Graywall: Teaching Mimetic Theory to Young People

 I will reach the likely height of my academic career this July when I present a paper at The Colloquium on Violence and Religion about teaching basic Mimetic Theory to children and adolescents using famous books from The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Lord of the Rings. Rene Girard’s Mimetic Theory has largely been a movement of “adult converts.” It is time for us to begin raising our “cradle Girardians.” To do that we must convey the perplexing ideas our own original programming struggles with to new, fresh minds. For me stories or games are my goto for teaching children, and in this case the capacity of story to convey rich, entangled and complex ideas moved it to the head of the class.

I think my system is a lot of fun, relying on books so popular they were made into movies or television shows and sticking to small portions of the big ideas for each lesson. If you are teaching a young Girardian and my paper intrigues you leave your email address in the comments, and I will send you a copy.

No Fear: A Defense Against the Dark

Asking parents to let their children read Frederick Douglas’ experiences as a child slave turned out to be a bigger ask than I had anticipated.They were ready to mutiny and return to Egypt with such tried and true favorites as Ben and Me and Johnny Tremain. It is hard to let children in on the secret that the world has dark corners and some of them are close to home. This experience pushed me to develop, No Fear, a guided reading experience involving history and children’s classic fiction. We begin by discovering that bad things happen and we end by thinking of ways to overcome bad things. The history is drawn from Penguin Random House’s excellent Who Was…Series and the classics include The Bad Beginning, Jungle Book and Charlotte’s Web.

I’m very proud of the resulting curriculum. My happiest imaginary readers are middle-grade students snuggled up on the couch with a parent for a read and a chat. Classrooms could use their read-a-loud time to work through the lessons. Matilda could work it out for herself or perhaps with a friendly librarian’s help. Querying is a chore, but I’m learning the ropes. Hopefully I’ll find the right agent soon.

Simply Hooked

 Expanding my homeschool/school club curriculum, Crow Hook, meant finding adults eager to teach students historical texts. I quickly realized I had been very lucky in my friends and fellow co-op moms. Most people finished school and are glad to be done. Teaching Crow Hook means at least a willingness to read the texts. Many people found it intimidating for me to hand them a reading list and wish them luck. Slowly the idea of writing a curriculum for adults presented itself, and I’ve been working away at it ever since. As I wrote the idea presented itself as having a life of its own apart from Crow Hook. People might really enjoy reading the texts for their own sake. I certainly had.

Simply Hooked is a four part collection of one hundred texts, some interesting, some important, sometimes both. It is a no pressure guide that simply opens doors without demanding readers walk through them. After a brief introduction, (readers are encouraged to rely on the included introduction that accompanies most of the texts) there is a Reader’s Guide with tips to make reading easier and a set of Prompts that hope to inspire the reader to take the connections deeper.

It means a lot when I say I like it better than Crow Hook.

Crow Hook

 Developed as a homeschool co-op class, Crow Hook is my history through literature curriculum for middle to high school students. I love it because there are no grades or tests just good dusty fun. I say dusty fun because the core of the experience is historical texts that are either interesting or important, usually both. Some examples would be the Tao Te Ching, The Wealth of Nations, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, A Long Walk to Freedom are important works. Physica, The Book of the Dead, The Jungle, Of Plymouth Plantation are interesting. 

The full course takes four years with twenty-five lessons a year. I ask students to read part or all of a text, and then I have fun activities for the group to explore the work together. I think it would make a great school club as much as it does a homeschool class. My favorite part of it all is an ever changing game called, “Slides.” Making connections between the texts is the most important part of interacting with them, so I continually create challenges to connect one work with the others to earn points, win competitions and build team spirit. It’s a great opportunity for kids to feel smart who might not show up on the school radar. 

Novelzzz

 In my mid-thirties I discovered that I require a creative outlet. For me, it is non-negotiable. Studying was incompatible with raising six small children, so I poured myself into a novel. I have a complete rough draft, but the plot is less than satisfactory. I’ve been letting it percolate and may soon be bringing it out for an update. In the meantime two other novels have sprouted from the same rich ground and I’ve worked on them as the spirit leads. 

I like working on novels. Finishing one to the level of personal satisfaction would be a treat. My protagonists are all female, either young or stunted so in need of growth. I like to be funny, but my core issues in each novel are serious. I am working to find the balance. Whether I publish a novel or not, I grow as a writer when I settle down to the rhythm of writing one.

Great Ideas Short Stories for Young People

 When I realized that I wanted to study history, literature and philosophy in a more serious, organized way I didn’t have much of a path to guide me. People in my community studied their Bibles and they were content. I had heard of Mortimer Adler during the education coursework for my college degree. Coupling that cheerful recommendation was my mother-in-law’s set of The Great Books which she was willing to pass on to me. It was a place to start especially when paired with Adler’s How to Read a Book. Once I got my feet under me I began to choose other paths, but I will always appreciate the Syntopicon. Its mountain top view of philosophy is stimulating and pleasurable. 102 ideas are described and their places of mention are cataloged from The Great Books.

In order to give my studies some shape without overwhelming rigor, I set myself the task of writing a YA short story about one of the Great Ideas every year. I believe there are eight of them now. Some years I’ve missed my deadline. The stories are quirky. Reality has been shaped to sketch the rough outline of the idea. The characters vary from story to story with some overlap and repetition to keep them interesting. I enjoy this project, but I find it gets more and more complicated and takes more and more effort. They are invariably longer than I thought they’d be.

