“Pre-Book Your Death Now”

Imagine letting life unfold, to playing at life until bedtime closed your eyes -- but only after a satisfyingly long story from an unhurried parent. Perhaps you're lucky enough to have experienced a Slow childhood. A Chris Ware drawing (as I remember it) a few years back showed a mother's bent-over face lit in the … Continue reading “Pre-Book Your Death Now” →

Credo

After three years writing here, it's time I took stock of what is taking shape on this blog. Just who is writing these posts, you might wonder. After 80 essays, I'm still anonymous. I'm a Chicago born, suburban raised, Catholic boy from a large family and many neighbors. Sustained interests in religion, psychology and poetry … Continue reading Credo →

Reunions, School and Learning

Why have I never yet yearned to talk with classmate cohorts -- especially surrounded by the chilling halls of our former prisons? Why is it that the announcements of a school reunion leave me flat? What would we talk about -- our former lessons, our present stunting? I never formed bonds with those encouraged to … Continue reading Reunions, School and Learning →

A Journal’s Keepsake Quotes

Only a few more pages to fill in before I'll need a fresh Journal. The first page of this one I'm still using was left blank, for no particular reason, until a quote from Seneca found its way onto the top line, then something I read from The Canterbury Tales. Followed by others. Together they … Continue reading A Journal’s Keepsake Quotes →

How to be Sick

I'm sick today with a head cold. Scratchy throat, hoarse, malaise. I was sick yesterday but worked eight hours from home, documenting. Yesterday was our team meeting and didn't prepare for it the day before. Today I'm taking most of the day off. I'm taking PTO, anyway. It started out with sleeping in. I don't … Continue reading How to be Sick →