The "Tunnel of Art" is gone, for now. If you missed the latest exhibition, be patient. Like roadside flowers, new graffiti keeps popping up.
Michael WolcottIs it mere vandalism, a messy rash on the skin of polite society? Or creativity trickling through cracks in mainstream culture? Graffiti is both, of course, and more. It is vox populi, the voice of the people.
Graffiti is all around us. On a bathroom wall it might be nothing but crude sexual gestures. On city streets it can remind us that not all the news is fit to print. In repressive countries it speaks truth to power.
A satirical reflection on childhood toys, political tariffs and the absurdity of limiting imagination, culminating in a playful protest song for the next generation. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: His volley on dollies, what folly
Stranded in the scorching Arizona desert, Michael Wolcott reflects on the fragile beauty of the wild, the encroachment of modern civilization and the deep, conflicted longing for a vanishing solitude. Read moreLetter from Home: True desert
A reflection on nostalgia, transformation and resilience in the face of loss. Read moreLetter from Home: Where the wind blows
Margaret Erhart recounts her decades-long friendship with Carmen, an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen after years of struggle and contribution, highlighting the humanity, resilience and civic engagement of those often overlooked in conversations about immigration. Read moreLetter from Home: The shoes of a citizen
Reflecting on a lifetime of air travel experiences, Stacy Murison contemplates the changes and challenges of flying while still appreciating the magic of reaching distant places swiftly. Read moreLetter from Home: Time to fly ... time flies
An unexpected upgrade on a flight leads to a lesson in listening and connection with a stranger sharing heartfelt stories. Read moreLetter from Home: Listen up
Mary Tolan highlights springtime protests, outdoor adventures and her encounters on the road. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: May Day, May Day!
A reflective piece on hiking, family and longing to return home, exploring the complexities of finding inspiration and healing in everyday moments. Read moreLetter from Home: Pupusas, puzzles and other soft returns
As spring arrives and boats emerge in the neighborhood, Margaret Erhart reminisces on a life intertwined with rivers and boats. Read moreLetter from Home: Ah, boats
An encounter with a grosbeak in a parking lot leads to reflections on birds, dental appointments and the strange trappings of modern life. Read moreLetter from Home: The grosbeak, the dentist and me
After catching COVID five years after it's arrival, Mary Tolan reflects on her experience and the changing attitudes toward the pandemic. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: The COVID years
A nostalgic reflection on the game of hearts played during road trips, highlighting strategies, risks and the metaphorical implications in life. Read moreLetter from Home: Shooting the moon
Exploring the ancient pottery fragments in the pinyon-juniper forest near Flagstaff leads to reflections on modern society versus ancient Puebloan culture. Read moreLetter from Home: Down Deadman Wash
Mary Tolan reflects on recent politics and the importance of respect and speaking out against injustices. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: Straight from the horse's heart
A journey through music leads to a reevaluation of joy and mellow moments, exploring the essence of pure, untethered joy. Read moreLetter from Home: A mellow kite-rave
A reflection on the correlation between dinosaurs and human behavior, highlighting the shift towards brawn over brains and the consequences of this age. Read moreLetter from Home: The Age of Brawn
A series of university professor meetings provokes Laura Kelly to discuss the impact of AI on writing, questioning the essence of human articulation and the future of teaching writing. Read moreLetter from Home: The write thing
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." –Statue of Liberty (Emma Lazarus, American poet and activist) Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: Fire and action
Peter Friederici explores the Sonoran Desert in Yuma, facing personal and political challenges before finding solace and resilience in the desert's life and wisdom. Read moreLetter from Home: Dry winter
Graffiti as a form of self-expression, both vandalism and creativity, speaks volumes about societal issues and personal struggles, leaving messages of hope and love. Read moreLetter from Home: Kids with paint
Katie King shares songs and lyrics that resonate, navigating grief after the house fire that took her home. Read moreLetter from Home: SOS playlist to my lost home
This story in Georgia recounts two funerals, a deer hunt and meaningful connections between people, highlighting the impact of words, actions and timing. Read moreLetter from Home: The right moment
Stacy Murison's failed resolution to quit social media leads to a focus on self-growth and community connections in the new year. Read moreLetter from Home: Give more, expect less
A humorous recount of a hip replacement journey, filled with gratitude for friends and family support, and anticipation for a pain-free, active future. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: Hip, hip hooray!
In 1985 Nepal, Laura Kelly battles illness during her travels. Unexpectedly, she meets Jimmy Carter, finding solace and perspective in shared stories of loss and adventure amidst the Himalayas. Read moreLetter from Home: Remembering Jimmy Carter
The annual holiday lights in Wheeler Park symbolize both the magic and complexity of Christmas, evoking a mix of wonder, tradition and deeper, unattainable meaning. Read moreLetter from Home: Blue light special
In 1985, Michael Wolcott, a newcomer to Manhattan, experienced a unique and lonely Christmas in the city, reflecting on family traditions while wandering the empty streets. Read moreLetter from Home: First Christmas
Exploring the connection between music, family and life's complexities. Read moreLetter from Home: Streetlight
A journey through Canyon de Chelly, rich in history and beauty, offers solace and perspective, strengthening decades-long friendship and inspiring hope for the future. Read moreThe Long and Winding Road: The quiet in the year's end
The 50s brought an abundance of game shows that captivated a young Margaret, exploring themes of hardship and luck amidst a heavy backdrop of societal challenges. Read moreLetter from Home: My Imperfect America - Of losers, winners and washing machines
Struggling with physical issues, Stacy Murison finds strength through exercise after a series of challenges with family, discovering inner resilience and empowerment. Read moreLetter from Home: A different kind of strength
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