My grandson Ty is on Spring Break. I wanted to spend some time with him because he is 18 and the window is closing fast for that sort of thing. Soon, he will be moving on to adulthood and the pursuits of ambitious young men. Most of Ty’s formative years were spent living under my…
Monologue: the public speech
Delivering a public speech is unlike any other experience in life. I first addressed a crowd of people, albeit a small group, maybe 30 or so, when I was only seven years old. The only thing I vividly remember about that year of my life was the way I felt while standing on a chair…
The Gilded Age of Constant Contact
By the time those born around the time of the Civil War—like social reformer Jane Addams, three-time presidential nominee William Jennings Bryan and their peers—came of age, nearly every aspect of their world had changed. Between the 1870s and the dawn of the 20th century, Americans witnessed revolutions in daily life, from what they wore to how they…
Confession: I got nothing!
This is a written confession, a mia culpa. I give myself writing projects because I want to hold myself accountable. Wednesday Noon is one example of the accountability effort. This assures that I will write something every week. Like any other skill, writing improves with practice and exercise. The singer, painter, sculptor, and dancer improve…
Got Them Theme Park Blues
Rollercoaster, RollercoasterGive me a rideMake me highDrop me lowToss me toToss me fro Rollercoaster, RollercoasterHere’s an asideYou’re no journeyYou’re just a rideNo place to goNor abide Rollercoaster, RollercoasterI can’t decideYou make some fussWhile you go nowhereBut you wanna take usAnd that’s not fair Rollercoaster, RollercoasterMy nerves are friedI’ll sit this one outMy familiar friendI’ve no…
Why Me, Lord: the unexpected theology lesson from Kris Kristofferson
Why this, Lord? Saying I grew up in a conservative Baptist church is the same kind of understatement as saying Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups®are the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter. We were suspicious of conservatives who adhered to fewer “standards” than we did…and those standards were high, let me tell you. For one…
Crestfallen: has honor been lost forever?
There was a time when families, like nations, flew their flags…flags that bore a crest with emblematic symbols and sometimes mottoes.