CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

Toast And An Egg

July 11, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

In a burst of zeal, I sent “Happy Mother’s Day” texts to many of the mothers in my family, including my daughters, my former brides, my sister, and my nieces. One of my nieces is a physician, someone who gave me a diet that staved off my gout outbreaks, the … Read More

A Life With Books

July 3, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

A recent spate of yard sales in my neighborhood proved beneficial to me, but not in terms of the minor purchases I made. Someone on the street where I live put out a pallet piled with books, and as I strolled past the bounty, I saw a note: “Free.” I … Read More

Door To Door

June 27, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

In 1970, I traveled with my new bride 2,000 miles from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to Los Angeles California; I was going to pursue a career as artist. My time at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh was up, and I was going to seize the day. Walt Disney Studios was my most … Read More

Butt Dialing

June 20, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

“Mom: Would you check on your father? He keeps calling me, but when I answer, he doesn’t say anything.” My eldest child called me while I was on my way to choir practice with the Irvington Arts Collective. I felt my butt buzzing as I walked across Ritter Avenue at … Read More

My Wilma Rudolph

June 6, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

My first daughter was telling me of my first granddaughter’s track and field endeavors. While we were on the phone, Lisa sent me an attachment showing 15-year-old Imani’s place in the lineup of a recent event. “Shot, Disc, Jav – Imani.” My granddaughter is flinging the shot, whipping the discus, … Read More