Article Archives: Words with Woods

Astonished By Song

August 14, 2014 | by CJ Woods III

“I introduced you to our Eva,” my good friend said, and I felt a brief flash of jealousy and wonder, having forgotten the truth in that. I then remembered standing on a ladder over her toilet, reaching to her bathroom ceiling to repair loosened wallpaper. In the background of the … Read More

Baby Jess

August 9, 2014 | by CJ Woods III

“Baby Jess needs you,” said the text from my eldest daughter, Lisa, at 9:40 p.m. on July 3rd.  “I’m almost there,” was my reply. My very good friend has two daughters, both of whom call me “Uncle.” Lisa has held the infant “Baby Jess” on her lap. While visiting Indianapolis … Read More

Booked Solid

July 31, 2014 | by CJ Woods III

“Uncle CJ, you have more books than me,” said my 24-year-old niece, looking in wonder at my book-jammed apartment. I chuckled, thinking, “I’ve had a bit of a head start.” I don’t know how many books I have. When I try to count them I get lost in “Oo! I … Read More

Encounter

July 24, 2014 | by CJ Woods III

“1 July ’43,” the man said to the clerk. He asked her if she had seen the movie The Bridge Over the River Kwai. She crafted a small smile, glanced around nervously and replied that she had. “You have?” There was delight in his voice, and the man raised a … Read More

The Kindness of Strangers

July 17, 2014 | by CJ Woods III

The landline to my friend’s house rang, and I answered it. “Nancy?” a woman’s voice inquired. I told her that my friend was in Colorado, and I was caretaking the house and animals. “Well, I wanted to tell her that there was a strange car parked in her mother’s driveway,” … Read More