hancock
-
When The Republican Party Leaves You: A Lesson From My Father, Royce Humphrey
Strong signs in key races across the nation point to a remarkable, bold statement on November 3rd, when many Republican voters will vote for Democrats. That will be one reason a Blue wave will make headlines in newspapers on November 4th. Deep feelings of revulsion over ethical and financial grifting involving Donald Trump, the unadulterated… Continue reading
-
August 9 And The Long Shadow of Richard Nixon
Every year when August 9 rolls around, I find my memory back in the living room of my childhood home in Hancock, Wisconsin, twelve years old, legs crossed on the carpet, watching a president resign. The sun was out, and its beams were falling across the carpet through the south windows, with green drapes hanging.… Continue reading
-
Letter From Home: “Little Raccoon” 6/18/26
A couple of weeks ago, James and I sorted through a large drawer containing childhood memories. I picked up the well-used and somewhat frayed hardcover copy of Little Raccoon. My father would come into the dining room, and without ceremony, he’d reach for the book that was included in a pile of my childhood reads. I… Continue reading
-
Why America’s 250th Birthday Doesn’t Feel Like 1976’s Celebration
America is about to turn 250, and you wouldn’t know it unless you happened to trip over a press release from the city or county about a parade or upcoming fireworks displays. For a nation that once threw itself a year‑long Bicentennial bash — tall ships crowding New York Harbor, wagon trains converging on Valley… Continue reading
-
Gay People Are Part Of Every Family
I was reminded this week of a truism. Gay people are a part of every family. One of the chief bullies from my high school years has a gay brother in a long-term committed relationship with his partner. Good for the brother. That fact intersects with my life, and to be honest, I hope that… Continue reading
-
Letter From Home: “That Neighborhood Feel” Reprint From 7/8/09
It was a pleasant sound that drifted across the warm air. A group of about ten women from a writers’ group had gathered on a neighbor’s back patio to talk about their creative projects and offer each other feedback. (Our neighbor is sending out her first children’s book to publishers.) Their light‑hearted banter and gentle… Continue reading
