Sixth-graders come in two camps: those that giggle with uncontrollable joy when presented with a dead frog and an X-Acto knife, and those that shake their heads in protest, cry, vomit, or somehow manage to skip class on dissection day…. Read More ›
Perspective
When Old Bridges Pass
The old bridge runs alongside the new. Like a shadow of my past crossings, it’s a stark reminder that nothing in this world is permanent. Piece by piece, they disassemble the steel, and each morning I glance over my right… Read More ›
Of Blade and Valor
Inspiration comes in infinite packages. It’s a good thing, too, since fortune is a measurement of our choices. From athletes and laureates to three-legged dogs, my neck doesn’t have to strain too hard to find a helpful nugget of you-can-do-this…. Read More ›
Our Reflection in You
In the monitor We watch you wake Pray you’ll sleep The lull will take On that screen We watch you fuss In the reflection You’re part of us Beyond the glow We watch you stir Hope you’ll settle Know… Read More ›
If You Can’t Handle The Heat, Sit in a Kitchen
The sun relented behind the river bank, yet dusk’s glow did not bring cooler air. And despite the persistent heat, we positioned our seasoned chairs into a familiar ring. We were camping, so it wasn’t like we had much choice… Read More ›
Treat Myself Write
I know the secret to writing. No, it’s not a strong hook, creating unforgettable characters, or even mastering the narrative craft. These things help, of course. As does an in-depth dissection of The Fugitive and Casablanca. But the secret for… Read More ›
Write City, Without Words
Sound City, directed by David Grohl, documents the infamous and turbulent times of the now defunct recording studio of the same name. Let me just say, it’s an incredible film (if I get a hankering, I may post a review). … Read More ›
Holy Pozole, I’ve Been Here Before
Wait a minute, I’ve been here before. It’s not just the familiar smell of taquitos cooking in corn oil or the crisp smell of lime squeezed over a paper bowl of pozole. Nor is it the effortless Spanish voices behind… Read More ›
It Goes With Saying
Why do we say “needless to say,” only to follow with the unneeded? [eD note: this is, perhaps, not the most judicious edit of “needless to say,”] I need to say, as of late, I’m exhausted. This might be the… Read More ›
I Know You Aren’t But What Am I Not?
I found shadows while revising my book: Shadows weren’t where they should have been. Have you looked for shadows, only to find something else instead? I know it’s a strange concept, but something I used in my writing to show… Read More ›