Sometimes it's hard to put into words how I feel about my sons. Though regular readers here have no doubt seen some of my feeble attempts to do that in past blog posts. But this struggle has become even more pronounced as I watch my sons grow year after year and change in ways most … Continue reading As another year ends, two silver linings bring hope to one dad’s parenting journey
Film Review — Wakanda Forever & the 6 Stages of Grief
Even if you're not a follower of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie franchise, you'll probably have heard of the passing of one of its leads and how it plunged fans everywhere into shock and grief. The actor Chadwick Boseman, who played the title role in The Black Panther (2018), tragically passed away in 2020 … Continue reading Film Review — Wakanda Forever & the 6 Stages of Grief
My Monday Metrical Musings #108
Day and Night DayShe wanted everything safeShe wanted everything the same NightHe wanted to experience the painHe wanted to go against the grain DayShe wanted warm sunshineShe wanted joy and peacetime NightHe wanted the eerie moonlightHe wanted wistful by midnight DayShe hated to say goodbyeHe wanted her to fly NightHe hated to say he was … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #108
Disagree if you will, but it takes courage to be a teacher
Two days ago, I had arguably one of my worst experiences as a teacher in over 20 years. It was another hot and humid Thursday afternoon. After five weeks with them, I knew this wasn't exactly the most exciting class to teach. The students usually looked like droopy petals of a morning glory flower that … Continue reading Disagree if you will, but it takes courage to be a teacher
Film Review — destiny belongs to the “American Underdog”
"You don't have what it takes...So why in the world would I give you this shot?" Who's never heard a line like that before at some point in their lives? A teacher, who challenges a student why she shouldn't flunk her for a poorly-written assignment. A father, who asks his son why he deserves another … Continue reading Film Review — destiny belongs to the “American Underdog”
My Monday Metrical Musings #107
Equip or Eviscerate? Now that I have your attentionTell me once and for allPutting me through schoolAll these many yearsWhat on earth was it for? Cos when I put forth my viewsThat came aboutBecause I took time to study and readYou turn on me and tell meI'm being disrespectful and I know Nothing. When you … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #107
Confession time – I love sappy Christmas shows
I'm writing this because it needs to be said: I LOVE SAPPY CHRISTMAS SHOWS! There. I said it. No turning back now. This grown man, all 52 years of age, is declaring that he loves something no man would ever dare to claim publicly. Kinda like the way no one would go near a smelly … Continue reading Confession time – I love sappy Christmas shows
When writers pontificate, I take it personally
I tell myself it's not personal. I tell myself they genuinely want to help, even inspire, other fledgling writers. But I can't help it. As a writer, I take it personally when other writers publicly pontificate. It's one thing to share with readers your journey to publication and financial success as a writer. It's another … Continue reading When writers pontificate, I take it personally
My Monday Metrical Musings #106
Rockin' in my car I'mRockin' in my car! Fleetwood Mac Niall Horan. Music across time unites.In my eardrums Rockin' in my car. A master of my domain. With doors firmly locked. I'm in another plain Rockin' in my car. I don't want to stop. Rain pouring outside.That'll be my excuse For what's out there but … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #106
Parenting in reverse #3 — my mom and aging
Previously I had written about living with my 87-year-old mom and her various health issues. The latest has been her skin condition. For the past several months, we've seen her skin turn dryer, even scalier. And she's been scratching herself almost non-stop every day. Many times to the point of bleeding. To say we've sought … Continue reading Parenting in reverse #3 — my mom and aging