When You Can't Hit What You Aim At, Stop Hunting.

In this third collection of essays, I have selected 25 pieces that appeared in draft form on my now defunct blog, "Notes from an Eclectic Mind." Unlike my previous books, "The Little Town" and "The Land That Knows No Parting," I edited and expanded on these essays, updating and refocusing a number of them to reflect my own changed perceptions.Although there is much here of my growing-up years, I have also included memoir-based reflections on influential people and events in my life. Some of the material is, I hope, humorous, some thoughtful. While I was trained as a professional historian, this is not the stuff of history, but of nostalgic recollection.My interest is more in seeking to recreate the feeling of days gone by. The mind is a lovely thing in its ability to throw a soft filter on the past, to sand off the edges of the difficulties and arguments, to lend some aura of wisdom where at the time good sense wasn't even on the table as an option.I am no philosopher, but I believe in living the examined life whether the outlook is wry, serious, or even dismissive. A good story speaks in different ways to different listeners. My only intent is to kick at the fire and spin a yarn.If I've caused any sparks, stamp them out. The purpose is to warm, not burn. Rana K. Williamson