Jon Palmer

Fears And The Younger Self | Mark’s Remarks

I think about what I feared when I was younger and how many of those fears have gone away. I also realize that things worry me that didn’t worry me…

The Art of Nosiness | Mark’s Remarks

There are people who are so good at it, you don’t even notice. You know what I’m talking about. Don’t you know a nosy person who has to know everyone’s…

A Critical Spirit And Getting Scolded | Mark’s Remarks

I think there is a common thread, or many common threads, that run in groups of people who grow up in small communities. In those places, everyone knows everyone. Although…

‘The Scared Witless Club’ | Mark’s Remarks

In my most evil moments, when I am ready to criticize and judge everyone on the face of the Earth, I talk about some people who are members of the…

I Know You Pray | Mark’s Remarks

We attended church always, but I particularly remember going to a country church where we had service and then went in the back for Sunday school. When I was very…

Youth | Mark’s Remarks

You see the older guy who still keeps himself fit and trim, and is admired because of it.  But he won’t allow himself to be associated with older folks, so…

Travelogue | Katie Albert

My name is Katie Albert. I am a Waterloo High School graduate, resident of Waterloo, and full-time student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville majoring in psychology with a minor in…

Freedom and the Controlling People | Mark’s Remarks

I once knew an older couple who seemed to be very nice.  Both of them worked in the community and were members of the church. By all appearances, they were…

Swimming Lessons, 1974 | Mark’s Remarks

It was the summer of 1974 and my mother decided it was time for me to learn to swim.  There I stood in my swim trunks, pasty white and skinny…

Roxaboxen | Mark’s Remarks

A dear friend recently brought my daughter some books, and one of them was the classic story Roxaboxen by Alice McLerren. I had read the book long ago when I…