Category Archives: writing & Such

Novelist Jessamyn West, Her Friendly Un-Persuasion, Christmas & “Returning Thanks”

Author and novelist Jessamyn West (1902-1984), was raised and shaped by a long line of Quakers. Rooted in Indiana, they wound up evangelical and Holiness-centered, as well as cousins to Richard Nixon, in southern California. West is best remembered for her classic The Friendly Persuasion (book and movie). Her family left their southern Indiana Quaker … Continue reading Novelist Jessamyn West, Her Friendly Un-Persuasion, Christmas & “Returning Thanks” →

A Whole Year In One Stroke

A year ago, on October 10, 2019, I had a stroke. And I saw a vision of my future. It started in the living room, about 7AM. I was in my battered recliner, reading newspapers on an Ipad. Across from me, on our long couch, grandson Calvin was stirring. His mom worked nights at Waffle … Continue reading A Whole Year In One Stroke →

Annie Dillard’s Birthday: Renegade Writer & Creekside Theologian

April 30, 2026, was Annie Dillard’s birthday. I meant to re-post this piece about her last week, but, as so often, got distracted. No matter. She and her work are just as notable today. Among the many eminent authors who interest me, she might be the one I would most like to be email & … Continue reading Annie Dillard’s Birthday: Renegade Writer & Creekside Theologian →

Nuggets from a Mystery Reading Binge

Here are three great snippets from Rain Dogs,the latest mystery by Adrian McKinty I just read, a terrific tale set in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles.” It’s Book #5 in a series I started just a week ago, and have binge read in seven days. Like I said in a blurb: Catholic & Protestant, war & … Continue reading Nuggets from a Mystery Reading Binge →

A Between-the-Holidays Quaker Holiday Story: Beethoven in the Basement

Cambridge, Massachusetts, late 1970s “Heads up!” called the voice from the basement. “Here come the bags!” When they heard the cry a hundred men and women straightened up, like ragtag soldiers jerking to attention. Spaced about three feet apart, they stood in a line that ran from the open end of a big tractor-trailer truck … Continue reading A Between-the-Holidays Quaker Holiday Story: Beethoven in the Basement →