Andrew Taylor-Troutman

Monday marks the first day of classes at UNC, and I’m thinking of the freshmen in particular. Forget butterflies: the excitement and nerves in my belly on my first day were like a Molotov cocktail.

There’s a gradual entry to the neighborhood pool where the littlest kids play, and I like to stand in the water up to my shins and cool off, even though I suspect someone is peeing in close proximity.

Yesterday, my sons dealt with their summer doldrums by making Oreo sushi. Perhaps you, too, have heard of this internet craze, even attempted the recipe. If not, I assure you that no raw fish is involved.

I began writing this essayette in the airplane’s exit row after paying $47 for the extra legroom. I am over six feet tall, so it’s worth it. A little earlier, I boarded the plane and passed the short people stretched out in first class.

Canada geese reside in my neighborhood pond. Although they spend time in Canada, most of the year-round time is spent in the United States.

On the recent “What’s Trending” segment on 97.9 The Hill, Victor Lewis and Aaron Keck discussed Shibumi Shades.

I suppose it is like a pastor to begin a musing with an old hymn, yet a walk on the beach at dawn brought “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” to mind.

Michael Koh is a terrific writer, and his gifts are on display in his series of humorous and...

James Davis was a Presbyterian pastor and poet. His funeral was held last Saturday at my church, and his family gave me a copy of his poetry book Seek the Counsel of Trees.

Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” was blaring in my head as I drove past the schools this week. I can picture today’s students joyfully slamming lockers and throwing papers in the air like in the movie Dazed and Confused.