Author Archives: carolyncustisjames

It has been a long time since I was in a math class. But the other day, while listening to Garrison Keiller’s Writer’s Almanac on NPR, I was suddenly back in the classroom. He was reading Jessica Goodfellow’s poem entitled … Continue reading →

After the death of a loved one—or any other sorrow or loss—there is the expectation in the minds of many Christians that the sorrower should put their grief aside and move on with their life. Our troubles are like hurdles … Continue reading →

When Frank and I returned home from Kelly’s funeral, I was thinking that (except for a couple of final notices) the blog I had maintained during the crisis on Mt. Hood had pretty much served its purpose and should simply … Continue reading →

New Year’s Day has always been a favorite holiday for me. Having grown up with three brothers, I naturally associate it with good food and lots of football, minus the pressures Christmas creates. At a personal level, I like the … Continue reading →

Anyone who has ever had a baby knows the world becomes a friendly place when you have a baby in tow. Strangers in the grocery store, the post office, or the mall, who would otherwise walk right past as though … Continue reading →

When Frank and I hiked Hadrian’s Wall in England, back in 2006, we covered long stretches where no trace of the ancient Roman wall remains. Lots of sheep and cows and picturesque English countryside, but no wall. Built to last, … Continue reading →

I was the third child born in my family—the first and only daughter. My parents were thrilled, of course, just as they were when each of my three brothers was born. In my family, the birth of a daughter wasn’t … Continue reading →

Anyone who has ever faced major surgery knows the kinds of anxieties that descend as the hour of surgery approaches. Several years ago, I was a surgical patient feeling those very fears and apprehensions. I was at a teaching hospital, … Continue reading →

One of the most unforgettable memories from my family’s years in England was watching Britain’s Linford Christie run for gold in the men’s 100 meters of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. What made Christie’s race unforgettable in the first place was … Continue reading →

I’m not a fan of war stories. Given a choice, I much prefer to curl up with one of Jane Austen’s classics or dive into a book that is good fodder for my work, than pick up a book about … Continue reading →