Though I wrote a lot this summer, I also needed time to reflect on that writing and to not even think about that writing. I'm sure many parts of life - creative and otherwise - are like that. It helps to take breaks. This summer, two of my best "break" activities were morning bike rides... Continue Reading →
On Memories and Acts of Care
"It’s the memories of care that strike me in a different, deeper place." - from "On Memories and Acts of Care" I'm pleased to share my recent piece "On Memories and Acts of Care," which appeared in The Polk Street Review 2025, where it was awarded the 2025 Award of Merit (Best in Book) prize. Read on... Continue Reading →
On Birch Branches and Everyday Reminders
A birch tree reaches out over the White River at a point very near my favorite bike trail. A clear view of it opens up from the hilltop north of an interstate bridge. From there I see many branches of many trees, but the birch’s vivid white bark often catches my attention. I first noticed... Continue Reading →
To Practice Change
I’ve been looking ahead, daydreaming about blossoms on trees, and fresh starts, and new things. They sound beautiful. Newness means change, though, and I’ve had a complicated relationship with change. Perhaps many of us have in recent years as the pace of it seems to have picked up. Change can bring about great good, but... Continue Reading →
Thoughts and Readings, Part 2 (Kat’s Dreams)
Thanks, again, to RM Media for this video opportunity (part 2 of 3) to talk about paying attention and about my new book, Kat's Dreams. https://youtu.be/hzwpB_SMDn0 Read More about kat's dreams Video Transcript: Smith: As a clergy person, I've gotten into the habit of paying attention to the spiritual aspects of how we live and... Continue Reading →
The Beauty of Rest
“Look!” His brakes screeched as the bike came to a stop. I caught up and slowed to a stop behind him. My friend pointed to the side of the trail. “Do you know what these are?” I looked down. “Mayapples?” “Mayapples. You know they’re native to Indiana?” I nodded. With that, he dove into a... Continue Reading →