Red's Wrap
Happiness. It's relative.
Category: Writing
Stay in Your Lane
The entire trajectory of my life would have been different had I been able to do a Catalina when I was in [Synchronized] Swim Club at Southfield High School. Not many people can put their finger on their personal critical juncture or in my… Continue Reading “Stay in Your Lane”
You Go, Girl
Outlast, at last, shine Black patent leather wiped clean Gleam crushes gravel ____________ Photo by ALEXANDRE DINAUT on Unsplash
Drawers Full of Pencil Stubs
It is possible to be too nice to people. I say this as a person married to a man who will say, nearly every day, that what I am wearing is very cute. If he doesn’t say this, he doesn’t say anything unless asked… Continue Reading “Drawers Full of Pencil Stubs”
The Elusiveness of Consistent Effort: About Gardening and Other Self-Improvement Activities
The trips out to my insanely untended ‘Victory Garden’ have become more infrequent as the dread at finding still more tomatoes grows. Our neighbor, a man with a new-found farmer avocation, comes by every few days with bags of tomatoes, small ones, medium ones,… Continue Reading “The Elusiveness of Consistent Effort: About Gardening and Other Self-Improvement Activities”
40 Years in the Desert
I grew up in a praise desert. My people, my folks, aunts, uncles, grandparents, didn’t indulge in compliments or praise. I wouldn’t say they never praised anyone; it was just a rare, rare thing like that flower that only blooms once every ten years.… Continue Reading “40 Years in the Desert”
We Have Apple Trees Here
We have apple trees here. They were planted by the family who owned our house before us, a family that thought apple trees would flourish in the sandy soil near the heavy weather of Lake Superior. The old trees’ branches are drooping, heavy with… Continue Reading “We Have Apple Trees Here”
Fine Old Girl
I have my purple socks And my purple shirt Purple earrings I bought up north I am a festival of purple When I am an old wonan I shall wear purple And boots Laced up boots With mud on them _______________________ Originally published in… Continue Reading “Fine Old Girl”
The Finery of Derby Day
I have a friend who, in the face of recurring cancer, throws a Kentucky Derby party. And she won’t let you in the door unless you’re wearing a hat. And she expects you to bring a dish which you will describe to the other… Continue Reading “The Finery of Derby Day”
Risk
The risk of floating where you can’t see the bottom you feel the weeds skimming your legs you hear the gull swooping down, breaking the water with his beak, is always worth it. _______________________ Originally published in 2013 And yes, that’s me and my… Continue Reading “Risk”
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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