2023-01-15 01:06
Not so long ago, the issue of legalized marijuana used to be the stuff of somewhat esoteric political debates between Republicans and Libertarians—maybe the occasional anarch… Read More
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The Singing In The Wood Blog
singinginthewood.blogspot.com
The blog covers a lot of ground, but it usually focus upon the interesection of the arts and faith.
2023-01-02 01:21
Happy 2023!!In case you haven't noticed, my writing has taken a bit of a dip lately. As I near the last five, or so, years of state government service before retirement, I start to feel like… Read More
2022-09-14 03:12
It was 2003 when we learned the news that would uproot us once again from our church home. We had only just recently begun feeling like we belonged in the Episcopal Church.&n&hell…Read More
2022-04-17 01:59
Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company? (Zicasso / Cultural Italy) This is my second trip to Italy, and my wife's first. I was looking for a service that would h… Read More
2022-03-23 03:30
I am no expert on geopolitical matters, but it seems to me we are upon the precipice in terms of the mantra “never again.” After the destruction and bloodshed inflicte… Read More
2022-01-19 03:05
Sharing this little episode in case it's of interest. This kind of thing can also be called "catfishing," but usually that term seems saved for online connections of a more tawdry natu… Read More
2021-09-27 22:18
COVID has been enlightening in shining a spotlight on the darkness and disorder within our own minds. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the relative madness of these days seem… Read More
2021-07-26 02:26
Unlike Jonathan Swift's work of the same name, today's post is aimed squarely at the topic of clean water management and creation in Oregon: just some food for thought, or...water for drink… Read More
2021-07-20 00:04
A Day Hike to Lake PameliaWild Rhododendrons in bloom around the lake.Trying to get in better shape and break the daily routine a bit, I first ventured to Lake Pamelia around the summer of 2… Read More
2021-07-06 03:05
I’ve never really written about emotional abuse before, but I thought I’d pen a few paragraphs on this dark topic tonight. My wife and I know of a couple where t… Read More
2021-03-08 00:36
Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.--St. AugustineDo you have family miracles that have not been widely shared, stories that should really be… Read More
2021-03-08 00:13
Caravaggio, A Life Sacred and Profane by Andrew Graham-Dixon could be described as an authentic work of art itself. The author’s masterful use of the language brings th… Read More
2021-02-02 04:08
ObituaryJonah Mark Dennis, age 16, died Thursday, January 21, 2021. He was born in Santa Cruz, California on March 12, 2004 to Richard Dennis and Felicia Wilson Lee, joining two older… Read More
2020-11-02 03:56
Besides a love of the written word, one of the central reasons I have continued investing in the writing and podcast efforts over the years was to create a significant wealth of communicatio… Read More
2020-09-21 02:55
As discussed in several previous posts, I have had some issues over the years with SEIU 503. Past posts have documented my frustrations with their positions, but they crossed a new lin… Read More
2020-08-03 22:02
In honor of The Babylon Bee's regular body slamming of traditional news outlets through the art of satire, I give you my little contribution to this important literary...genre. &n&hell…Read More
2020-07-24 03:48
Writing a letter the day following hand surgery ranks right up there with having a root canal, but some things need to be said--sooner rather than later.Before getting to the meat of th… Read More
2020-05-28 04:17
Today's INTERVIEW on Sounds and Words features William Snyder, the producer of EWTN Radio's Bear Woznick Adventure as well as the founder of Patchwork Heart Ministry, a non-profit 501(c… Read More
2020-05-26 02:43
We all know the importance of keeping our passwords safe, changing them regularly, and using a password complexity that is commensurate with the information being secured, but are there othe… Read More
2020-05-26 02:09
WordPress was interesting, but you know what? It wasn't worth the effort. Compared to Blogger, WordPress was invisible online, and particular bugs could not be easily addres… Read More
2019-09-15 04:31
Please find my new blog address HERE. See you there! Read More
2019-09-14 05:47
I shared recently about how it feels to see old friends and colleagues falling into environmental hysteria; it's as if they imagine ours is the first generation to ever consider the planet d… Read More
2019-09-10 03:43
Professor Meg Roland visits Sounds and Words today from Concordia University. She is also a former professor and academic advisor of mine from (now closed) Marylhurst University--not t… Read More
2019-09-04 03:50
Today's podcast features author, lecturer, and Ignatius Press editor Carl E. Olson. Raised in a Protestant family where Catholicism was not looked kindly upon, Carl's experiences in co… Read More
2019-08-20 01:30
