Yearly Archives: 2010

My baby boomhood coincided with the ranch-house boom. Ours, on Sunnyside, was built on a vacant lot among older tall homes. These jutted and strutted in tudor and colonial style. The upstart ranches that snuck in during the 1950s were … Continue reading →

On this August Saturday, finally, the surge to enjoy Chicago summer while it lasts, has lapsed into simply enjoying summer. Things are lax. In a sandy bunker at the Diversey Harbor driving range, the Golf 101 insructor who has been … Continue reading →

There are at least two distinctions between a sin and a crime. 1. A crime is quantitative. A sin is qualitative. Say somebody, such as an ex-governor of a Midwestern state, is on trial for, say, corruption. In order for … Continue reading →

Why is it that all images of our founding fathers depict men without humor? They don’t look like they lost their best friends. They look like men who never, ever had friends. A bunch of grumps. No grins. I understand … Continue reading →

I’d like to recommend several brand new professions, based on living long enough to feel the lack thereof. 1. The Unplanned coordinator.This is the chirpy optimist to call when you are between things there is no plan for. An in-betweener … Continue reading →

If you like to write and don’t know what to write, consider forms. Following are 222 forms that can nicely house your words: letter-opinion-editorial-column-white paper-story-feature-news flash-commentary-advertisement-argument-Q&A-FAQ-novel-short-story-essay-memo-texting-sexting-tweet-textbook-resume-vitae-list-itinerary-sermon-stage play-screenplay-note-fairy tale-legend-saga-epic-press release-poem-joke-catalog-diatribe-how-to-proposal-grant-contract-comedy-tragedy-invitation-guidebook-mystery-thriller-travelogue-critique-description-analysis-overview-law-ruling-annual report-book report-lesson-curriculum and curricula-strategic plan-budget-skit-apology-rules-memoir-recipe-reply-treatise-postcard-want ad-commercial-policy statement-encyclopedia-children’s story-limerick-rhyme-haiku-love letter-scene-slice of life-synopsis-manual-directions-explanation-schedule-Gant … Continue reading →

Among the women of my tribe, many habitating the eastern border of Berwyn, Illinois, in the 1920-30ish and beyond time, Auntie Girlie was remarkable for her height, what there was of it, about 4 feet and maybe 10 inches. She … Continue reading →

There are lots of reasons folks don’t write. Lack of talent isn’t one of them. Reason #4 Why Folks Don’t Write: It’s something you must do with yourself. I don’t mean writing about yourself. That is a journal. I don’t … Continue reading →

Here is a conversation between a Mom in the hospital recovering from a stroke and her daughter, visiting her: Look at that face. What face, Mom? It’s just you and me here. That face. Look at him. He will just … Continue reading →

Mr. Johns’ face now holds more memory of who he was when he a child, fat-faced and grinny. More of who he was then is clearer to those who see him now. The deepening of years on his face don’t … Continue reading →