CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

Merry, Happy, Happy and Kind

December 21, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

Comes the time that we turn the last page on the calendar, and we sing songs, and cry out to each other: “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New year.” As someone who grew up with a church-oriented mother, my go-to holiday phrase has been “Merry Christmas.” But I take … Read More

All That Jazz

December 14, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

On the October 24, 2023 program of the radio program “Fresh Air,” Terri Gross was interviewing a young jazz performer, a woman who had won a Grammy for best new artist. Samara Joy’s album, Linger Awhile, also won a Grammy for best jazz vocal recording. While accompanying this publication’s Paula … Read More

Reading The Banned

December 7, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

“Interested in banned books reading?” A friend sent me an e-mail inviting me to an event at a shop called Dear.Mom. The evening was labeled “Unbannable: Revisioning Banned Books,” and was to feature music, art, and readings. I thought about it for about 12 seconds, then replied: “Yes!” I first … Read More

Thanks For Reading

November 30, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

Someone plucked my sleeve as I was exiting a store. I turned toward a bright smile, and a woman said to me, “I like your stories.” She told me that she had recently seen me at a community event and added, “Congratulations on your award.” My picture sits atop the … Read More

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