Category Archives: Discursive Detours

A catch-all category

Christmas, Octaves and History

The American holiday and Christmas seasons overlap, with fuzzy terminuses. Termini. Beginnings and endings. For some, Christmas starts with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. That fine old American tradition has been joined by Cyber Monday. Oddly enough, I haven’t noticed … Continue reading

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Christmas: Still Celebrating

Christmas comes but once a year. It’s a time for exchanging gifts, family get-togethers and awkward office parties. December is a time for joyous preparation, frazzled shopping and holiday-themed music. It’s “Santa’s big scene.” Children see their first Christmas window … Continue reading

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Polka Mass and Adoration

I thought this was going to be a short and simple look at my parish’s polka Mass and the Adoration Chapel in St. Paul’s parish. Then I wondered when and where the first polka Mass was. That reminded me of … Continue reading

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Thanksgiving and Being Thankful

Thanksgiving is — complicated. Pilgrims, Patuxets and Plymouth Thanksgiving is an American holiday. We celebrate by gobbling, guzzling and getting together with members of our extended family. Some of us also express thanks for having all that food. And either … Continue reading

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Health Care Directive

I’ve been completing a Health Care Directive. It will probably be this week’s least-favorite task. The form’s nine pages let me outline how I see medical decisions. And who I’d like to make those decisions for me if I can’t. … Continue reading

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