Category Archives: Guest writer

By Suzy Beal We went to the kitchen with our cuts, our slivered fingers, our bruised knees, and our tears. Our first-aid station dominated by Mom as she administrated iodine, bandages, and a soft word. We found solace, pain relief, … Continue reading →

Neil wrote this essay as an assignment for an Ethics class taught by Professor Vincent Kovoloski at Edgewood College. Neil reflected, “We read Man’s Search for Meaning and Tuesdays with Morrie. The assignment he gave was to answer the question ‘Can … Continue reading →

By Jeremiah Cahill Ka-BAAM! There’s nothing like the sound and feel of an Army-issue .45 caliber handgun going off in your hand when you think the gun is unloaded. That was especially true for me when I was 13 years … Continue reading →

By Paige Srickland I’m not sure why, but I have always been partial to long(er) hair. Today, when I see a friend or colleague who had lengthy or “big” hair suddenly appear with a short bob I often feel a … Continue reading →

By Katherine Becklin-Johnson It rose up like a beacon on the 200 acre dairy farmstead, set in a valley near the wild Pecatonica River in the lush green unglaciated hills of Southwest Wisconsin. This simple wooden and stone structure bore … Continue reading →

By Violet Suta Moran Branding was not a happy time for those on the receiving end but I remember it as an exciting day when I was a child expecting visitors and lots of action on our Montana ranch. First … Continue reading →

By Faith Ellestad One theory of eternity, my current favorite, involves the ability to return to earth as a different entity.  Given a choice, I think I might like to return as Castor canadensis, a good old North American beaver. … Continue reading →

By Ellen Magee If the number and size of the Mendota Mental Health grounds’ effigy mounds are any indication, Governor’s Island and the Mendota lakeshore surrounding it for miles was sacred ground to the early inhabitants of the area. I … Continue reading →

By Patricia LaPointe You awaken to see the alarm clock with its bright red numbers. It’s 2:00 AM. You walk the halls  and check each of your daughters’ rooms to be sure they’ve all returned home. One daughter is missing. … Continue reading →

By Mona Jean Harley Wednesday, March 17, 2021. I am feeling such nostalgia and wonder today as I reflect on the significance of Wednesday connections today and throughout the years. I’m working from home today, the one day per week … Continue reading →