This is a unique project. Its core comes from the 1950s. I like to think the fictional world and characters update that, but somehow the ancient Greeks keep sneaking in. 

You Tube/Off the Shelf

 I recently logged my library into Library Thing. When the final tally was over 2,000 books, there were a lot of feelings to be sorted, but the surprising feeling was joy. I’d been afraid my books were a useless pile of miscellany that served no purpose but to fill up shelves. Wrong! This is an impressive collection of organized materials that feed into each other where they are related and diversify to follow my many interests. My books are fascinating and useful. Ranging from Ancient Mesopotamia to Once-a-Month Cooking they generally offer a doorway into the subject with other books providing greater depth and support.

I needed to share my treasure. I am a great lender of books, but it seemed too slow and small a process for such magnificence as my library. I am working on a You Tube channel titled, Off the Shelf. I will choose four to eight books clustered around a subject and present them to the world. I hope to keep the offerings widely diversified, imitating a box of chocolates. The first episode “Ancient Mesopotamia” is coming soon.

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

T-shirts

 My plan for workout clothes was to recycle things that were wearing out too much for use in public. This made figuring out my outfit for the gym a chore. A year ago I gave myself permission to buy some fun, inexpensive t-shirts and it has revolutionized the workout experience for me. Instead of wanting to hide I put my best foot forward wearing Hufflepuff, Strawberry Shortcake and Earth Day shirts. They say “hi” even when I don’t feel social. Choosing my workout shirt has become a highlight in my day, and a guarantor that I’ll make it to the gym.

Small change, big reward.

Easter is over.

 Today at mass we celebrated The Ascension. This means Easter is finally over. For those of you who put your bunnies away weeks ago we Catholics really like to make a lot of Easter. I’ve used this extended time frame to enjoy the treats I only allow myself in moderation during normal times and not at all during Lent. It has been delicious, but I’m ready to get back to better eating. I was born for a Catholic life.

You know you’re watching too much Korean television when…

 …you start to recognize the voices being dubbed in with the English! I cannot get enough, and the quality and variety is stellar. 

Under the Queen’s Umbrella—this mother’s heart is pushed to breaking, but somehow she soldiers on saving and healing the ones she loves. I will rewatch this. All Korean historical dramas are beautifully designed. The writing, particularly the characters, is wonderful. The actors carry forth the action with excellence. It made me pull out my copy of The Analects. I did a deep think on filial piety.

Love Next Door—light and sweet as meringue with the occasional deep punch of sorrow to keep the sugar honest. You end up loving the characters. I could have watched on and on, but it only has one season. 

Extraordinary Attorney Woo—This is a brave and yet charming show that makes autism the feature. The main character is a talented attorney who has to overcome her difficulty as often as its exceptional gifts save the day.

Captivating the King—This is another Korean historical drama. It explores feminist possibilities, through a woman dressing as a man so that she can earn money to rescue Korean prisoners of war by winning at Go. She only loses when she chooses to, and she’s skillful about the why and whens of her adventures. She gracefully moves from the kings companion to his consort. It does have its nail biting moments though. Beautifully shot and acted.

Agency—a classic duel of wits and a meditation on the strengths and weaknesses of power. I love the female protagonist, an executive in an advertising agency. Her brave, principled and clever fight from the underdog position draws you in and keeps your attention to the last episode.

Daily Dose of Sunshine—as a public service announcement this show was just getting started and should come back to us. The premise of a psychiatric nurse who develops mental health issues of her own is well played. The clear introduction to mental health diagnoses with characters that make us root for them is a brilliant way to fight the stigma of mental health. If you add interesting plot twists and a love-triangle, you cannot beat it. 

Castaway Diva—this somewhat surreal show pairs the painful topic of child abuse with a light and frothy Robinson Crusoe plot. You wouldn’t think it would work, but it does. 

Crash Landing on You—this is many things, but one of them is a gentle and respectful call for the reunification of Korea. The plot weaves in and out of probability, but continually introduces us to characters that stand their ground. There is light on both sides of the DMZ and there is dark on both sides. The love story starts rather ridiculously, but by the end you will want to give everything up to keep them together—even the antiquated bitterness between the two Koreas and the warring factions of the larger world. 

Catch them all on Netflix.

His Half of the Parenting

 I have an awesome dad who more than carried his weight in parenting my sister and I. Whether it was laundry or dinner or amazing adventures, Dad had it covered. Other kids talked about their fathers being distant and uninterested in them. I couldn’t relate. I grew up to find that dads like mine are rare and precious indeed which is why I’m so happy to introduce you to Mason Smith.

Mason is a YouTuber who proudly displays his heroic efforts to make joy for his family. If you had a dad like mine, wanted a dad like mine or you are a dad like mine you will love this channel. You might even find yourself tearing up. Enjoy

https://youtube.com/@dadsocial?si=HyoDKU6t7n_eih_W

Rule Breakers

 Clapping and crying are two indicators that I’ve fallen in love with a movie. Rule Breakers qualified generously. The story of the Afghanistan Girls Robotic Club will hit anyone hard, but as a woman the repression they were fighting is unimaginable. It made me question what I’ve done with my freedom here as a woman. If you want to be stirred in your soul, get yourself to the nearest showing and take all the young women you can round up. This movie will never be Wonder Woman, but it could do more good.

Visionary

 

I sea you.

You see me.

eye sore