Category Archives: Guest writer

By Josh Feyen I felt good moving into your basement a few days after I graduated from high school. A family friend had lined up a painting job for me in Milwaukee, but I needed to find a place to … Continue reading →

By Faith Ellestad ‘Twas the season of festivity at work. Our normally quite ordinary, no-nonsense medical department had suddenly transformed into a wonderland of red, green, and silver.  Trees sprang up. Office doors sported wreaths and bells. A menorah appeared … Continue reading →

By Janet Manders I was a shy and quiet person throughout my youth. My personality often kept me in the background. And unnoticed. I enjoyed a small circle of gal pals, but I was never the one to lead that … Continue reading →

Today I offer Renee Lajcak’s essay, read by the author. Why? Because Renee writes sometimes to be read, and sometimes to read aloud, because she enjoys performing her pieces. “There’s a difference in how I write for spoken word,” says … Continue reading →

By Margaret Ann Gethers Scott, Ph.D. Margaret is her family’s historian, and author of two books on family history. This post is the first of a two-part series; next week, Margaret will share her thoughts on being a family historian. … Continue reading →

By Jay Akin It’s 9 AM on a Tuesday. I’ve never been in so much pain in my life! I’ve never broken a bone or birthed a child so I don’t have those as reference points. The next level of … Continue reading →

By Loriann Knapton Diane was my best friend Sue’s mother. I met her during my first playdate at Sue’s house on Wisconsin Street around 1968. Because 1960s etiquette required that all children call their elders by Mr., Mrs., or Miss … Continue reading →

by Casem AbuLughod Casey wrote this essay in the “Summer Fun & Games” workshop I led at Pinney Library last summer. In it he captured just how I feel about “pine time.” They walked through the woods, watching their steps … Continue reading →

By Renee Lajcak It’s the 1970s in conservative Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  My older brother Bob and older sister Michelle are out of the house in their own apartments, having exciting lives with interesting friends, while I’m still stuck at home going … Continue reading →

In recognition of World Mental Health Day October 10, an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma, I invited Max Blaska, writer, filmmaker, and mental health warrior, to write about his journey. This is … Continue reading →