"For two days I've been taking long walks along Deadman Wash, considering the people who made the shattered ceramics at my feet. I come out to this ragged, wooded gash in the mesa at least once a year -- when the noise and ugliness of 21st century life gets me down." -- Michael Wolcott
"For two days I've been taking long walks along Deadman Wash, considering the people who made the shattered ceramics at my feet. I come out to this ragged, wooded gash in the mesa at least once a year -- when the noise and ugliness of 21st century life gets me down." -- Michael Wolcott
Courtesy of Michael WolcottWhen you start looking, you see the potsherds everywhere -- bits and pieces of the long ago, scattered throughout the pinyon-juniper forest, standing out in the black volcanic sand like coins on a city street.
At the edge of this dry mesa north of Flagstaff, you can find pottery fragments in a wild array of colors and styles. The worked clay is smooth-surfaced, coiled or scalloped, sometimes randomly imprinted by human fingertips.
Reflecting on a lifetime of air travel experiences, Stacy Murison contemplates the changes and challenges of flying while still appreciating the magic of reaching distant places swiftly. Read moreLetter from Home: Time to fly ... time flies
An unexpected upgrade on a flight leads to a lesson in listening and connection with a stranger sharing heartfelt stories. Read moreLetter from Home: Listen up
Mary Tolan highlights springtime protests, outdoor adventures and her encounters on the road. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: May Day, May Day!
Struggling to find work in Manhattan, Michael Wolcott lands a job at Trattoria Dell'Arte through a clever lie, facing challenges before finding success in hospitality. Read moreLetter from Home: Breaking into show biz
A reflective piece on hiking, family and longing to return home, exploring the complexities of finding inspiration and healing in everyday moments. Read moreLetter from Home: Pupusas, puzzles and other soft returns
As spring arrives and boats emerge in the neighborhood, Margaret Erhart reminisces on a life intertwined with rivers and boats. Read moreLetter from Home: Ah, boats
An encounter with a grosbeak in a parking lot leads to reflections on birds, dental appointments and the strange trappings of modern life. Read moreLetter from Home: The grosbeak, the dentist and me
A nostalgic reflection on the game of hearts played during road trips, highlighting strategies, risks and the metaphorical implications in life. Read moreLetter from Home: Shooting the moon
Exploring the ancient pottery fragments in the pinyon-juniper forest near Flagstaff leads to reflections on modern society versus ancient Puebloan culture. Read moreLetter from Home: Down Deadman Wash
Mary Tolan reflects on recent politics and the importance of respect and speaking out against injustices. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: Straight from the horse's heart
A journey through music leads to a reevaluation of joy and mellow moments, exploring the essence of pure, untethered joy. Read moreLetter from Home: A mellow kite-rave
A reflection on the correlation between dinosaurs and human behavior, highlighting the shift towards brawn over brains and the consequences of this age. Read moreLetter from Home: The Age of Brawn
A series of university professor meetings provokes Laura Kelly to discuss the impact of AI on writing, questioning the essence of human articulation and the future of teaching writing. Read moreLetter from Home: The write thing
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." –Statue of Liberty (Emma Lazarus, American poet and activist) Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: Fire and action
Peter Friederici explores the Sonoran Desert in Yuma, facing personal and political challenges before finding solace and resilience in the desert's life and wisdom. Read moreLetter from Home: Dry winter
Graffiti as a form of self-expression, both vandalism and creativity, speaks volumes about societal issues and personal struggles, leaving messages of hope and love. Read moreLetter from Home: Kids with paint
Katie King shares songs and lyrics that resonate, navigating grief after the house fire that took her home. Read moreLetter from Home: SOS playlist to my lost home
This story in Georgia recounts two funerals, a deer hunt and meaningful connections between people, highlighting the impact of words, actions and timing. Read moreLetter from Home: The right moment
Stacy Murison's failed resolution to quit social media leads to a focus on self-growth and community connections in the new year. Read moreLetter from Home: Give more, expect less
A humorous recount of a hip replacement journey, filled with gratitude for friends and family support, and anticipation for a pain-free, active future. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: Hip, hip hooray!
In 1985 Nepal, Laura Kelly battles illness during her travels. Unexpectedly, she meets Jimmy Carter, finding solace and perspective in shared stories of loss and adventure amidst the Himalayas. Read moreLetter from Home: Remembering Jimmy Carter
The annual holiday lights in Wheeler Park symbolize both the magic and complexity of Christmas, evoking a mix of wonder, tradition and deeper, unattainable meaning. Read moreLetter from Home: Blue light special
In 1985, Michael Wolcott, a newcomer to Manhattan, experienced a unique and lonely Christmas in the city, reflecting on family traditions while wandering the empty streets. Read moreLetter from Home: First Christmas
Exploring the connection between music, family and life's complexities. Read moreLetter from Home: Streetlight
A journey through Canyon de Chelly, rich in history and beauty, offers solace and perspective, strengthening decades-long friendship and inspiring hope for the future. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: The quiet in the year's end
The 50s brought an abundance of game shows that captivated a young Margaret, exploring themes of hardship and luck amidst a heavy backdrop of societal challenges. Read moreLetter from Home: My Imperfect America - Of losers, winners and washing machines
Struggling with physical issues, Stacy Murison finds strength through exercise after a series of challenges with family, discovering inner resilience and empowerment. Read moreLetter from Home: A different kind of strength
Laura Kelly's encounter with a stranger named Matus revives faith in connection, trust and the marvel of the universe. Read moreLetter from Home: The startle of a stranger
After touring Hoover Dam, Peter Friederici shares its fascinating history and impressive design, highlighting the collaboration and dedication behind its construction for a lasting legacy. Read moreLetter from Home: Dammed
Mary Tolan shares her mixed experiences while canvassing to encourage voting in the community. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: The votes are in
Michael Wolcott reflects on his connection to the land and his home, where a dead tree behind his cabin in Arizona becomes a lasting presence. Read moreLetter from Home: The pine tree out back
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