Lonely Wind

Hello from a Starbucks on Clinton Street, It is in downtown Iowa City, where I once wandered as a student in 1982. Hard to believe it was that long ago, but it is the beginning of another academic year and there are students everywhere. I have been managing things as I work toward getting seriousContinue reading “Lonely Wind”

American Gothic and My Iowa Roots

Hello from rural Mallard, It’s about the end of the day, the sun is setting, I can smell livestock from the hog containment facility down the road, and yes, there are flies (scads of them). It was a productive day as I got the weather stripping for the main bus door ordered, and the majorityContinue reading “American Gothic and My Iowa Roots”

The Price of Uncivil Division

Hello on Sunday morning, As I read the coverage like millions of others around the world, the reality that we came millimeters from the killing of a former President and as well as the current likely nominee for their party’s current election, should be both frightening and seen for the outrageous truth it displays. Certainly,Continue reading “The Price of Uncivil Division”

Imagining Possibilities

Hello from Iowa and a family ceremony, Family is such an incredible reality and yet simultaneously a concept. Family has always been something I have pondered because my family, and my relationship with those individuals has never been what is considered typical. The reasons for that are varied and complex, but trying to understand whereContinue reading “Imagining Possibilities”

Out of the Depths, O Lord . . .

Hello from my study, There are a multitude of thoughts, emotions, concerns, and fears as I reflect on the pictures of our national Capitol yesterday. I do not mean that to be a political statement, it is a statement of one single individual, a former pastor, a Marine Corps veteran, a person who has RepublicanContinue reading “Out of the Depths, O Lord . . .”

Imagining a Century

Hello from my office at school, It has been a “manage-the-details” day. I am the chair of our department sabbatical committee, director of departmental internships, and an advisor to a couple of student groups. Each area needed attention today. I think I have about 95% of all the issues answered, but there is always somethingContinue reading “Imagining a Century”

Who am I? Imagining Identity

Hello from my office at school, It is strange to be in my office at the university for hours on end and see almost no one, and yet, that is our lives in this fall of 2020. If we had our pre-Covid world yet, I would be arriving in Poland this week to begin aContinue reading “Who am I? Imagining Identity”

Questioning, Pondering, Disagreeing, and Respecting

Good late Saturday morning from my study, I have another blog I have been working on for about a week, but have decided to shelve it for the moment and take a different direction. I has some issues with sleeping last night, if I am going to be as transparent as I believe I should.Continue reading “Questioning, Pondering, Disagreeing, and Respecting”

What is in a Decade? (and I have not forgotten about hope)

Hello from my study.  Somehow I thought I wrote an entire paragraph or two before I went to a meeting, but I guess I have lost it. I think it was because I had not saved and then closed some windows. That is not the first technological snafu I have accomplished or preformed today, soContinue reading “What is in a Decade? (and I have not forgotten about hope)”

The Role of Art. Music, and Theatre in Life

Hello from the study, Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak with a former student, someone who cared for Lydia after I first left Wisconsin and someone I admire for so many reasons. She was shy and unsure of herself when I first met her in that freshman writing class, but she is now anContinue reading “The Role of Art. Music, and Theatre in Life”