CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

The Great Morel Hunt

April 28, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

The text from a friend lit like a fly on a trout stream, asking if I wanted to go morel hunting and hiking for a bit. I hit the bait hard, and Wes Homoya reeled me in. He advised me to dress appropriately and to bring water and snacks, so … Read More

Space And Air

April 21, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

There is a phenomenon in television and movie dialogue where various characters say that they want some “space,” or that they need to “get some air.” There is nothing about the circumstances that bring about these comments to indicate a surfeit of either space or air. These types of verbal … Read More

Sofa Cat

April 14, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

A cat poked its head from beneath the sofa, looked at me and retreated. I was sitting in my big leather “old man” chair, watching TV. Perhaps my quietness gave the cat the courage to venture out. Since neither I nor my roommate daughter have a cat, I was surprised. … Read More

Slapping

April 7, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

When I was in high school, the girl I was dating slapped me. My memory of the events that led up to the slap is vague, but I believe that we were arguing about something. Our relationship was unravelling, and we were uncomfortable with each other. She was at my … Read More

A Good Day Lived

March 31, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

This column first appeared in the November 20, 2013 issue. An old friend invited me to a football game; Purdue University, Dave Ostendorf’s alma mater, was playing Indiana State on Saturday, August 7th. Dave had purchased a number of tickets and offered three to me. Karyn, his bride, said that … Read More