Monthly Archives: June 2011

Decompression

Posted on June 10, 2011 by sputterpub

   I did some desert camping in the 1990s, and I was surprised at how much I liked it. Always before I’d headed for the mountains or the seashore, but in my 40s I began to appreciate the silence, solitude, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, Poetry | Leave a comment

Thayer House

Posted on June 9, 2011 by sputterpub

  There were so many of us kids in the 1950s, with parents all revved up about the American dream, that communities were forced to be eccentric about schoolhouses and calendars. Historic buildings were converted to limited-grade schools, split sessions … Continue reading →

Posted in School | 7 Comments

Rapture

Posted on June 8, 2011 by sputterpub

There was talk about a Rapture up to a couple of weeks ago. We expect it to resume some in about five months, but probably less than this spring. Among the sardonic comments, the sarcasm, the jokes, I heard occasional … Continue reading →

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Opossum

Posted on June 7, 2011 by sputterpub

   We have lots of critters in Berkeley. I became acquainted with more than I wanted in the 17 years of creekside dwelling, but that was probably good, since they are plentiful around me now. I live in a backyard cottage, … Continue reading →

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Because

Posted on June 6, 2011 by sputterpub

     I don’t know what it is about people, but we sure like to find a cause for every effect. It starts when we’re very young – all kids love stories and it seems that what they love most is … Continue reading →

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Hospital

Posted on June 3, 2011 by sputterpub

     I do not enjoy hospitals. My first experience, when I was 5, was thoroughly painful, traumatic, and life-changing. I’ve written about it a number of times, most recently here, in a post I called “Operation” and published on October … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 3 Comments

Sally’s Tell-Tale Heart

Posted on June 2, 2011 by sputterpub

  I’m trying to recall the specifics, and I think what I’m about to describe occurred during the winter of 1964-65. There was one stormy day in high school when we all stayed inside for P.E., and sat on the floor, … Continue reading →

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Spellbound

Posted on June 1, 2011 by sputterpub

I’ve heard that French is the hardest language to spell. Knowledgeable people have told me that even the native speakers have a hard time with it. I’m sure that’s not correct. It’s true that you can’t tell singular from plural … Continue reading →

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