Up in Smoke
Remembering my Dad, 30 years later...
On April 13, 1994, at age 67, my dad, Tom Cunningham, died. It’s been 30 years since his untimely (but perhaps not unexpected) passing, and now I am also 67. How much longer do I have? How to make the most of this bonus time? SO many thoughts rattling around in my brain…Dad and I were never close, but that may be why I still miss him a lot.
Look at that cute face!! The song “Baby Face” came out the year little Tommy was born…
Here’s a family photo, circa 1972. Note the ever-present lit cigarette in Dad’s hand…
And here’s my essay about Dad, published in Modern Loss…
MY CHILDHOOD’S SIGNATURE SCENT
VIDEO: THE KITE
We never really lose the ones we love…a beautiful short video…
RADIO FAVORITES!
Listen, gang, it can’t ALL be video. Here are some radio programs I tune in to every single week…in addition of course to my goes-without-saying daily doses of Morning Edition and All Things Considered…
WAIT, WAIT, DON'T TELL ME The NPR news quiz. Brightens my Saturday mornings, and gives me hope that there still are quick, witty and well-informed people on the airwaves. I’m working up the courage to phone in as a contestant (not there yet). Try it, you’ll be hooked!
TRAVEL WITH RICK STEVES Rick is the real deal—a world traveler since his teens, and a genuinely nice guy, (and he’s a Lutheran! Yessss!), who wants to help us experience other places and cultures. I love his travel guides and his easy-going manner. I have used many of his tips, and I look forward to every episode!
PERFORMANCE TODAY Host Fred Child is a friend of Sheridan and Ya-Jhu. This wonderful daily program broadcasts classical concerts taking place all over the globe, in all kinds of venues. From “The Proms” in London to the Aspen (Colorado) Music Festival, with “PT” you can travel the musical world without ever leaving home!
BLOG PREVIEW: BLACK SWANS
A “Black Swan” is a lot more than a bird, a socialite friend of Truman Capote, or that deeply weird Natalie Portman movie…join me over at Working Title and we’ll discuss the modern meaning of the term (a rare, hugely impactful, seemingly unpredictable event)…
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Yes, we ARE our stories. And, as long as there are people alive to tell ours, we do not die. Let’s live some great stories this week, my friends…(and do check out Niall Williams’ writing, in particular the gorgeous novel This is Happiness.)
Aww- I really enjoyed your piece about your dad.