Amanda Almodovar is the wearer of many hats. By day she's a clinical social worker, but in her free time this Catholic mother of three loves writing plays and composing music. Today's podc… Read More
2019-08-06 02:59
How would you like to win one of (4) $100 Amazon eGift Cards?! Here's your chance from the #1 site for #Reader #Giveaways: The Kindle Book Review. Just click the link and enter the… Read More
2019-07-15 22:00
In today's latest podcast interview, we talk to Catholic writer Margaret Reveira, whose spiritual journey is beautifully conveyed in Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story: Tools, Tips, & Tes… Read More
2019-06-25 00:04
In this interview of Joseph Pearce on Sounds and Words, we spend the first part of the podcast discussing C.S. Lewis' conversion from atheism to theism, then finally to Christianity (with th… Read More
2019-06-11 03:01
Today's guest on Sounds and Words is Nancy Ward, the author of Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story. discusses evangelization and renewal. In this, she is drawing from her own background that… Read More
2019-04-15 23:18
Excited to announce the arrival of my brand new podcast: Sounds and Words, a Podcast with a Difference! I hope you can drop by and check it out soon. While the focus will be the… Read More
2019-04-14 22:34
The following is adapted from a newsletter feature I do at my office, and I decided to share on my blog.Last month, I shared some information about the Federal Student Aid’s Public Ser… Read More
2019-02-10 03:26
I have a confession to make... Ever since I visited London and Rome in the fall of 2017 as part of a study abroad program, I have grown a real lack of patience with the domestic teas r… Read More
2019-01-22 22:57
Formatting eBooks can be a pain in the backside. Here are some quick pointers for doing it right the first time.1. Don't double space after periods. Use Find/Repl… Read More
2018-11-03 21:15
It's been an interesting week, but one thing that has struck me is the negative aspects of social media in personal relations. So many of the people on Facebook are more along the… Read More
2018-10-22 22:35
Nature photography is particularly enjoyable when exploring new territory, but potential destinations are often made a little less attractive by the required hikes. Sometimes it's help… Read More
2018-09-15 23:27
We hope you can drop by our brand new Pacific Northwest Art and Book Sale! While Kimberly is between galleries, we thought this was a perfect time to put out our biggest sale to d… Read More
2018-09-03 22:56
(This short essay was related to a question regarding my perspectives of diversity and inclusion within state and federal government.)As an English major, I would first clarify that language… Read More
2018-08-30 03:46
This is an experimental public service post. Depending upon feedback, the series may / may not continue.Have you been thinking of starting an LLC in Oregon, but you didn't know quite w… Read More
2018-08-28 03:26
The essay below began as a simple article, but I have decided to scratch the project for now. For one thing, the latest developments make this particular approach less timely than it was, a… Read More
2018-07-04 05:07
Back in 2011, I honestly didn't see the purpose or need of a union for Oregon State employees like myself. I wrote about Union Troubles on this blog and put these representation issues… Read More
2018-07-02 04:28
One of the many memorable things about last year's visit to Sperlonga, Italy, situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea, was a delightfully simple, yet elegant ice cream dessert I ordered at… Read More
2018-06-22 04:45
I can't believe it's over. Well, truth be known, one's education should never be something that is exactly over--until we are, at least. Last weekend, on June 17th, I received my B.A. with H… Read More
2018-02-05 20:46
British Library with Study Abroad GroupI just completed a short video presentation (below) concerning the art of writing, and it occurred to me that it might be nice to have a post directed… Read More
2018-01-16 00:39
The Arch of Titus in Rome, photographed by Karl Erickson.A guest blogger joins us today to share two fascinating timelines of the history of Israel. More information may be added… Read More
2018-01-15 00:46
Truth be known, good Catholic satire has a long history. G.K. Chesterton had a great sense of humor, after all. Humor plays an important (and often overlooked) role in… Read More
2018-01-15 00:38
It's always a pleasure to discover a new movie worth sharing. It is even a greater pleasure when the motion picture in question had an undeniably positive affect upon one of its principle a… Read More
2017-12-11 21:17
Sharing a short academic piece concerning genetically modified foods. MLA style not consistently followed for blog. Job insecurity particularly sparks my intere… Read More
2017-12-11 21:10
Sharing a short academic piece concerning genetically modified foods. MLA style not consistently followed for blog. One of the more interesting and educati… Read More
2017-11-13 00:37
If you've ever traveled to London and Rome, you'll probably remember the sore feet. There's something about walking on uneven cobblestones all day that really tires one's feet out. &nbs&hell…Read More
