Tradition and Transformation: Fasnacht and Carnival

Hello on a Friday the 13th, There is so much happening in our world presently it is difficult to find a moment to breathe, or at least that is how it seems. Is my looking at all of this my version of doomscrolling or is it something more? I would like to believe that IContinue reading “Tradition and Transformation: Fasnacht and Carnival”

A Scar that Never Fades

Good early morning, Into the post-Super Bowl, pre-Valentine’s Day, middle of the week-Winter Olympics mashup of February. It’s the 10th of February, and a day for me that remains as clearly etched into my memory as November 22, 1963, the 28th of January 1986, 911, or even March 4, 2020 (I actually noted in conversationContinue reading “A Scar that Never Fades”

Finally Understanding my Father’s Passion

Hello on another chilly weekend, The week here in Bloomsburg, which began with the most significant snowfall I’ve experienced in my decade and a half, and then cold that is a bit uncharacteristic of Pennsylvania. The single digits or below zero windchills are not typical, like what an upper Midwestern boy knew from time inContinue reading “Finally Understanding my Father’s Passion”

Leaving While It’s Safe

Hello as I wait for a snow storm (more of UP proportions than what I normally my experience in PA), I started this at the beginning of the week, and the week has gotten away from me. There has been some good things happen, and on the other hand, I am still waiting on aContinue reading “Leaving While It’s Safe”

The Transformation of Boomers

Hello from my room at my sister-in-law’s house, I think we are back down to our last day on this trip, which has lasted a bit longer than I planned, but this is where retirement is advantageous. The Christmas holiday has been nice, and I have met members, part of extended family, whom I hadContinue reading “The Transformation of Boomers”

Imagining a Christmas Spirit

Hello from the living room of my sister-in-law, When I was small, this day was a day of anticipation, a day of incredible cookies, candies, Norwegian delights, and church with candles and carols. It would not be until later I would learn to decorate the house into a fairytale of my own, and make bothContinue reading “Imagining a Christmas Spirit”

Learning Albeit Slowly

Hello from my little corner, The mornings and days have begun to find some consistency, some beginning sense of process, and for me that is important. The past week, however, seems to still to be a roller coaster of sorts. From learning of some significant health issues to the typical dramatic flair that too oftenContinue reading “Learning Albeit Slowly”

Imagining a Permanent Advent

Hello from the couch, I am back in Bloomsburg, and along with visiting relatives back in the Midwest, I got one piece of the nomadic past year back in my semi-permanent space. I think the next piece will be to load up bus components in Tennessee and get them back here also. I also managedContinue reading “Imagining a Permanent Advent”

When it Seems There is only One Empty Chamber

Hello from my office or study on the Acre, Let me begin with an incredible word of thanks. I am humbled beyond measure at the kindness shown during the past three days in response to my previous blog. I am honored that somehow my willingness to share my private, difficult, and atypical health struggles wereContinue reading “When it Seems There is only One Empty Chamber”

Deciding to be Solitary or Lonely

Hello from my study, Today I followed through on a decision pondered for a while, but it is a decision that requires me to be more intentional, more thoughtful, and more disciplined about what I do. After multiple urgings as well as the life-style change COVID has brought, and some thoughts about my own long-termContinue reading “Deciding to be Solitary or Lonely”