Article Archives: Words with Woods

The Elusive Butterfly of Understanding

July 12, 2018 | by CJ Woods III

Across my dreams with nets of wonder / I chase the bright elusive butterfly of love. — Carmen McRae; Elusive Butterfly The man next to me in the coffee-house had given me some sharp looks when I entered the big seating room — looks that were repeated as I sat … Read More

Imani and the Carolina Wrens

July 4, 2018 | by CJ Woods III

My cellphone sang with the ringtone I had chosen for when my 9-year-old granddaughter calls me, and I heard Imani’s frantic voice: “Cool Papa! Cool Papa! The birds are out of the nest!” While visiting with my grandchildren and their parents in New Jersey, Imani had pointed out to me … Read More

Independence Day

June 21, 2018 | by CJ Woods III

We are approaching the 242nd anniversary of the acceptance of Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee’s motion to the Continental Congress, made on June 7th, 1776, calling for independence from Britain. After heated debate, on July 2nd, the Congress voted for acceptance, and set in motion events that, as John Adams … Read More

The Case For Pink

June 14, 2018 | by CJ Woods III

“That’s a real cute case ya got there,” the man said to me as I strode toward the door of the pool hall. I heard the familiar snicker in his voice, and I responded quickly: “I get that a lot.” I paused with the door half-open, and said, “And I … Read More

Tales From the Trail

June 7, 2018 | by CJ Woods III

On a relatively cool morning, I rose early and, assuming my “Charlie’s Angels” stance, did my yoga-like stretches in preparation for my walk on the Pennsy Trail. I try to do this daily, provided that the body is willing and the creek has not overflowed its banks. This day was … Read More