Ever since we discovered the existence of dinosaurs, there’s been a subset of the population, and not just children, whose fascination and admiration for them should have warned us, decades ago, of the particular future we find ourselves in now.
Brawn is a word not often used in the new vocabulary of our time, yet it is more and more at the root of our behavior. We have many words for thinkers: brainy, genius, intellectual, smarty pants, bright, precocious to name a few, and in our current social climate they sound like insults. Brawn, on the other hand? The dictionary serves up a dish of culinary possibilities: meat from a pig’s or calf’s head that is cooked and pressed in a pot with jelly; the fleshy part of the leg; the flesh of a boar. Brawn belongs in the kitchen, it seems, a thing to quell the appetites of lumberjacks, Vikings and Caligula’s army.
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
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
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
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
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
Stacy Murison discusses her journey in diversity, equity and inclusion training as an educator, highlighting the importance of listening and understanding other perspectives.
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
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
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
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
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
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
