Holidays
A Holiday Retreat
In the coming weeks, I hope to find myself immersed in a final push to complete a revised draft of my book manuscript. Since this will consume all my free hours and creative energy, I’ll be stepping away from the blog for a period. (Admittedly, it has been rather sleepy here during the past year.)
A Christmas Star
With the emergence of a worrisome new COVID-19 variant, nightmarish climate forecasts, and the full embrace of unscientific and undemocratic thinking by a substantive percentage of the American voting public, this Christmas season feels more emotionally challenging than last year. “Normal” life resembles a distant memory more than an object just in sight. For that…
Readying for Winter
With the arrival of a difficult winter, simple comforts and pastimes might provide much-needed support.
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
While sitting at my desk over the past several weeks, I’ve been listening almost exclusively to the local NPR-affiliate’s Christmas classical music stream. Although I won’t be celebrating the holiday season with family and friends this year, I’m embracing the season.
Halloween Musings
Although the pandemic has curtailed festivities, we can still celebrate Halloween at home with books and entertainment. Shared are several current favorites.
Founding Fathers: A July 4th Reflection
COVID-19 continues to rage across wide swathes of America. Necessary social distancing prevents traditional picnics and cookouts. Meanwhile, a national wave of protests spurred by the killing of George Floyd has initiated a discussion of our history, specifically our country’s legacy of racism and slavery. This Independence Day will be very different.
Happy Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day! Although hosting a cookout with friends or holding a picnic with extended family might be impossible this year, try to make the most of the holiday.
Happy Easter!
Wishing a happy and healthy Easter to you and your families. Although the COVID-19 pandemic might curtail your normal holiday traditions, I hope that you’re observing them in different and creative ways.
Happy Presidents’ Day
Happy Presidents’ Day! Take a moment to read a biography or watch a documentary on your favorite president this holiday. You don’t need to restrict your intellectual curiosity to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. American presidential history is full of complicated, contradictory, compelling, and even admirable figures. Discover one.