Let me know what you’re looking for in Welcome Home, why you’re here, if you have any questions. Here is an easy question: Would you like me to feature reader pets in my cute animal pic of the week?
I'm "living through you" being in Clinton. Regardless where I move, how long I've been away, or the fact it's not what I remember, it's home. Thanks for being my proxy!
i love your stories and the perspectives you take. I'm interested in those cultural centers that hold communities together and why; like your library story. I also live in a small rural town in Michigan and would like to see you explore the insider/outsider/rural/urban tension that sometime emerges. Finally, love and sex in rural america. What does it look like? Different than in more cosmopolitan places? Is it more real?
As you navigate the local “perils of honesty” — I am reminded of the advice I got in 1989, when we emigrated from San Francisco to Bee Branch:
1. You are “From Off,” and will always be so — unless your grandfather was from here you’re an outsider.
2. As an outsider, you could uncover that a “born and raised” was a major criminal, and YOU will still be considered The Problem.
3. SO just keep your head down; go along, to get along.
I didn’t really do that, and our kids suffered some consequences, in large part
Because San Francisco! Also our work volunteering during the HIV/AIDS crisis, helping to create the St Jude’s Care Team (where we met!), and subsequently my JOB, I was derisively known to many as The AIDS Guy.
That being said, after 21 years there, and returned to NoCal in 2010 — we still miss Van Buren County, and number MANY fabulous friends “around the lake!”
My mind is too scattered at this point to form an idea much less express it. You know I enjoy your musings no matter the subject.
I'm "living through you" being in Clinton. Regardless where I move, how long I've been away, or the fact it's not what I remember, it's home. Thanks for being my proxy!
i love your stories and the perspectives you take. I'm interested in those cultural centers that hold communities together and why; like your library story. I also live in a small rural town in Michigan and would like to see you explore the insider/outsider/rural/urban tension that sometime emerges. Finally, love and sex in rural america. What does it look like? Different than in more cosmopolitan places? Is it more real?
Pets: Si!!
As you navigate the local “perils of honesty” — I am reminded of the advice I got in 1989, when we emigrated from San Francisco to Bee Branch:
1. You are “From Off,” and will always be so — unless your grandfather was from here you’re an outsider.
2. As an outsider, you could uncover that a “born and raised” was a major criminal, and YOU will still be considered The Problem.
3. SO just keep your head down; go along, to get along.
I didn’t really do that, and our kids suffered some consequences, in large part
Because San Francisco! Also our work volunteering during the HIV/AIDS crisis, helping to create the St Jude’s Care Team (where we met!), and subsequently my JOB, I was derisively known to many as The AIDS Guy.
That being said, after 21 years there, and returned to NoCal in 2010 — we still miss Van Buren County, and number MANY fabulous friends “around the lake!”
Your writing is so beautiful - thanks for putting it out there in the world!
i want to add i'd love to see you write more about the natural world ala Pilgrim at Tinker Creek or Aldo Leopold
There is a very annoying typo in the first line of the newsletter! It's always the most obvious ones you never see.