I was afraid of a lot of things as a boy, the two main ones being girls and dogs. Girls were different, mysterious; they didn’t look, talk or act like boys. The thought of actually speaking to one crippled my mind and my tongue. Yet there was always a girl or two that I could … Continue reading What are we afraid of?
girls
Grasshoppers, girls and family gatherings
Grasshoppers were everywhere that summer. Those of us who wore pants learned to be careful about where we walked, but I think we all still had the experience of trying to discreetly deal with a grasshopper who had flown up inside the leg of our pants. Those who wore skirts were even more circumspect and … Continue reading Grasshoppers, girls and family gatherings
Boyhood fears
I was afraid of a lot of things as a boy, the two main ones being girls and dogs. Girls were different, mysterious; they didn't look, talk or act like boys. The thought of actually speaking to one crippled my mind and my tongue. Yet there was always a girl or two that I could … Continue reading Boyhood fears
Belle Plaine years
In 1966 Belle Plaine had all of 16 houses, two grain elevators, three other small businesses and a school that was no longer used. UGG rented one of the houses for their elevator manager. I had learned the basics of weighing and unloading grain by now, how to grade it and determine dockage and how … Continue reading Belle Plaine years
The devaluation of women
Here in Canada the media has paid considerable attention to a sordid case where a well-known media personality was charged with sexual assault. The charges outlined incidents of kinky and violent sex involving several women. Unfortunately things unravelled at the trial. Emails and other evidence indicated that the women were willing participants and that their … Continue reading The devaluation of women
Anorexia of the soul
I once knew a Christian lady whose husband was self-centred, domineering and prone to uncontrolled fits of rage. She, on the other hand, was unselfish, capable and self-controlled. At some point she developed an interest in fasting. After a time it became apparent to brothers and sisters in the faith that she had become extremely … Continue reading Anorexia of the soul
Flatlander Faith 