Writing Across Time
The Middlebury College Admissions Office uses interviews by alumni volunteers to supplement the online application process. As one of the volunteers, I’ve been talking to Middlebury applicants this month, and of course I have told them about my experiences at college. One of the things I talk to applicants about is the 4-1-4 academic calendar […]
Upgrading???
In the last four months I have replaced two computers and an e-reader. All with better models, but the process of upgrading still has me in a semi-dysfunctional daze. I knew last fall that my days were numbered – I had a six-year-old desktop that my husband and I both used daily, and a three-and-a-half-year-old […]
The Story of Things: Aquamarine Earrings from My Grandmother
After every natural disaster, as people pick through the remains of their homes, we hear them tell reporters that what is important is that they and their families are safe. They are overwhelmed by their material losses, but they know their family’s survival is the most critical fact. And yet, our material belongings are important. […]
Confessions of a Non-Skier
After I whined in a recent post about skiing, I now must report that I did not ski on our recent family vacation. I had good intentions, but discretion dictated that I abstain this year. In mid-December, we drove to Whistler, British Columbia, in a snowstorm in the dark. (It’s a common occurrence to drive […]
Preparing for the Trip to Oregon: Keturah Belknap
Last year I posted several times about travel along the Oregon Trail in 1847, the year in which the novel I am working on takes place. (Click here and here for samples, or search this blog for “Oregon Trail.”) Several readers have asked what I’m going to do in 2013. My answer: The same thing. About […]
You Know Your Children Are Grown When . . . [Part II]
In an earlier post, I mentioned situations where I was confronted by the fact that my children are grown and independent. A family trip during this past Christmas season brought a few more such occasions to mind. You know your children are grown when . . . 1. They pick out thoughtful gifts for you […]
Gratitude for Readers and Other Bloggers (and additional awards for this blog!)
Many thanks to those of you who have written comments on my earlier posts or on Facebook, or jotted a note in your Christmas card to me, telling me you have enjoyed something I have written. I am humbled whenever I receive your feedback, because it is I who thank you for taking the time […]
Age Changes Our Perspective on Family Myths
I visited my parents over Christmas, and one day I walked past a picture in their home of my maternal grandfather (the grandfather who took many of the pictures I’ve featured on this blog). As a child, I thought of my grandfather as an old man. I saw him as a dour businessman, always wearing […]
Pear Pineapple Compote Recipe
Did you get too many pears for Christmas? They are a wonderful treat this time of year, but the abundance can be overwhelming. I think pears are best fresh, with a little cheese on the side. But here’s a tasty recipe to use them up before they go bad. Pear Pineapple Compote 3 ripe pears, […]
Did You Have a Memorable Holiday? Write About It
I hope your holiday celebrations have been filled with magic moments – moments you want to remember. Or moments when you realized a truth about yourself or a family member. Or even moments of sadness, when you felt a loss or remembered a happier time. If you had such moments this holiday season, take a […]