Red's Wrap
Happiness. It's relative.
Tag: friendship
I Went to a Funeral Today
We were the last to come. The trip was longer than we’d planned and by the time we got to the church, nearly all the pews were filled. My old friend stood at the front of the church, a small cluster of people around… Continue Reading “I Went to a Funeral Today”
Put that Chainsaw Down! I Found the Key
It’s Tuesday, June 21st, and it’s the first day of triathlon class. When my friend, Karen, and I took the class before, we swam in our own mature women’s lane on the end so as to avoid all the intensely competitive zipper-up-the-back black tri-suit… Continue Reading “Put that Chainsaw Down! I Found the Key”
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”
Just Beautiful
Swimming early in the day makes me cold all day. But not in a bad way. In a way that makes me feel like all my blood vessels are open, completely open and the blood is rushing through my body so fast it has waves… Continue Reading “Just Beautiful”
Happy Birthday to Karen
Most of what I know about not giving a shit I learned from my friend Karen. I don’t know what she’s learned from me, probably how one would color inside the lines should one be so disposed. Which she isn’t, so whatever I taught… Continue Reading “Happy Birthday to Karen”
Pet Lessons
When our dog Minnie has a seizure, she struggles to stay standing but her back legs give way, then her front legs splay and also give way until she is lying on the floor like she is grabbing the carpet to keep from falling.… Continue Reading “Pet Lessons”
Social Engineering
I want them to be friends when they are 30. That’s my goal. But I’ve tried to engineer a lot of relationships in the past and have usually failed. There’s a science of trying that says if you try to hard, you will queer… Continue Reading “Social Engineering”
No Strings Attached
I felt sorry for her so I sent her $40. I didn’t really have 40 extra dollars because I was only making $5.70 an hour then. Forty bucks represented nearly a whole day’s work, several tanks of gas, a week’s worth of groceries. It… Continue Reading “No Strings Attached”
Fly Like an Eagle
Friends can really queer your deal. You think you’re all competent and able and a friend comes along and starts feeling sorry for you for whatever reason, obvious or not, and you become a six-year old looking for a big hand to hold crossing… Continue Reading “Fly Like an Eagle”
Walking with Scout
Tonight after Master’s swimming practice at a local high school, my friend and I walked down the street to my car. It was dark with only the light from the streetlamps, leaves covered the sidewalk so there was that scuffing sound walking through them.… Continue Reading “Walking with Scout”
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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