CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

A Blessing

November 23, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

This column first appeared in December 2009. I was an adult student at Indiana University Southeast when Dr. Richard Brengle, my English Lit professor, called out to me as I passed his office. “Come here,” he said. “I want you to hear this.” Dr. Brengle had recognized in me a … Read More

Stop Please

November 16, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

From the great brown recliner in my living room, I can see through the sheers that cover the windows. On Monday, November 6th, I noticed an increase in the passage of cars along the sleepy street that lies to the south of my rented house. I walked to my west … Read More

Scam, Bam

November 9, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

Perhaps late to the party, I have noticed an increase in what I have termed “low key scam efforts” on a social media site. These efforts seem to be aimed mostly at women and the comments have a self-deprecating nature with subtle flattery toward the original poster. Here is one … Read More

Looking Out My Front Door

November 2, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

“Clop: Can we look out the front door?” My youngest granddaughter — now 5.5 years old — put that question to me on a recent visit to my house. Myah and her mother were my roommates until she was 4 ½ years old, and I had been her weekday caretaker … Read More

Cartwheels On The Lawn

October 26, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

From the American Cancer Society: In recent years, (breast cancer) incidence rates have increased by 0.5% per year. My youngest granddaughter spent some time with me recently while her mother ran errands. After completing some kindergarten homework — did kindergartners have homework in the 1950s? — Myah demanded that we … Read More