Red's Wrap
Happiness. It's relative.
Category: Writing
The Porch
Our porch needs painting and the steps replaced. It’s happening this summer but I’m in no hurry. I like the porch the way it is. I’d keep it that way but it’s not fitting, you know, for a hundred year house to fall into… Continue Reading “The Porch”
Equal Wipes
Sometimes I forget how mad I used to get about the lack of free and available menstrual supplies in public places. Some important institutions have changed: Milwaukee County, City of Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and numerous small establishments. But the big public facility I… Continue Reading “Equal Wipes”
Hard to Please
Apologizing in advance for what one has cooked for dinner is so feeble. I hate it. Never apologize! Take no prisoners! Bring me echoes of every man I have known, on a platter, with parsley. I explained to my husband who usually cooks on… Continue Reading “Hard to Please”
Denis Martinez’ Balls
Old County Stadium. Fall 1996. Brewers playing the Cleveland Indians. Mom, Dad, and 3 of 4 kids sitting about 20 rows up to the right (looking down) of the Indians’ dugout. Beautiful fall evening. Mellow. “DENIS!” “EL PRESIDENTE!!” Arms waving wildly, my husband stood up… Continue Reading “Denis Martinez’ Balls”
The Place of a Hundred Stories
My writing partner is inert. He is lying on a very threadbare sky blue chair given to us by my husband’s cousin. It was his mother’s so beloved in a way. For years, I appreciated the wornness of the old chair, how I could… Continue Reading “The Place of a Hundred Stories”
Old Family Matters
Don’t you miss me, once Hungry table talk long hours Dishes stacked missing __________ Photo by Kelly Moon on Unsplash
The First Anniversary of No Roe
When Roe v. Wade was overturned last year, I kept waiting for my reaction. Waited for the wringing of my hands and for all the righteous anger I’ve been feeding for fifty years to well up and erupt. In my mind, I sat on… Continue Reading “The First Anniversary of No Roe”
The Folly and Tragedy of the Titan
Two things can be true at the same time. It seems foolhardy for the five people to go two miles down into the soundless, lightless depths of the sea to look at the remains of a ship inventoried, studied, and chronicled to death. Especially… Continue Reading “The Folly and Tragedy of the Titan”
Snow Door | wisconsinacademy.org
Listen to Jan read her essay “Billy” presented on WUWM’s Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “At the Breakfast Bar” on WUWM Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “The Parish Hall,” on WUWM Lake Effect
“Fury Cannot Touch Me,” Modern Love, NYT, 9/29/11
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