Thanks very much for the encouragement. I’m trying to get back to things I once enjoyed before atrophy becomes complete. A little blogging is a mighty step in that direction.

Every once in a while I get the urge to dig up my old copy of Be Here Now and read it again. I meditated on it during a somewhat-altered phase in college. It made a lot of sense then. Not sure what it would do for me now, but I’m curious.

Speaking of that phase in college: That’s when Kristen (aka, Raina) finally gave up on me, again. I didn’t apply to Wheaton like she did. I went to the morally suspect Grove City College and didn’t keep on as she thought I should. Turns out we both had a few other lives to lead, and probably still do.

Thanks again Andy; I greatly appreciate it.

I liked “Blankets” a lot as well. It brought back a lot of memories. But I was also frustrated by the book — not because of Craig’s questions and doubts, but because there was no one in the book who was capable of addressing them, either from the standpoint of offering intellectual answers or or simply offering a compassionate, listening ear. No wonder he got turned off from Christianity.

My “Raina” was a young woman named Claire, who ditched me and my fun-loving ways (yeah, that was it) for Jesus. I hated her for a lot of years. She had a batch of kids named Ezekiel and Obadiah and the like. I think her sixth kid was named Sandy. The Biblical inspiration had apparently run dry by that point. I have no idea where she is, or even if she’s still alive, but if I could find her I’d tell her that it’s okay, and that I’m thankful for the time she was in my life. I bet Craig feels that way about Raina, too.

I love your writing, Grant.