George Bernard Shaw said, “Life does not cease to be a comedy when somebody dies, any more than it ceases to be a tragedy when a baby is born.” This morning, we will explore both comedy and tragedy as we remember Bev Howard’s life. A Zen master once said, “Life is like climbing into a … Continue reading “Now She Can Watch Me All the Time”–A eulogy (with jokes) for my mom
Month: September 2017
The Bobbsey Twins and the Persistence of Memory
On my way from Manchester the Tiny White Box in Pittsburg, I took a detour through Lee and Durham, two towns where I lived for more than a third of my life. Since I was meeting my childhood best friend Jonas for lunch, and had an extra 15 minutes, I did something I’d never done … Continue reading The Bobbsey Twins and the Persistence of Memory
How Many Harmonicas are Enough for a Man Who Can’t Play Any?
When my daughters were little, we got a computer, a Compaq Presario that cost two grand. That was a lot of money for my wife at the time and me, but it was not too high a price to pay to make sure our kids weren’t left on the roadside of what was then called … Continue reading How Many Harmonicas are Enough for a Man Who Can’t Play Any?
Razors and Reciprocating Saws
Yesterday morning, I was in the shower at my daughters’ apartment, sort of/kind of using a razor to clean up the hair on my neck. (While in the Tiny White Box, I take showers two or three times a week—I believe I’ve complained about their inconvenience—so being able to get in a hot shower in … Continue reading Razors and Reciprocating Saws
Before I Lost My Sense of Humor, I was Apparently Amusing
Eighteen years ago was a long time ago. In 1999, Hillary Clinton was admired by most Americans for having gracefully endured the humiliation brought on by Bill’s behavior. In 1999, my drinking was kept a low boil—I relaxed with six or eight beers each week night, relaxing with a dozen or 15 nightly on weekends. … Continue reading Before I Lost My Sense of Humor, I was Apparently Amusing
Country Dog/City Dog
I’m back in the city (or at least Manchester’s rendition of a city) for the week, and Sam (is a dog) and I are already feeling a bit out of sorts. We’re going to spend the rest of the week with two of my daughters and Lucy, the Dutch Shepherd Libby stole from me a … Continue reading Country Dog/City Dog
Since You Asked–Responses to Reader’s Questions
Reader Mailbag I am a horrible correspondent. It’s not that I don’t respond—eventually, I do, and I never know whether it will be with a brief squirt of syllables or a fire hose of verbiage. Here, I will try to briefly answer some questions that have been emailed me by readers (keithhoward@gmail.com). How long have … Continue reading Since You Asked–Responses to Reader’s Questions
Pan Drippings and All
Some of you know I'm working on a memoir. Regular readers of this blog, know it contains no rewriting. It is a snapshot of my mind while writing--pan drippings and all. Life at the Tiny White Box was transformed yesterday from monastery to bowling alley, as today there have been a dozen people here--a twelvefold … Continue reading Pan Drippings and All
Five Books I Wasn’t Asked for on National Public Radio
Last night The Bookshelf with Peter Biello on New Hampshire Public Radio (http://nhpr.org/post/bookshelf-north-country-free-writing-retreat-veterans) aired a segment on the Tiny White Box, Sam and me. Peter did a yeoman’s job in helping me sound sane and safe and sober, which I am. The last two adjectives at least. Usually, Peer asks his guests for five book … Continue reading Five Books I Wasn’t Asked for on National Public Radio
In Which Sprite Gets It–And Why You Should Get Gavin Beland
Everybody loves a story about an aging veteran, almost 40 years out of the service, who picks up a weapon for the first time in years and finds he can still shoot with the surety and aplomb he had as a soldier. I love that story, and would love to tell it today. Unfortunately, I … Continue reading In Which Sprite Gets It–And Why You Should Get Gavin Beland
Tiny White Box--Thoughts on Life, Death, Recovery, and Other Mundane Topics 