The Reluctant But Grateful Gerbil

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...

Wasting Precious Time

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...

Happy Birthday, Jesus

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...

I Come From Alabama…

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...

Acting With Impunity

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...

“I Don’t Remember That Photo”

So said Senator Al Franken in response to the second brave woman who stepped up to accuse him of touching her inappropriately several years ago.  His not remembering is at the heart of the problem behind most of the rash of accusations coming from women who do...