Flower Panel #1
At school we studied the work of many artists, among them the Frenchman Odilon Redon (1840-1916). I remember that I was not drawn to his work but now realize what a limited view we were given…
Turning Point
I’ve waited all my life for a particular cusp, a turning point where I would recognize myself as complete – grownup and assured – with a clearly marked path into the future. In my youth, I…
Alexander Chee
I am reading Alexander Chee’s “How to Write an Autobiographical Novel”. I was drawn to it because much of what I write is autobiographical and I also tend to write short pieces – his are called…
The Importance of Notebooks
Books on the craft of writing often suggest that aspiring writers carry a notebook so that they can jot down the ideas, thoughts and sentences that sometimes sprout full blown without warning. I’ve had answers I…
Narrow Views
I’ve thought many times of that trip to Pennsylvania in 1958. The outing was arranged at the request of my widowed grandmother who, urged by fleeting time and memory, was struck with a longing to see…
Joan Didion
I was recently reading Joan Didion’s book “Slouching Towards Bethlehem”. The essay entitled “On Self Respect” hit several notes with me, especially her reference to “gifts irrevocably wasted through sloth or cowardice or carelessness”. This is…
Hotel Rideau
For successive summers in the 1950’s I travelled with my parents, brother, and paternal grandparents for a week-long vacation in Ocean City, MD. Anticipation grew as the trip drew near. When the day of departure arrived,…