PinnedMember-onlyO, TannendudeIn 1974, I was opinionated, incessant and volatile. In other words: I was a sixteen-year-old. And although I wasn’t fully matured, I was already nostalgic for the past — especially at Christmas time. I yearned to be 6 years old again. I thought of that Christmas Eve when my mom…Christmas Tree8 min readChristmas Tree8 min read
Jun 25, 2022Member-onlyBeyond Torn PagesI dreamt of youPoem1 min readPoem1 min readBeyond Torn Pages----
Jun 18, 2022Member-onlyAcceptanceToday, I shalt not want I don’t want to read a self-help article I don’t want to try to be a better man today than I was yesterday I don’t want to help others I don’t want to turn on a light I don’t want to bathe I don’t want…Poem2 min readPoem2 min read
Jan 13, 2022Member-onlyThe Irish InquisitionBefore it became a movie, William Peter Blatty’s book The Exorcist arrived at bookstores and quickly became a sensation. It made a big impression on me and my 8th-grade clique of chums who attended St. Mel’s Grammar School. …Catholic8 min readCatholic8 min read
Jan 4, 2022Member-onlyHow Charlie Manson Saved Lunchtime“Remember, lunchtime is the best time.” — John Guho In the Fall of 1968, my mother dragged me to Cavaretta’s, her favorite Italian deli. It was always me—not my sister—who had to accompany mom when she ran errands. This time, I didn’t mind because I could usually talk my way…Manson Family5 min readManson Family5 min read
Dec 8, 2021Member-onlyIn Praise of the Cardboard FireplaceWhen I was a kid, the living and family rooms of our mid-century modern house were divided by a massive flagstone pass-through fireplace that my dad had custom-built. The only problem was, my mom refused to light it more than once every few years. She hated the mess of wood…Christmas3 min readChristmas3 min read
Jul 6, 2021Member-onlyFireworks Far Away and Up CloseA story of dysfunction and connection on the Fourth of July When I was young, the Fourth of July was far from exciting. Dad didn’t fire up the barbecue, Mom didn’t cook anything special or spangle the house with flags or bunting. An outside observer would be unable to detect…Romance7 min readRomance7 min read
