Magical Memoir Moments
Our Neighborhood: A Twenty-First Century Community
The poet Gary Snyder once said, “Find your place on the planet. Dig in, and take responsibility from there.” Stuart and I found a place called Stratford Woods four years ago, dug in (literally) with the first new house in a 22-lot development, and looked for an opportunity to help build community. The picture above…
Priya's White Elephant: A Fairy Tale
Once upon a time there lived a lovely princess by the beautiful name of Priya who was born in a faraway land called India . As is the custom in her country, Priya’s family arranged a marriage for her. She and her handsome prince Lokram chose America as their new land and were soon blessed…
Let Us Now Praise Famous Women: Cheri and Cherri
Last week was national Administrative Assistants week, and I would like to pay tribute, today, to two of the finest ones I know. This also happens to be the last week I will be working with Cheri Dundon, (pictured on the right) my “partner in crime” for the last 4.5 years. Cheri will retire on…
Memoir and Management: A Path to the Corner Office?
The New York Times runs interviews with CEO’s of various companies in a series called “The Corner Office.” On Sunday April 26, 2009, the subject was Richard Anderson, of Delta Air Lines as interviewed by Adam Bryant. Since I taught both English and history to undergraduates, I was delighted to see Anderson’s emphasis on the…
Contests, Gilchrist, and a Poem: Mini-Memoir
Without the Kalamazoo Gazette Literary Award Competition of 2007, I would not be writing this blog. Each year the announcement of the award kicks me into gear again, and I review what I have written that might fit. The writing itself happens throughout the year, often in 2-3 day retreats at Gilchrist, the Fetzer Institute…
Holding Class Outdoors: A Springtime Mini-Memoir
People often ask me, “What do you miss most about not being a college president anymore?” My answer always is “the students.” Right now students and faculty at Goshen College are frantically preparing for the end of the semester and commencement. But I know what many of them will be doing tomorrow in 70-degree weather. …
Ava's Man: A Review And A Question for You
The top 100 memoirs list we are constructing here is not a scientific one. At the rate we are going, 81 posts in 9 months, and only 18 reviews so far, it will take five years to get to 100 memoirs! I’ve read many more than I have reviewed and have an entire bookcase of…
All Over but the Shoutin': A Review
This book reminds me of the wilted dandelions my son used to gather and bring to me in springtime–not the dandelions themselves but the look on his face, beaming with pride and ardor. Rick Bragg has never lost that feeling about his momma. He brought her all his winnings–first the Pulitzer Prize in journalism, then…
You Can Go Home Again–A Mini-Memoir
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, likes to call itself the Garden Spot of the World. If you travel to Lancaster in the springtime, you understand. The greens penetrate deeper than the human eye can see, and the earth, well, it’s as soft and receptive as any coquette and more fertile than a hutch full of rabbits. I…