Category Archives: Lessons

Testing

Posted on December 13, 2010 by sputterpub

 When I was 8 I began to notice tests. Before then I remember some arithmetic drills, but I’m not sure they were administered by a teacher; I seem to recall columns of numbers that Mom gave me to add and … Continue reading →

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Pavement

Posted on December 9, 2010 by sputterpub

   When I was 15 it seemed like all I wanted to do was walk around outside. Especially in winter, when the streets were less crowded, especially at night when the scene was more inspiring. My parents objected. It wasn’t about … Continue reading →

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Loma Prieta

Posted on December 7, 2010 by sputterpub

 When I was 39, Loma Prieta quaked and stopped the World Series. There were far more tragic consequences, and at the time we heard rumors about roads collapsing, but it was that bit, about the World Series, that made me … Continue reading →

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Streets

Posted on December 3, 2010 by sputterpub

   When I was 41, Katie was between 14 and 15. She had her own social life and she was allowed to go out at night. We agreed on a curfew time and with one memorable exception (I was expected … Continue reading →

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Fort

Posted on December 1, 2010 by sputterpub

When I was 12, we finally managed a good fort. In case you haven’t noticed or don’t remember, kids want forts. I’m sure they appreciate the bedroom provided by parents, or they would if they thought about it and imagined … Continue reading →

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Halloween

Posted on November 29, 2010 by sputterpub

   When I was 12 I wore my most ambitious Halloween costume, and it took no great skill to create. It was the October 31 of 7th grade, and my friend Gwennie Cebulski and I went as a pair of … Continue reading →

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Life Savers

Posted on November 26, 2010 by sputterpub

  When I was around 8, I acquired my own roll of Life Savers. My father had carried them around as long as I could remember. It wasn’t a daily ritual or anything regular like that; I just recall that now … Continue reading →

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The Incident with the Carving Knife

Posted on November 25, 2010 by sputterpub

When I was 11 or maybe 12, at a family dinner that was probably Thanksgiving, I engaged in a dangerous act of safety. It creeps me out to this day, just like imagining that the bannister down which I’m sliding … Continue reading →

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Immigration

Posted on November 24, 2010 by sputterpub

When I was 41, I met a birthday buddy. He was born exactly three years before I, and we were so alike it seemed a point for astrology. Until I got to know him better. There were similarities, sure, and … Continue reading →

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Queen of the Dog Park

Posted on November 23, 2010 by sputterpub

     When I was 41 I took on my last dog. I’d already loved Becky-the-beagle and Ajax and Jack and Ajax again (he lived long and with most of us), but Shelby was the first companion I acquired on my … Continue reading →

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