Stories,photos

134 results total, viewing 21 - 30

The treasures of my home, cellar to attic

We Rhode Islanders revere the reverie of piracy. The dream of adventure and romance on the high seas, with a focus on the concept of buried treasure chests just beneath the sandbars at our … more

Mike Fink | 2/3/23

The many splendors of trees

This toast to timber has multiple meanings, which I will list here. Our Arbor Day is one, of course. A symbol of ecology as well as Zionism. But for me, it was all about the poems by American artists … more

Mike Fink | 1/5/23

Past meets present in our holidays

Once upon a time, was there in fact a cactus that caught fire by itself? I read that once: a spontaneous flaming shrub gave birth to the Torah tale of the divine voice speaking to Moses from the … more

Mike Fink | 12/2/22

On Thanksgiving, blessings for all

I like to think that Thanksgiving was inspired by Sukkot, that the Pilgrims read the Bible and endeavored to weave its values and ideas into the fabric of their lives here in this hemisphere. That … more

Mike Fink | 11/3/22

The Harvest Moon shines on all of us the world over

The October Harvest Moon holds appeal for people from a global range of cultures. We celebrate it here at Sukkot and Thanksgiving, and like to think that we are also thanking the indigenous tribes … more

Mike Fink | 10/7/22

Summer gives way to the new year – and it’s all good

“These precious days”: Remember those lyrics to the popular old song sung by Walter Huston? It seems right as I report on the past and our hopes for the new year. We got down to … more

Mike Fink | 9/11/22

August tales in little Rhody

I earned a laugh long ago when I made the following kvetch to my “boss,” the head of my department at the Rhode Island School of Design: “All seasons are depressing, each for a … more

Mike Fink | 8/5/22

Hope among the flowers

I read too much meaning in everything, I know it. So, I am searching for the significance of one single blossom, which I am eyeing to pluck and put in a vase to stare at come breakfast, … more

Mike Fink | 7/4/22

The unforgettable Paulette Noble

I met Paulette at a rooftop party in Boston when she was a senior at Brandeis. She had used reparation money to tool around in a crimson sports coupe and, as I recall, she took me on as a passenger … more

Mike Fink | 6/3/22

A portrait of grace and fortitude

A neighbor, an “aunt,” a second cousin, a friend, a companion: Who, and what, to me, was Edith? She lived on my street, uphill at a corner, and was related to me on both my … more

Mike Fink | 5/6/22