There’s no escaping the reach of American politics these days and flying thousands of miles away is not sufficient distance to feel removed. It’s a crazy time and, during our time in Italy, one of the first questions we’ve gotten, delivered in the most hesitant and polite manner, is wtf is going on in America? … Continue reading Fussing and fighting
Tag: musings
please be patient with me
During a recent class, my yoga instructor (J) talked a lot, something I don’t mind at all - especially when she starts the class with a statement about phones not belonging in the studio. Rant: I will never be able to understand why anyone (other than someone in a serious medical situation) would even want … Continue reading please be patient with me
Breaking (some of)the rules
On a night when the moon is one day shy of full and there’s less than 24 hours standing between you and a four day holiday weekend, it’s hard to get motivated to do much beyond sitting on the back deck with a cold glass of Italian white staring at the moon. What else is … Continue reading Breaking (some of)the rules
Finding Wolfgang
These last few days in the Black Forest have been filled with both emotion and memories. This is the first time I’ve come to this part of Germany, the area where my family comes from, since being here 7 years ago with my youngest son and my Uncle Wolfgang. Walking the stone streets of Freiburg … Continue reading Finding Wolfgang
Death of a crusader
I learned this week of the loss of a friend from high school. Before I go further, you should know a couple of things - first I hesitated to write “friend,” because it’s a word that suggests a connection and intimacy that I wasn’t certain I should claim there had been between Gary and myself. … Continue reading Death of a crusader
Read this: The Rent Collector
Over the years there have been a number of YA books that captured me completely and for eternity. Off the top of my head, I immediately think of The Book Thief, What the Night Sings and Free Lunch. Interestingly enough, each of these books relates a story of a young person or family struggling under … Continue reading Read this: The Rent Collector
Writer’s tears
I’ve mentioned before that I often find myself weepy when I’m in Ireland. If you know me at all, you’re aware that’s atypical of me. I’m not known to be a crier. On the occasions that I do get teary, it’s likely to be about children and animals, not songs or physical gestures. Last week, though, … Continue reading Writer’s tears