2017-11-13 00:32
One of my future goals is to learn Italian. Part of that venture may include studying examples of the Mass in Italian and English. This page serves as a starting point for what I… Read More
2017-11-07 03:13
I’ll be the first to confess that I have a bias in favor of the writers and (most) artists of past generations more than today—just as I tend to prefer classical composers belong… Read More
2017-11-02 01:16
Sharing a short academic piece concerning conflicting natures or truths found with regards to classic images and art. MLA style not consistently followed… Read More
2017-10-02 19:58
A short essay exploring the significance of water to ancient Rome follows. MLA format not strictly adhered to here due to blog formatting restrictions and gen… Read More
2017-09-25 03:01
St Sebastian receives the crown and palm of martyrdom by Cerchia di Girolamo Siciolante (1570s) A challenging question arose among one of my traveling companions as we exp… Read More
2017-09-21 03:06
From September 1st through the 18th, I walked about 110 miles between the United Kingdom and Italy. Our journey brought us to some of the world's greatest museums in London a… Read More
2017-09-13 09:38
I'm trying to do my first blog post via iPhone today. While traveler nerves and feet (walked almost 80 miles since September 1st) may both be getting worn down, nearly one more exciti… Read More
2017-08-30 03:41
So, by way of background for those who may not know me too well, I'm a very law and order sort of guy. I have a concealed weapons permit and often carry a .45. Starting s… Read More
2017-08-28 00:46
Depart for London: August 31Arrive in London: September 1Depart for Rome: September 7Arrive in Rome: September 7Returning Home: September 18 The trip is starting to feel r… Read More
2017-08-21 03:46
In just over a week now, I'll be leaving the USA for London along with a group of fellow student travelers from Marylhurst University. I look forward with great anticipa… Read More
2017-08-20 22:21
I have really enjoyed the opportunity to read Anthony Doerr's Four Seasons in Rome this term. If Robert Hughes' book on Rome is seen as something of an objecti… Read More
2017-08-14 21:09
I am pausing from the #MULondonRome2017- themed posts to share a different kind of academic article. This was originally intended for an academic publication, but I've come to the conc… Read More
2017-08-13 23:18
Full many a host in line of battle rang'd My eyes have seen; but such a force as this, So mighty and so vast, I ne'er beheld: In number as the leaves, or as the sand, Against the city o'er t… Read More
2017-08-13 00:00
Early Christianity under Roman rule suffered unspeakable cruelties and acts of barbarism by the Roman authorities. In order to understand the deeper conflict… Read More
2017-08-06 23:41
"Italy Sulmona view of the Roman aqueduct with the Del Vecchio fountain in the foreground" In the fourth chapter of Robert Hughes' Rome, A Cultural Visual, and Personal Hi… Read More
2017-07-31 23:49
In the prologue of Robert Hughes' book on Rome, he quotes the opening lines from Octavio Paz's poem entitled "Piedra del Sol." Here is the passage in both English a… Read More
2017-07-31 04:08
One of the great wonders of ancient Rome was its ingenious strategy for bringing fresh water into the city. With its stunning creation of aquedu… Read More
2017-07-23 04:19
Roman helmetWhat about defense? On the collective level of the army on the march, the Romans displayed unique fortitude and energy in self-protection. Knowing that "barbarians" i… Read More
2017-07-16 04:54
When it comes to the the founding of Rome, one may turn to writers such as Livy, who described Romulus and Remus as twins whom the king ordered drowned in the Tiber. &nbs&hell…Read More
2017-07-16 02:07
Johann Heinrich TischbeinIt's humorous to me that Aeneas, that heroic fighter and ultimate founder of Rome itself, is left seemingly quaking in fear of Queen Dido. The excerpt bel… Read More
2017-07-16 00:40
Back at Eisenhower High School, studying Roman and Greek mythology under our teacher, simple Tom Kuykendall back then, represents some of my fondest academic memories. &n&hell…Read More
2017-07-15 23:07
"Sunflowers" by Vincent van GoghOne particularly exciting dimension about my upcoming study abroad program (through Marylhurst University) in London and Rome is… Read More
2017-07-04 21:17
Painting of Henry V (mistaken online as King Arthur) by painter Arthur Hacker (1900). The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth… Read More
2017-07-04 03:44
I enjoyed recently watching A Room with a View, and I look forward to reading the book by E.M. Forster. As the motion picture was released between my junior and senior years in hig… Read More
2017-07-04 03:05
The Art of Travel by author Alain de Botton offers wise words for the person preparing to depart upon a long journey. Are we, for instance, tourists or travelers? Is th… Read More
2017-07-03 04:47
It's getting closer to the time of departure, and it's truly hard to imagine I'm finally going to be traveling (and learning) through London and Rome.In about eight weeks, I'll be leaving th… Read More
