The Death of a Star As Told to the Trees

Space is this abstract concept to lots of you. I know so many people, including so many writers, who could not care less about the subject. They are bored, at best, by everything that exists beyond the eggshell-thin layer of this planet’s atmosphere. The wild, kaleidoscopic kingdom of life on this world is enough for […]

The Fall of the Giant

The sky was a deep sapphire blue the day they cut down the giant. It was a matter of time, we knew, because they had already cleared out the scrub oaks and the wild cherry trees and the scraggly mountain mahogany. But it was still a shock to see it fall.  The giant must have […]

What the Bears Say

I have some new neighbors who many people would consider a nuisance. They show up at random times. They occasionally kick the rocks that line my driveway, and once they knocked off my downspout. They also eat garbage and leave a real mess.  These neighbors are mostly loners. They watch me, unblinking, and do not […]

Kaolin & Morphine

There are well-known differences between the drugs you can get over the counter in the UK and the ones you can get in any US drugstore. Got period cramps in the UK? How about some Feminax – it’s got codeine! Cough? Codeine linctus. Aches? Pains? Co-codamol (codeine mixed with paracetamol, known to Americans as Tylenol). […]

LWON Anniversary Postcards: Day 5

We turned 10 this week, and instead of getting together for a gala, we wrote each other postcards, alone in our homes. It’s a very writerly way to celebrate. Thanks, pandemic. Today we wrap up our week-long celebration with postcards from Sarah, Jenny, and Cameron. Sarah Gilman Dear 2010 Sarah G.—            First, you’re going to […]

LWON Anniversary Postcards: Day 4

Yesterday we turned 10, which is like 120 in blog years. We’re celebrating all week with postcards we wrote to ourselves in May of 2010. Today Ann, Emma, and Cassie report back on the present to their younger selves, or at least offer a warning. Ann Finkbeiner In May, 2010, I was wondering whether the […]

LWON is 10 Today!

It’s our 10th anniversary! Today! We’re celebrating all week with postcards we wrote to our 10-years-younger selves. Today Jane, Heather, Jessa, and Ginny hint at good things to come. Jane C. Hu Dear 2010 Jane,Welcome to the west coast. You, an indoor cat, have come here purportedly to study cognition, but your time will become […]