Growing up in the ‘50s, my favorite gifts were Paint by Number sets.

When my mother died at age 96…

I have always loved art…

I have always admired Andrew Wyeth’s painting…

Mama was dressed to the nines that day…

Five years old.

This is my Great-Grandpa Carl Clemens’ seabag…

Pink Baby is the stuffed doll I cherish most.

Being the first in my family to pursue doctoral work…

As a feature writer and columnist for the Chicago Tribune 30-plus years…

During a recent attic storage reorganization, I came across this diploma…

The other day when I was sorting out some cookbooks…

Hank left his small desk in the back of his hardware store and…

Fly fishermen love their stuff.

I know stories here are supposed to be about…

It’s been said; a mother’s unconditional love…

Quick Test for Used Waders:

Peace…

This is my oldest continuously-in-possession artifact.

When I was five my parents took us on a trip to the White Mountains.