Article Archives: Words with Woods

Get A Horse, And A Sword

July 25, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

I was a shy and lonely high school freshman, clustered with the “W’s” at the back of the class, when I was befriended by one of the most popular girls in school. I responded in the way of all adolescent boys: I fell in love. But she was popular and … Read More

Chess On Felt

July 18, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

Two men came into the back room of Si Greene’s Pub in Indianapolis; one of them was carrying a pool cue case. They passed me as I was surveying the pool table, trying to determine what would be my next best shot. I was my own opponent in the game … Read More

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