Author Archives: Jeff

Kindness Forward

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Jeff

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. The Dalai Lama For those not as enlightened as the Dalai Lama and unwilling to wait for the results of thousands of hours of meditation, David Brooks has some suggestions in his … Continue reading →

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Dystopias with Light Visible

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Jeff

Most of the Ursula LeGuin books I’ve read are dystopias, not unescapable darkness, but unsettling visions of possible futures or scenarios. The Word for World is Forest is a disturbing portrait of evil even more relevant in these days of … Continue reading →

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Weighted Pros and Cons

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Jeff

Listing Pros and Cons (points for and against a decision) is familiar and I’ve used it many times. It forms a foundation under more sophisticated decision making techniques like modern versions of Ignatius of Loyala‘s discernment. Mostly when I’m done … Continue reading →

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One Coyote

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Jeff

     One Coyote There in the night, a coyote choir, perched atop the ring of cliffs, surrounding us, singing. How many? I cannot tell. Voices rising, falling, together. Oddly together. Coyote’s mask slips. One coyote sings to the cliffs … Continue reading →

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Waco WordFest 2018 Anthology launch

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Jeff

My poem “One Coyote” was accepted for the 2018 Waco WordFest Anthology. The book launch is October 6, 7-9pm at the Waco Convention Center. The WordFest is part of the Waco ArtFest so there may be other events happening there. … Continue reading →

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Three Bookmark Journal

Posted on August 28, 2018 by Jeff

Like most writers, I carry around a notebook for ideas, first drafts, Morning Pages, and the occasional class assignment. I bookmark my progress filling pages. Later I edit and rework on the computer. A bookmark marks the next draft needing entry. … Continue reading →

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Mindfulness Is/Isn’t

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Jeff

Recently I read somewhere, “Mindfulness is heart, mind, and body in the same place.”  It sounded good at the time and I understand the intent, but it isn’t wearing well with time. On reflection, I think it sets the bar … Continue reading →

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Russians

Posted on August 24, 2018 by Jeff

Old joke: God came to a Russian man and offered him one wish, whatever he wanted.  Before the man could speak, God cautioned him, “Whatever you ask for, I’ll give twice as much to your neighbor.  The man thought carefully … Continue reading →

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Sixer Prompts

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Jeff

In one of my writing groups, someone brought a prompt she described as a sixer, a story in six words: “Iris bloom around steps, house gone.”  From it I wrote a very good poem that is making the submission rounds. … Continue reading →

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Cohen and Hayes

Posted on August 19, 2018 by Jeff

I’ve been reading Terrance Hayes’ American Sonnet for my Past and Future Assassin and listening to Leonard Cohen’s songs, particularly Hallelujah and Suzanne. Some of the sonnets are relentless, pedal to the metal all the way, though there’s always some breathing in them, between … Continue reading →

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