2017-07-01 23:52
The "Blood Cries Out" was published in July 2014. As some of you have probably heard by now, I'm heading to London and Rome in about eight weeks. It's part of a study abroad… Read More
2017-06-27 03:41
Film Analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird The choice for this film analysis was ultimately between two movies that made a strong impact on me over the past year, or so:… Read More
2017-05-31 02:56
(Title clarification: I am an English Literature and New Media undergrad studying American Literature this term.) Unfortunately, I didn’t feel a particular connectio… Read More
2017-04-04 02:32
We are excited to announce a brand new combined website for Karl Erickson's writing and Kimberly Erickson's glass art and illustrations. You will find our new front door HERE. We… Read More
2016-12-23 22:39
Christmas is a marvelous time to pause a moment and reflect on possible new perspectives upon culture and the labor market. It's easy to accept changes as inevitable before we even con… Read More
2016-12-23 22:38
Ireland’s very national identity and character are like a tapestry where each weave is tightly intertwined with its rich and ancient Catholic trad… Read More
2016-12-20 04:32
Engaging insights and illumination concerning the dignity of life within the Renaissance period can be attained through a careful reading of the Psalms as translated… Read More
2016-11-21 05:34
My Early Modern Literature and Culture course (aka Shakespeare's Sister) at Marylhurst University introduced me to commonplace books this term. These books have been around for centuri… Read More
2016-11-07 04:28
Every once in a while, I like to share essays from my academic side here. Here's a short academic response essay I recently did with regards to Samuel Beckett.4. Belaqua is descr… Read More
2016-09-25 02:58
When prospective writers enter the marketplace, they are often flooded with offers to promote, package, or represent their work...for a fee. Sadly, the personal investment in creating… Read More
2016-09-25 02:50
(This essay first appeared in Oregon Catholics, a private group from Facebook.)It's not that I have anything against Facebook... On second thought, maybe I do have a little something a… Read More
2016-09-24 22:23
Have you been thinking of starting an LLC in Oregon, but you don't know quite where to start? This is my first small business themed post, but I hope you find the information offered helpful… Read More
2016-09-24 22:17
Fall ReflectionsAs a reader of this message today, you become an important part of our arts and writing community. Thank you for this. While the regular newsletter remains on hol… Read More
2016-08-15 00:29
It's been an election cycle to remember, yet I hope it's also one I can soon forget. I'm a conservative Republican and Christian who has considered himself a stalwart Republican since… Read More
2016-08-07 23:42
I have a confession to make. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa in beautiful Astoria, Oregon last September, and this is com… Read More
2016-08-07 23:38
Below is a copy of a letter shared with Kelly's Home Center. Unfortunately, the cost of damages has risen more after realizing that the carpet can't be salvaged and hardwood floors wil… Read More
2016-07-08 04:31
I first discovered Alanna-Marie Boudreau's music more than a year ago. Sadly, I've been increasingly disappointed with her more recent performances. "I'll Be Your Woman" from her… Read More
2016-04-26 03:30
It's a long story, but sometimes one reads an assignment incorrectly. In a nutshell, that's how this post was born. Hope it's of some interest!Between Julian of Norwich and Marge… Read More
2016-04-23 22:11
Greetings!View this email in your browserGood Day at Once!On this, the 400th anniversary of the passing of the world's greatest bard, I thought it was only fitting to say hello to… Read More
2016-03-17 13:20
We just wrapped-up a truly miserable experience with a Fannie Mae property in Salem, Oregon. Sadly, Fannie Mae complaints and controversy are nothing new. &nbs&hell…Read More
2016-03-17 02:14
Karl Erickson, Marylhurst UniversityNature of the Request: Sounds and Words, a Project for the Preservation of Domestic Humanities endeavors to safeguard precious audio and video recordings… Read More
2015-12-26 20:57
I should preface this mini-review with a little disclosure. I'm a huge fan of the first two movies. They were real bright spots in my childhood. Sadly, though, none of the subsequent moti… Read More
2015-12-14 00:47
The Syrian refugee crisis is a heart-rending example of man's inhumanity to man. The Middle East, no stranger to wickedness on a grand scale, is a house on fire. &n&hell…Read More
2015-12-10 06:00
Tragic Time, Reflections on the Nature of Time in Oedipus, The King The mysterious quality of time has been an area of personal fascination for years. After all, our under… Read More
2015-12-06 23:23
I wanted to take a moment to introduce my friend's new book! (Additional information and image coming this afternoon.)Book blurb: Despised by his older twin brothers, new to River Run High… Read More
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