CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

Change Comes

December 5, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

The singer/songwriter Benard Ighner (1945-2017) wrote a song called “Everything Must Change,” which was featured on Quincy Jones’ 1974 album, “Body Heat.” I remember hearing Ighner’s voice that year, when my first child was 2 years old, and I sang the song early and often to the two women of … Read More

A Time For Thanks

November 27, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

“How is it that we go right from Halloween to Christmas,” muttered the man on the bar stool next to me. He took a long draw on his draft beer and continued: “I don’t understand it.” I made no attempt to answer the question or to add to the discussion. … Read More

Judge Not

November 21, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

“I think you’re a crackhead,” said the judge to one of the defendants, and not for the first time, I wondered why I cannot break my habit of watching “judge shows.” When my mother was alive, she had a passion for watching television shows that featured courtroom shenanigans with judges … Read More

A Swift Connection

November 14, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

My friend deposited me at the bar of our favorite cidery and left to attend her prior engagement at a bourbon tasting. Paula Nicewanger, co-owner of this publication, told me that she would pick me up after the tasting had ended. I walked into the cidery and the was told … Read More

Door Gunner

November 7, 2024 | by CJ Woods III

First Published May 31, 2013 “Door gunning. They’re losing helicopters and they need door gunners.” — Philip Roth, The Human Stain I am a pool player who has played in organized leagues for years. I know little about the players with whom I shoot because we seldom have conversations that … Read More