Togzhan-2
Togzhan was the only woman I’d meet in Zhezkazgan whose refrigerator stood in the kitchen. I took that as a sign of prosperity. Usually refrigerators were in the living room. When Woody and I moved into our own apartment, … Read More
A Little Fish in a Mennonite Sea: Shirley Hershey Showalter
This week I’m pleased to have Shirley Showalter here to share her story. I first met Shirley from afar. I’d jumped into the social media whirl as I finished my memoir and was searching for connections. At Shirley’s website I … Read More
Writer’s Block
Sunday afternoons are often spent writing my upcoming blog. Sometimes, if all is flowing smoothly, I get two or three blogs out and scheduled for their respective Wednesdays. Today, however, for the first time since I began … Read More
Happy New Year, World
It’s the start of a new year, a time to dig deep and discover what I want to have happen in my life this year. Some call these “New Year’s Resolutions.” I’ve never quite liked that term. It conjures … Read More
Christmas Music
Merry Christmas Happy Holidays (a belated) Happy Hanukkah Habari gani Pick one! Next year I’ll add music from other cultures. For now, here’s a selection of classic American holiday fare. For your listening pleasure: If Mozart … Read More
Christmas in the Trenches
December 25, 1914 One day when enemies stopped fighting New Year’s Eve 2012, I was privileged to be in the audience when a small group of performers offered a song I’d never heard. Christmas In the Trenches so moved me, I … Read More
December Holidays We Never Think About
You (probably) have your sights set on December 25 about now. Tree is up or going up soon. Presents are bought or at least on a list. Feast is planned — your house or theirs? — and guests invited. … Read More