CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

The Nature of Hugs

March 2, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

This column first appeared in September 2021. Someone passed my seat at the new location of my favorite cidery; I met this person at the cidery’s previous location. When she shared “Wonderland” with people, I was one of them. When she displayed her art, I was a viewer. And when … Read More

Typos

February 23, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

My friend’s follow-up text was her amused take on what she had previously sent to me. She corrected that text and finished the message with a string of laughing emojis. The message was timely, for I was on my grind, building a column about typos. I’ve been thinking about those … Read More

One Hundred and Fifty Years

February 16, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

The musical backdrop to my reading was a rollicking rag called “Brown Baby,” executed by Eddie Edinborough & His New Orleans Wild Cats. Having recently seen a farewell performance by one of my favorite guitarists, Charlie Ballantine, I wanted to surround myself with the music of my favorite instrument. “50 … Read More

I Love You

February 9, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

My youngest granddaughter and I were preparing to leave my neighbor’s house after dropping off a “Thank You” card. Myah had signed the card for Barbara, who had given her a book. As we prepared to leave, Myah turned to Barbara — she calls her “Mimi — and said, “I … Read More

February Is Black History Month

February 2, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

In 1976, President Gerald Ford called upon the American public to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Every American president since then has recognized the month, now more commonly called “African-American History Month.” Gerald Ford’s proclamation was an official recognition … Read More