Willow Stories

 I wrote “Famine of the Word” as a piece of experimental fiction. Strangled by Scripture my heroic main character fights to survive. I was pleased with the effect and felt ready to move on to other projects, but Willow and her plight lingered in my mind. I’ve written a second story and a third is percolating. Trapped in a fundamentalist world, I enjoy Willow’s measured actions to find a way out. The Scripture that is meant to control her sometimes, surprisingly, sets her free. I like the dance/chess game interplay between Willow’s life and the ever present Scripture. This is a project I will definitely expand, but I’m not sure how much further it could go, maybe a novella?  

Poetry

 I read recently that poems shouldn’t be puzzles, but what’s the fun in that? My poetry relies on homophones like Phyllis Wheatley and John Donne. I enjoy the way you can set a word ringing in the silence between two ears. My subject matter is diverse from matters of the heart to feminism to flowery encouragement for the discouraged. Sometimes you might need to Google a reference to understand what I’m saying, but that’s the puzzle part. I hope it adds to the experience. 

Most of my poetry is published in this blog in case you get interested. Here is a taste, one of my favorites.

Holy Shit!

that’s me.

Scouting

 I just finished packing for my trip to Chicago. Yes, it’s in July, but I’m one of those people who needs to think through all eventualities. This is also a new experience. I’ve never traveled for work before, not officially. How many business cards should I pack? How casual should my casual clothes be? Do I need my visual aids (books, I admit it, books) or are they too heavy? Is all of it too heavy? Should I just take two pairs of pants and a few fancy shirts or will I need fresh clothes for the evening? 

Packing everything up helps me make the micro decisions. I’ll need to unpack it all to steam it as most of the things arrived pretty wrinkled, then I will pack it all up again to await being steamed again in the hotel room. It all feels overwhelming and exciting. I’ve always tried to be a good Boy Scout and “be prepared.” I probably take it too far. The more I do the easier my mind is, so today’s successful project will be followed by many more.

The Ticking Clock

July 11, 2026 at 11:00 am I will be presenting a paper about teaching kids the basic principles of mimetic theory. Every thing got very real when I opened the conference schedule. The conference is the Colloquium on Violence and Religion in case you're interested. You can still sign up. If you don't have four days to give in the middle of July you can message me and I can send you my paper.

In any case my life got real with those time coordinates. I've been thinking about pivoting for a long time, but July 11th I'm doing it. I'm advocating for good changes in the world.

Hopefully one thing will lead to another and I'll explore the path of teaching but I have other possible plans—writing, or advocating for the poor or fostering ecumenical relationships. Luckily I kept most of the notes I've scribbled down about possible projects. Who knows where they are, but they engrained themselves in my mind with the act of writing. I am not starting from scratch.

The oyster is the best part of the turkey. It's small and succulent and worth volunteering to carve the bird for. I am hoping the next two decades of my life are my turkey oyster. Freed from raising children I want to get the max out of my life and gifts. It will be a seemingly small part of my life but hopefully it will be the most earnest.

Knock Off

My youngest has turned eighteen. I'm presenting a paper at an academic conference. My life is turning a new corner. Due to the nature of raising six children my stuff is all wrecked. The slow process of rejuvenation has begun, but my purse is still tight. I used to indulge in fantasies of walking into Apple and saying ”I'll have one of everything”. Even then I knew it was a fantasy. So I have entered the world of the knock off, and I have to say it isn't treating me badly. All the things work, and since I don't know what premium is I don't miss it. I am happily enamored with regular stuff. It's cheap, cheerful and usually comes in pink.

Think pink!

Be Not Afraid

 When I became a Catholic I discovered all these great Christian songs I’d never heard of. One of my favorites that I sing a little every day is “Be Not Afraid”. The lyrics are

Be not afraid. I go before you always

Come unto me, and I will give you rest.

There is more to it, but the chorus is usually enough for me. 

I’m going on a big adventure this summer, and I have so much work to do to prepare. I have a paper to write, a presentation to prepare, clothing and supplies to purchase, and I’m giving a new diet and exercise program a go. I would normally be quaking with fear, but I’m old now. I don’t get so worried. I’ve discovered St. Julian of Norwich and her good news about God’s love, and over and over and over again this little problem, that fore-step, has been already answered as He has gone before me.

Y’all Come Eat!

 Sometimes it’s about getting something done not doing it perfectly. As a mom I tried to follow the trends and the shifting food guides and all the tricks for making tasty, healthy food at home. It meant I was seldom pleased with any meal. Fast and easy was short on nutritional value. Carefully crafted over hours was completely unappreciated. Things considered really healthful when my mom made them were completely suspect now. There was no winning.

Not so for Mama J Rae. She proudly cooks for her family of seven with gusto and love. She wins hands down every meal, and her kids are always glad to answer her call. The food is generally simple but expertly prepared. Watching her throws things on her Blackstone, combine ready-made components and chop up fruit makes me want a do-over day with my kids. 

https://youtu.be/0iWPyKireaw?si=Cx_GIkja5CN56_ir