At St. Thomas the Apostle, we have a book in which the names of loved ones who have died can be recorded. These people are prayed for every year on or near the anniversary of their death. This evening at the Vigil Mass, two names were called out from those I have loved: my father,…
Category: Writing as a Discipline
“Bored” – A Hot-Button Word for Me
The word “bored” is a loaded word for me. One of my greatest pet peeves is when I hear a child say, “I’m bored,” and then watch a parent snap to attention trying to amuse little Janey or Johnny. I want to step forward and say, “Let the little tyke be bored. He/She might discover…
For Barry: Sailing into the Sunset
An old friend of mine died today. Barry Norcross, aged 80, was a faithful parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood; a leader at the Breakfast Club, the homeless feeding program at St. Thomas; and also a seasoned sea-captain. He was over 6 feet tall, slim, with bright blue eyes, handsome features and a regal…
Stumbling Back Upon My Voice
Tonight I was in the bathroom surrounded by tile walls and before I knew it I was singing Joan Baez’s Silver Dagger: “Don’t sing love songs, you’ll wake my mother She’s sleeping here right by my side And in her right hand, a silver dagger She’s says that I can’t be your bride. All men…
The Old Lady Emergeth
Tonight, we are supposed to go out to see my friend Judy’s son perform at a dance club at 11 pm. This is to debut his new album, one which he – Alexander – has been working hard on for a while now. I want to support this boy’s hard work. I want to support…
Lessons from My “Non-Spiritual” Husband
I went to church this morning – leading morning prayer at 7:30 and then attending low mass at 8 am. Ray came with me – always a treat – and we stayed afterwards to chat at coffee hour. Ray will go to the 8 o’clock mass because, as he says, “We get all that church…
Saturday Afternoon in LA
The dogs are barking outside. It is mid-afternoon on a Saturday and the sky is blue. A helicopter just flew by and I can now hear its engine fading as it heads off to the west. Bach’s Brandenburg concerto is playing and Ray is rattling dishes in the kitchen. My fifteen-year-old student, Cameron, is here…
A Call from a Sick Friend
Ray and I were sitting here playing a second game of Scrabble tonight when my cell phone rang. It was Ian, who is our friend and also our priest. It was already 7:45 and he is a notorious early-to-bedder. I was surprised to be getting a call. “Hello,” I said. “Len?” “Hey. What’s happening?” “I’m…
Our Mexico Trip in Photos
I want very much to write about my trip to Mexico, but every time I try I find myself writing too much. I could write a 100 pages on this trip. So, in an effort to be succinct, I am going to combine pictures with commentary. Here is the house where we stayed by the…
The Death of a Childhood Friend as I Turn 60
I learned today that my childhood friend, Cheryl Hicks, has died of a heart attack, just three weeks before her 60th birthday. I went from first grade through twelfth with Cheryl and spent a good amount of time at her home growing up. I haven’t seen her in a long time, but she is one…
20 Minutes a Day 