writing

  • Words are often used with little thought to their meaning. Finding the right word to describe someone or something requires observation and thought. The context of what we are witnessing and how we intend to convey the observation, and to whom, requires consideration. Finding the right word is comparable to attaching weights to a fishing

    Read more →

  • One of my pleasures on Fridays is reading Chuck Wiser’s column, “Wiser’s Wramblings” in The Wellsville Sun. Chuck summarizes his column, “I write the words to share what my eyes see and my heart feels.” Chuck’s column is a reminder to “open your eyes and see,” which is something I often say. My now adult

    Read more →

  • Fred and Louise Haisch invited us over to dinner. Terri and I decided to walk. The late afternoon sun wove through the overhanging tree branches, weaving an intricate quilt pattern of shadows and light across the dirt road. There was a slight hint of autumn in the air following the long days of oppressive heat

    Read more →

  • History provides us with an understanding of our place in time. The words of authors glide into topics that pull us into paragraphs of digression. These allow us to consider the character and nature of those women, men, and events that continue to influence our lives today. There is a sense of mystery when opening

    Read more →

  • There is no time of day more underrated than the morning. A cup of coffee with a slice of toast. Personally, I would prefer either a fresh croissant or a fresh bagel. Finding a quality bagel or croissant is difficult. A croissant should be flaky, with buttery layers, and crispy golden brown. Kosher bagels should

    Read more →

  • Memory and Loss

    This past week I drove past the home of a couple that I briefly had known. Judy and Diane lived next door to me while I lived at a place I came to call Hermits Pond. The following is a poem I wrote for them. The poem deals with the early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.

    Read more →

  • Censors sneak up right before your eyes in broad daylight. They aren’t figures lurking in a dark alley on a rainy night waiting to mug you as you make your way from a subway entrance. The censors wear tailored suits. They act quickly. A few people look up at the glass and steel towers housing

    Read more →

  • Friends & Taking A Vacation I am often surprised when asked if Carl ten Hoopen is a real person. Be assured that he is. Any doubts that you have may be due to the photograph he asked me to use on this blog. I thought his request odd, but no less peculiar than the title

    Read more →

  • This morning was hospital day. This is when I make the mortgage and car payments for the doctors. A friend of mine always receives hugs when she meets with the nurses and doctors. I was greeted with a cheerful, “Good morning. Did you bring your wallet?” A hug would be nice, but, unlike my friend,

    Read more →

  • A REMINDER OF BEAUTY I received a newsletter from a dear friend, Terrill Welch, two days ago. Terrill is an artist residing on Mayne Island, British Columbia. The newsletter contained photographs of works in progress and photographs of the shoreline and natural life found along the trails she walks. I confess that these photographs left

    Read more →