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
Considering the Bar, Low or High. Dear Ms. Merriwether, I have enjoyed writing on the internet, but it has always been my dream to be a Published Author, which means printing a novel or anthology in book form. Preferably, The … Read More
Denying when we need help is not helping I wear hearing aids. Am I disabled? I was disabled when I had foot surgery and my foot was in a cast for 8 weeks. I used a knee scooter and had … Read More
The intersection of time and space in the Playa Photo by Jake Weirick on Unsplash I drove to eastern Oregon through hours of sage bush, despairing at my decision to attend a writer’s workshop in this godforsaken place. Rifts of … Read More
Freighted Meaning and Hunting Targets A pair of mourning doves eat the seeds underneath my feeder. Although I rotate the bird feeder on a pole, the squirrels’ acrobatics get the seeds to fall. It serves them, but also the birds who … Read More