The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters […]
A Different Drummer: A paisley pilgrimage to Woodstock
We came upon a child of God; he was walking along the road. We asked him to tell us where he was going, and this he told us: “I just got back from Yasgur’s Farm, checking out the rock ‘n’ roll bands, and I missed my bus. Can you give me a lift to Monticello?” […]
Voice of the Village: Can you leave your home quickly if you need to?
By Lois Requist The recent fires in Santa Rosa, Napa, and other nearby communities, as well as a question from one of our members, made us think about preparation for a disaster of any kind—an earthquake, an industrial accident, or any crisis here in town. While we aren’t nestled up against hills, and so have […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Going Back”
We came back once more to the town. We had once walked there. Our steps led to the water. Misty aromas filled the air. The scenes had changed, As all scenes do. Many walk there now, Where once there were two. The chill of the wind. The hand held tight. Sounds to the ear, Softened […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “Faith”
It is sometimes difficult To understand. But HE does not ask us To understand. That is given us. HE asks instead Only that we believe. We cannot redo That which happened yesteryear. For I, like you, Am gone from there – beyond returning. And yet – a common thought – We (sadly) share Or, if […]
Poetry Corner: Johanna Ely “Thanksgiving”
I am thankful for what is unpredictable— the sudden gush of rain, the lightning and the thunder— the insistence from this world to pay attention. I delight in colors indigo and orange, what gels into a sunset. I’m elated for what begins again— the wide-eyed dawn, the seasons that return in cycles of joy. But […]
The A Cappella Handyman: Thanking Robert Mueller
Thanking Robert Mueller Recently I wrote this stuff and I know it’s not enough to get me into ANY Hall of Fame or have All The Waterfront Ducks remember my name, but that’s OK, so long as Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash singing now over the PA system at Starbucks will cut me some […]
Benicia Letters Once More: I Get it Now
The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: What is my latest find in fabulous forward fashion trends?
I think it is because I grew up in New York after World War II. I think it is because my father worked in the fashion industry as a cutter for men’s clothing and always had fabulous woolen suits that he wore with aplomb. I think it is because New York became the clothing capital […]
A Different Drummer: From the blues to rock ‘n’ roll
We’ve come ashore. The Gibbses and the Kittrells, retirees at sea for seven days in October when we used to be working, have stepped again on Florida soil. We’ve been on a Caribbean blues cruise, the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, to be exact. And to be exact, I’m spoiled. I want music on every […]