdens, like a pack mule on some trail? Or maybe you’re one of the lucky ones, practically floating through your days feeling free, like a moth; or soaring hawk-like, with…
Startling Acts of Kindness
Taking the time to do—to give, really — an act of kindness is a little bit like choosing the right path in the woods…and helping to light someone else’s way, too. As it happens, my husband and I are about…
I’ve Been Summoned
You know how you can feel how you may be just one person, but you have a bunch of different identities? For me, these would include: In my current family, the mother who tries to stay up with current playlists…
A Day To Be Gaudy, and Writers Going Out at Night
Mid-December and Rose Sunday (had help with that) Greetings to All! If there were ever a time for contrasts — the original focus of this blog— now would be a strong contender. We’re encouraged to feel all peaceful and relaxed,…