CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

December 21, 2017 | by CJ Woods III

When my grandson graduated from 5th grade, his school continued with a tradition unique to that building: parents and friends were encouraged to gather in front of the school to “clap out” the students. I was there in 2015 when Xavion marched with his classmates between a balloon-strung line of … Read More

The Elements Of A Column

December 14, 2017 | by CJ Woods III

When asked how I come up with ideas for my columns, I struggle to explain my creative process. Some of my columns are born full-grown, while my other children have to be nurtured and cultivated before being sent into the world. Sometimes the ghost of the “autowriter” enters me, and … Read More

Our Store of Memories

December 7, 2017 | by CJ Woods III

“I just shared something that you taught me when I was young.” Lauren, my youngest daughter, said that she remembers me giving her driving advice, telling her that when you’ve pulled into an intersection to turn left, don’t turn your wheels until you can proceed; that way, if someone should … Read More

My Notebook

November 30, 2017 | by CJ Woods III

“What do you write in your notebook?” The question was asked of me by a young lady I had just met at a Bingo gathering. I showed her what I had just written: “@ Ash and Elm – met Nick and Morgan.” Morgan had taken a stool next to me … Read More

Giving Thanks

November 23, 2017 | by CJ Woods III

In November, 1621, after a successful corn harvest, the governor of the new village of Plymouth, Massachusetts, organized a celebratory feast, to which he invited the Native Americans who had been of assistance to the Pilgrims. They would not repeat this “thanksgiving” until 1623, and it would not be until … Read More