Janis Ian’s Grammy-winning audiobook and the miracle of the internet Janis Ian was doing a farewell tour and I wrote about it in a post on this site. She is one of the singer-songwriters whose music brings me back to … Read More
Peaches are a sensual fruit. Five types of peaches and nectarines displayed their sweet fruit on one stand at the farmers’ market. Yellow, rosy, a little fuzzy, clean, white flesh, golden yellow flesh. I didn’t like peaches growing up in … Read More
The view was operatic–My yard, the slope, the river rock,The water, the further shore,Fields, sometimes deer, raccoons,The highway, concrete stream curving up the hillPast crops, an apple orchard,Farm buildings on the far horizon. I hung a birdfeeder on my deckFed nuthatches, … Read More
Lessons for how we can transition in older age Twenty-five years ago the conversation was about how the monarchy was out-of-touch. Queen Elizabeth was compared unfavorably to the younger generations — that is, Princess Diana — and found rule-bound and … Read More
Death releases a mix of emotions Losing a loved one — parent, partner, dear friend — is an experience often filled with profound grief. But other emotions, like relief, are commonly part of our feelings. It seems cold-hearted to say … Read More
Joni Mitchell at Newport, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah Joni sings “Both Sides Now” with a huskier, deeper voice and an experience that turns the words’ meanings into a song only a musician with a long life could sing. Her voice has … Read More
Early summer, beer, and love of the game — 1996 Darryl Strawberry hit a long, looping home run over the center field fence, and stood just a moment to admire the arc. Jack Morris leaned out from his dugout seat, … Read More
When is courage just stupidity? The streets around the rodeo grounds were blocked off, and vendors sold Western gear, boots, hats, bandanas, and kids’ souvenirs. The stands closest to the grounds sold food — a variety of beef, beer, and … Read More
I want a really deep sleep I envy Sleeping Beauty for that long, deep sleep. I don’t care about the handsome prince anymore — a really good-looking man who acts as if he’s just ridden up on a white charger … Read More
Ms. Merriwether’s Advice to Gentle Reader. Dear Ms. Merriwether, I have always lusted after a professor; not a particular one, just a generic one in a tweed jacket with leather patches on the sleeves. That life seems very romantic — … Read More