A year or so ago (maybe longer now) I bought a sleep mask. It’s the wraparound kind with the earbuds in them. What a miraculous invention for a marriage such as mine – the early bird and the night owl. I hate it when we don’t go to bed at the same time, he hates disturbing me by being awake. The mask is the answer. But I didn’t wear it the night before I left. I didn’t care … [Read more...] about Week Zero
The Second Charcoal Fire
The Second Charcoal Fire
Y'all. I was in the process of creating a Substack, and it was going to be awesome. Here was the About page: What This Is (and Isn’t) I’m starting a PhD in English at the University of Tennessee. Our youngest daughter has just graduated from high school, so I have enough furniture packed for a two-bedroom apartment, and I couldn’t tell you if I am stepping up or … [Read more...] about The Second Charcoal Fire
My Highlander Prayer
I intended to write about last Friday last weekend when the wound was still open and fresh. Of course, that is far too dramatic for what actually happened. Instead, life life-ed, and I didn’t get around to it. The whole thing tidied itself by Monday afternoon at 12:43. I think this timing is (as usual) better than my timing. It is my goal to share as much of my shame in my … [Read more...] about My Highlander Prayer
Living the Fiat with Curiosity, Humility, and Kindness
I had a moment yesterday while in prayer right before Mass. That sounds way more pious than it actually is, but I am attempting to get comfortable using language in public that I use with myself in private. So, anyway, I had this moment and now I am here at the keyboard to noodle it out. Let's see what happens. Every year I pick a word. Many people engage in this practice. … [Read more...] about Living the Fiat with Curiosity, Humility, and Kindness
Just Do What You Are Good At
Just do what you are good at. These are the words I heard while preparing for Mass this morning. It is that time of the year when folks wonder, “What do I take from the last year,” and “What do I leave behind?” I am still not certain which of those choices I consider most important. Both, I suppose. But as I move through what it means to be committed to living a life … [Read more...] about Just Do What You Are Good At