I'm on the Writers' Vineyard today, with a few thoughts about commencement. Tis the season for graduations! Here's an excerpt: It's all about beginnings. We celebrate accomplishments, and in so doing, we prepare ourselves for a new start. What comes next? Moving, job searches, weddings, births? Who knows. We only know that at the moment … Continue reading Why it’s called “commencement”
life
Blues Boy King, 1925-2015
As a writer, and a human being, music forms a huge part of my soul. This week our world lost one of the most beautiful musical voices ever, one Riley B. "Blues Boy" King. And with his passing, the voice of his guitar Lucille goes silent. When I wrote the very first draft of An … Continue reading Blues Boy King, 1925-2015
On Love
It's wonderfully easy to find beautiful Martin Luther King Junior quotes to share on a glorious day in January: the sun is out in my town, the sky is blue, and I am free to love it all.
Letters to Santa
My monthly contribution to The Writers Vineyard shares one of my inspirations as a writer - second graders' letters to Santa, published each December in our local newspaper, original misspellings and all. Here's one you won't find there... Dear Santa, for Christmas I would like the orespane mod! So sneak in to Mom and Dads … Continue reading Letters to Santa
Winter Solstice
Here's a short poem I wrote two years ago; I'm sharing it again to celebrate this year's winter solstice. Winter solstice: return of the Light Today is the shortest day of the year; starting tomorrow Each day lengthens. Light returns.
Some thoughts on Veteran’s Day
Maybe it comes so closely after Election Day to remind us that there are - or should be - some things that are bigger and more important than political parties and campaigns, power brokers, winners and losers, acceptance and concession speeches. To remind us that in order to enjoy the privilege of self-governance, we also … Continue reading Some thoughts on Veteran’s Day
25 Years Ago
Twenty-five years ago, I looked forward to my twenty-fifth birthday, just a couple of weeks later that November. I'd earned my master's degree, and begun working as a counselor. The 1980's drew to a close with short hair, skinny jeans and Jack Purcells. I remember wanting desperately to believe I could manage an adult life, and … Continue reading 25 Years Ago
Fearless Hearts and Great Pumpkins, One More Time
Every so often, I recycle this little post from Halloween 2010. There are a lot of Lucies in this world, who offer only ridicule. But Linus reminds us of the lesson of the Great Pumpkin: let go of disappointment and let yourself hope (or love) again, no matter how ridiculous it seems to sensible people. October, 2010 … Continue reading Fearless Hearts and Great Pumpkins, One More Time
Color
Just a quick shot of one corner of the garden where late summer flowers hang on, while autumn colors begin to take hold.
Elizabeth Fountain, Author 