by Toni McNaron | Feb 3, 2018 | Uncategorized
Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) has recently begun airing a new program launched by National Public Radio (NPR). It’s called 1A and its host is Joshua Johnson. Joshua has eclectic tastes in both subject matter and guests, so I always benefit from hearing bits and...
by Toni McNaron | Jan 27, 2018 | Uncategorized
Two weeks of this January have been so far below zero both in actual temperature and wind chill that I have had to walk at my local YWCA. My days begin with an early morning walk of about a mile and a half, rain or shine. I walk in the street rather than on the...
by Toni McNaron | Jan 10, 2018 | Uncategorized
When I sobered up after nineteen years of serious alcoholic drinking, the first coherent thought I remember having is: “What a waste of valuable time.” What I meant by that lament was simple–though I had lots of ideas about literature, I had not...
by Toni McNaron | Dec 25, 2017 | Uncategorized
Every year, I set up a crèche in my living room, an act that gives me tremendous pleasure. Creches are supposed to focus on the manger scene with Mary and Joseph looking down on a crib housing the baby Jesus. These little collections may include the three Magi with...
by Toni McNaron | Dec 20, 2017 | Uncategorized
Most of my life, I’ve felt some degree of embarrassment or shame when I’ve said those words. That shame is framed by a series of horrible images from my long life living in Alabama or reading or watching about it once I left: Governor “Big...
by Toni McNaron | Dec 5, 2017 | Uncategorized
When we accuse someone of “acting with impunity,” we mean that person is exempt from any punishment or harm that might follow from his or her action. Our daily news is rifled with examples of individuals who have long thought they qualified for this...
