I spent a little time last week in the village where I was a teen, Vicksburg. The occasion was the awards ceremony for the Southwest Michigan Tournament of Writers. I’d received dispensation the year before from the director to enter, even though I was not a local. The stipulation was that I confine my writings to Vicksburg. I did,Continue reading “head, heart”
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burn, baby!
Ten years ago, today was one of those beautiful Ann Arbor early May days much like today might turn out. I write this by the fire looking out at cloudy and 45, but it’s early and I have faith in Michigan weather. Another day for sweats and shorts, in sequence for certain, and likely at the sameContinue reading “burn, baby!”
recipes II
It’s a wonderful thing when a patient becomes a friend. Such was the case with Valda from Kalamazoo. We found that we shared much in our views on food, music, and politics, and concern for the future of Kalamazoo. She became sort of a protegée, as I guided her along recipes, including some from myContinue reading “recipes II”
against…
My Spotify turns up endless delights. Tonight, my “Cat Stevens Radio” Spotify channel spit up an old Bob Seger classic that’s always been very meaningful to me (1). As I felt once again these lyrics in my soul, I thought perhaps most superficial fans missed the meaning of this song. Sure, it’s about how tough life is,Continue reading “against…”
parking
Today’s blog serves as an accessible reference list to “Head in Tree Town, Heart in the ‘burg”, an essay I submitted yesterday to the Southwast Michigan Tournament of Writers. Because readers will see only print, I provide a link to this page so the reader can access the links to which the references refer. TheContinue reading “parking”
accident, 1968
An essay I’m about to submit to the Southeast Michigan Tournament of Writers (1) weaves around the writing of my first book, a process that really strengthened my ties to my old home town. Started in February ’19, first published May ’21 and updated March ’23, The Accident tells of that awful week in OctoberContinue reading “accident, 1968”
land of ice
That’s how Norseman Hrafna (Raven) Flóki (getting that nickname as he used ravens to find land from out at sea)) called it when in 868 AD he became the 3rd European to set foot on this little island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, sailing the 1300 km (800 mi) from the Faroe Islands by Scotland (1). Tho’Continue reading “land of ice”
cinquo de enero.
If my accomplishment was from over the border, perhaps I could apply the term to this Spanish phrase. But since all the production commemorated here came with my butt firmly applanted to my nice Ekornes recliner in my living room, we’ll be happy saying “happy 5th anniversary”. We had another little celebration in the interim, so I forgotContinue reading “cinquo de enero.”
chilled bubbly
Coming in from a hot task outside to something cold out of the fridges one of life’s great underrated pleasures. But what happens is someone has purchased said beverages but not put them in the fridge? Oh, the sadness of a warm beer. Relief is on the way. A couple cans in the ice cube tray cool downContinue reading “chilled bubbly”
Docere day?
My dear wife flew pretty high around the turn of the century as NASA’s Chief Scientist, an experience that informed the motivationql speeches she took to giving after her tenure there. To handle the proceeds from her efforts, she formed an LLC, Docere (doh-kaý-rah; from the Latin “to teach”). Over the years, we’ve taking to running anyContinue reading “Docere day?”
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