Pepper and I returned from a damp and dreary walk in the neighborhood one recent afternoon. Early crocuses blooming at the base of the old oak tree were the only signs of a spring still distant. As we approached the…
Pepper and Poems
It’s not a snow day in Nashville yet – but it might be! The schools are closed. I’ve cancelled my morning appointment and dinner plans. This is how we roll in the South, dear readers who live elsewhere. Billy Collins…
There’s something to be said for the things we can’t make New Year’s Resolutions about. The things we can’t change, coming at us like a freight train – or with a whisper. Today’s poem by Ellen Bass offers some food…
It’s 5 degrees in Nashville this morning and there’s not much to recommend it. In times like these one turns to art for consolation. A winter song comes to mind, sent by my friend Jack Barnwell and dreamt up by…
Kevin Crumbo and Captain Jack Sparrow were up early this morning, one of them sad. From Kevin: “Don’t you think 4:00 am is a bit early to be tuning a guitar?” Jack said as he pondered why I wasn’t gearing…
Most of the time I’d really rather stay home. I have to fight the good fight against inertia. Maybe you do too! Today’s post features five ways to drench yourself with words unspoken, to live your life with arms wide…
The weakened remnant of Hurricane Irma brought 3 days of gentle but persistent rain to Nashville. We had nothing to complain about. “I’m bored to tears,” Pepper complained on day 1, stuck inside, and I gave her a large bacon…
Sometimes we see things we wish we hadn’t. One recent afternoon, late in the day, Pepper dashed from the back yard up to the door, scratching to get my attention. I opened it, expecting her usual rush into the house, but…
Pepper was enjoying a marvelous nap in the kitchen one recent afternoon while I caught up on Facebook. Correction: I thought Pepper was napping. After my third trip to the freezer in as many minutes, she sat right up in…