Category Archives: writing

What We Talk About When We Talk About “Birdman”

There is so much to talk about in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s film Birdman.  I have tons to say about the point of view of a single shot, for example. Then there’s all the complicated references between real world/movie world/theater world. We’re aware Michael … Continue reading

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Serial and the Art of Storytelling

I have turned against Serial, the podcast from This American Life that has been sweeping the nation. Oh, I’m going to listen to every episode, but I don’t understand why a quick search of the Internet turns up only praise for … Continue reading

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Mysteries of Lisbon

It’s snowing like crazy outside, and so I’m settling in for a bonus day of writing. In this spirit, we enjoyed a long, challenging film this weekend, the 4 1/2 hour period piece by Raul Ruiz, Mysteries of Lisbon. I don’t know how … Continue reading

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NaNoWriMo II

Hi friends. Wonder where I’ve been since October 31? Well, it’s not entirely true I haven’t been blogging… it’s just been on my Cowbird platform. I was really happy with this little piece for the changing of the clocks. As you’ll … Continue reading

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Red River Valley

I have been driving around North Dakota the last few days. It is something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while. North Dakota was one of three remaining states of the contiguous 48 that I had not been to … Continue reading

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At 50

Today is my 50th birthday. Although I know this is a tough milestone for some people, I started looking forward to turning 50 when I was about 30. Back then, everything seemed so unsettled. I thought surely by 50 I … Continue reading

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Instructions for the Second Wife

I moved onto this farm nearly six years ago, when I married Steve in July 2008. It is a second marriage for both of us. He has lived on this land since 1987, raised his three daughters here, designed and … Continue reading

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Love and Information

The two best cultural events of this past winter/spring were two plays I saw by Caryl Churchill. The first was at the College of Saint Benedict, A Number, performed by two theater professors. I expected it to be somewhat difficult to … Continue reading

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Props for Father Daniel

Father Daniel Durken died on Saturday, March 29, at the age of 85. For me, he will always be the model of what a priest should be and can be. Hard working, fully engaged with Scripture, prayer and with people, … Continue reading

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At Home in the Body

I am part of an online group of women in their 50s, most of whom went to college with me, where we can talk freely about midlife issues. It has been a wonderful space to talk about all sorts of … Continue reading

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