Red's Wrap
Happiness. It's relative.
Tag: grandparent
California Time
I went to California. I stayed long enough to have my eleven-year-old grandsons come to regard me as part of the furniture. I liked this an awful lot – that each of them at varying times would drape one leg over mine while we… Continue Reading “California Time”
Me and Bees
I take pictures to remember who I am and then later, years from now, to remember who I was. It’s not as if I won’t remember the twenty minutes I spent in Black Cat Alley on Milwaukee east side with my husband and two… Continue Reading “Me and Bees”
My First Three Days as an Au Pair
After a three-day apprenticeship, my twin infant grandsons were left in my care. I would say ‘our care’ but my husband was asleep on the couch for the duration so it seems unnecessarily inclusive and gratuitous to allow much credit to flow his way.… Continue Reading “My First Three Days as an Au Pair”
Finding the Narrow Lane
Four years ago, I sat in bed on Sunday morning and, in a state of disbelief and incredible gratitude, read my essay in the New York Times. The Times’ editor gave the piece the title, “Fury Cannot Touch Me.” The title seemed overly dramatic… Continue Reading “Finding the Narrow Lane”
Finding My Place
Her mouth is crammed with too-big teeth. Several are crooked and overlapping. I want to fix that and other things but it’s not my place. So I focus on what I can control but the circle drawn is nearly too small for me to… Continue Reading “Finding My Place”
Finding the Narrow Lane
Four years ago, I sat in bed on Sunday morning and, in a state of disbelief and incredible gratitude, read my essay in the New York Times. The Times’ editor gave the piece the title, “Fury Cannot Touch Me.” The title seemed overly dramatic… Continue Reading “Finding the Narrow Lane”
I’m Glad the Piano Didn’t Fall on Them
It was my big fear. That my twin two-year old grandsons visiting from California would immediately head to the space under our baby grand piano and the piano, sensing that there was life beneath it, would become feeble and weak, and that one or… Continue Reading “I’m Glad the Piano Didn’t Fall on Them”
Brimming
I have many thoughts about this picture. First, wearing a hat adds mystery to any ensemble. Second, much can be hidden and said under a brim. Third, all small children should have bangs. Fourth, this moment could be put in a locket. Fifth, everything… Continue Reading “Brimming”
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”
My First Three Days as an Au Pair
After a three-day apprenticeship, my twin infant grandsons were left in my care. I would say ‘our care’ but my husband was asleep on the couch for the duration so it seems unnecessarily inclusive and gratuitous to allow much credit to flow his way.… Continue Reading “My First Three Days as an Au Pair”
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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