David Graham has written a fascinating essay titled, “Why Emily Dickinson Would Not Smile for the Camera.” Dickinson felt the camera lied. Those familiar with the poet’s unconvential opinions and sometimes odd behavior know that she had a strong conviction against being photographed, therefore there are only a couple pictures of her in existence. But wait, this essay explores much more than Dickinson’s…
Category: Culture
Mr. Sick
Before I lived abroad, before I had a daughter, before I was a pastor’s wife, before I was married, before I lived on a kibbutz in Israel, I worked as a nurse–for many years–in Colorado and then Texas. I graduated from Porter Memorial Hospital in Denver, so many years ago I don’t care to remember…
Emmanuel–God With Us!
This morning at church we sang the old familar chorus, “Emmanuel.” The words are simple and uplifting: Emmanuel, Emmanuel. His name is called Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us. His name is called Emmanuel. The spirit of the song caused my heart to swell with praise and gratitude. In Hebrew “Emmanuel” means “God (is) with…
Stopping for Death
The American culture shines in crisis–think about the firemen laying their lives down for hundreds and hundreds in the Twin Towers in NYC at 9/11. Think about the effort that has been expended in saving the one child who has slipped into a well–the hours of strategy and effort for the rescue of one precious life. We shine at the time of…
First Glow of Hanukkah
We lit the first candles of Hanukkah: the Shamash or the servant candle and the first candle of the eight nights. Then we played a game. The white-haired man in the middle lost the game. He lost really bad. Notice how unhappy he looks! He doesn’t like to lose. Nope not at all. Neither…
haiku: American Society 2007
I wrote these haiku on culture, choice, and contentment on the plane on our way to South America. ********************* Distinction comes in two ways: hardship or needles that carve a tattoo. ********************* Distinction is the gift of achievement or the piercing on a lip. ***********************
Outraged After Thanksgiving!
Yesterday our daughter had to work. She is the hostess at a cute, little restaurant nearby. Wayne and I decided to see a movie. After making a selection, we picked a cinema close to us. We had heard this movie would be sold out, so we went early to purchase our tickets. We had about…
Sweet Memories Linger…
Family and friends gathered around 1:30 PM. We ate about an hour later. I can’t take credit for the incredible meal. Everyone brought two or three dishes. It delivered. One unique thing I served this year was both smoked and herbed turkey, old fashioned cornbread dressing and smoked oyster dressing. These were a nice twist…
The Dream of Freedom
It is 6 AM. The house is dark and quiet. I am soaking in the sweet, brief solitude. Soon the din and stir of the crowd will rule the house. A cold front came in yesterday and cooled down our Texas autumn heat wave. The red oak in my backyard still isn’t red. The cool…
Cooked and Carved
When Wayne got home from work, he carved the turkeys, and I made the gravy. We put it all in the fridge for tomorrow.
Bonnie Saul Wilks 