CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

I Love You Too, Man

December 15, 2016 | by CJ Woods III

A recent conversation with my brother set free a long-moored memory of a conversation with another of my brothers. I may have written of this before, and may be repeating some thoughts, previously shared, but then — some things may be worth repeating. My mother had five children: four boys … Read More

Racing the Streetcar

December 8, 2016 | by CJ Woods III

As dusk settles over a Pittsburgh neighborhood, three young boys twitch and dance on a street corner. On Oakmont Street, the three can hear the clanging of the bell as a streetcar grumbles down its rails, rocking towards them. They tense as the 82 Lincoln approaches the corner and grinds … Read More

Peace, Be Still

December 1, 2016 | by CJ Woods III

A molten thought bubbled up from the man’s angry brain and blistered his lips as it exited. He was in his car, and once again, he was the embodiment of “rage in a cage.” He was the perfect driver and all around him were people whose skills were deficient, and … Read More

Wood

November 24, 2016 | by CJ Woods III

I saw a video of a man dropping a great axe onto a chunk of wood, splitting it in two, and a frisson of pleasure burst through my bloodstream: I remembered chopping wood. My first-ever house was purchased in Madera, California, which is in the middle of the San Joaquin … Read More

Indiana State Museum Explores Past in New Exhibit

November 17, 2016 | by CJ Woods III

On November 2, the Indiana State Museum gave the media an advance look at one of the first phases of a five-phase, $18-million transformation of the museum. Reporters, camera operators and columnists gathered in the museum’s cafeteria to await our welcome and opening introductions. Through the cafeteria’s windows could be … Read More