In late May this year, my son and daughter-in-law welcomed me to their home in St. Petersburg, Russia. Even though I had taken some steps to prepare for the journey – through language, and literature…
You are seed, sower, sown You are earth With you I am seed, sower, sown With you I am earth
I recently received the following letter from Robert MacArthur, who studied with me in fall 2005 at Saint Louis University… Dr. Chmiel! Hello! I hope this letter finds you well. I have some wonderful news…
I was at RISE Coffee today with Carrie, who’s soon headed off for first year of university at Mizzou. Early on in our conversation, she asked me if I’d like to see some of her…
I’ve been delighted to have Sarah in the online class, Be in Love with Yr Life, and want to share the following reflection with you… “Security!” my subconscious cries out on most days, looking for…
Mark Chmiel told me about the concept of the syllabus (books you are required to read for a given literature class) and one’s personal canon (books that have been significant to you personally, regardless of…
Dear Mark, Per usual, I devoured your latest release. YOUR WRITING INSPIRES ME SO DEEPLY. It inspires me to take a moment and notice the tiny things that are the fabric of life and how…
Humor is the shortest distance between any two people. And to heal each other, we need to utilize that accessibility—especially in the health professions. Clowning can dispel fear and anxiety in patients and the served,…
Someone recently sent me the following note… “Mark” I rarely call you this But you feel like a Mark right now A mark upon my life A mark of brightness in a grey background A…
Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein, 91, died at her home in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, on May 26, 2016. An internationally renowned, respected and admired advocate for human and civil rights, Hedy was encircled by friends…