67steffen

Fish Story

I landed a 70-year-old fish today. Actually, it may be older. It was already dead the first time I looked up at it, mounted on wood with one eye that followed me around the room, or at least that it is how I remember the fish hanging over the fireplace in a relative’s cabin. IContinue reading “Fish Story”

An April Fool

I was going to write about the origin of April Fool’s Day, but frankly, after 700 years it is a day that is worn out. The joke is on those who enjoy saying April Fool’s Day after an attempt to embarrass a friend, or a social misfit. Yes, this day can be cruel to some.Continue reading “An April Fool”

Thankful Advice

Therapy hint of the month: within 20 minutes of waking up in the morning, laugh or enjoy a bit of good news. Sure, I’d like that. But everyday? And this is the point: how you react to the possibility of starting every day with a laugh or good news will say much about who youContinue reading “Thankful Advice”

The Perfect Swing

I’ve been hitting baseballs perfectly for over half a century…in my mind. One of the great adventures in sports is to strike a fastball with the fat of the bat while your torso turns in sync with fully extended arms at top speed. The arm speed is important—there is no hesitation, no adjustment, just theContinue reading “The Perfect Swing”

Food for a Year

In 1969 I ate a greenish can of C-rations that a friendly drill sergeant claimed was left over from World War II, indeed, the can was dated 1945. I don’t remember if the goop had flavor, but I didn’t spit it out, nor did I get sick. Today I discovered I could buy a year’sContinue reading “Food for a Year”

Wooly Bully Uncovered

I personally don’t know anyone who can recite the entire lyrics to “Wooly Bully” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs. I’ve listened to the recording easily a thousand times over the past 47 years. This week on a long car drive, I played it repeatedly in a final effort to get it right. IContinue reading “Wooly Bully Uncovered”

Play of the Week

I am standing in line at the self-check out area of a supermarket–there are people behind me, but I am next. I have four items. This gray-haired guy dressed for tennis cuts in front and says, “I only have one item.”

Death by the Numbers

This week 50 people–might have been 51– gathered at the gravesite of a man who had died 20 years ago. Much of the time was devoted to catching up on old friendships. Health, politics and the memory of this departed hero dominated the chat. I was there with my usual array of thoughts. B.T. Collins hadContinue reading “Death by the Numbers”

Saliva Bullets

I was walking along Bleecker Street, October 1969, dressed in my Army khakis, holding the rank of PFC. The air was crisp as was my gait when I came in eye contact with a woman about my age. She had long dark hair and a red bandana around her forehead. She spit at me–the salivaContinue reading “Saliva Bullets”