Article Archives: Words with Woods

It’s Drying Time

January 18, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

“I hope you find someone,” my daughter was saying to her son as she applied a coat of moisturizing lotion to his shoulders, “who cares enough about you” (slather, slather) “to put lotion on your back.” She punctuated “back” with a slap and pushed him on his way. I can … Read More

A Comfort With Books

January 11, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

One of the gifts that my youngest granddaughter got for Christmas was a book. I was at her house when she awakened to find that Pollie, her Elf, had given Santa a good report and Santa had delivered on many of Myah’s wishes. Of course, Clop (me) and Auntie Lisa … Read More

Merry, Happy, Happy and Kind

December 21, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

Comes the time that we turn the last page on the calendar, and we sing songs, and cry out to each other: “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New year.” As someone who grew up with a church-oriented mother, my go-to holiday phrase has been “Merry Christmas.” But I take … Read More

All That Jazz

December 14, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

On the October 24, 2023 program of the radio program “Fresh Air,” Terri Gross was interviewing a young jazz performer, a woman who had won a Grammy for best new artist. Samara Joy’s album, Linger Awhile, also won a Grammy for best jazz vocal recording. While accompanying this publication’s Paula … Read More

Reading The Banned

December 7, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

“Interested in banned books reading?” A friend sent me an e-mail inviting me to an event at a shop called Dear.Mom. The evening was labeled “Unbannable: Revisioning Banned Books,” and was to feature music, art, and readings. I thought about it for about 12 seconds, then replied: “Yes!” I first … Read More