Meteorology or: How Poetry & Weather Mix

I’m back from a week that featured the most perfect island weather known to man. Brilliant sunshine every day. Passing clouds that not once let loose a drop of rain. Tropical breezes that sometimes veered to hat-lifting winds. Velvety nights featuring skies lit by stars that I would swear twinkled more brightly than the same ones … Continue reading →

“Teachers Will Tell You…”

Another semester behind me, and a few hours for reflection seem not only reasonable, but required. How can I be effective if I never think about what I do, what ought to be done, and how best to make that happen? After 20 years in a classroom, I’d find it easy to think I’ve most assuredly ‘arrived.’ … Continue reading →

How Shakespeare Lovers Have a Good Time

‘Who’s there?’ ‘Before we proceed any further, hear me speak.’ ‘Open your ears: for which of you will stop the vent of hearing when loud Rumour speaks?’ ‘I come no more to make you laugh,’ though ‘in sooth I know not why I am so sad.’  … ‘Hung be the heavens with black, yield day … Continue reading →

September 11 — What Should We Remember?

Growing up in the ’60s & ’70s as a North Dakota farm girl, I had no experience with any sort of urban culture. In 1970 the state’s capital, Bismarck, was home to under 35,000 people, and while it’s nearly doubled its population today, I don’t think anyone would mistake the small city for a truly … Continue reading →