I kept thinking what a privilege it was, this work of creating tradition. I get to choose what will come to my family’s mind when they think about Thanksgiving; what will taste like home to them. Continue reading it’s tradition: another thanksgiving in france
While avoiding writing today, I found a book on my shelf from the eighties called “Writing Down the Bones.” My copy is yellowed and studded with bookmarks–receipts, clothing tags, and the business card of a Californian sculptor. It’s not really my copy, but my grandma’s, and the book’s history only adds to its mystique. Hundreds of books are around that tell how to avoid bad … Continue reading composting the details
I have a fiancé? I felt like I was acting, like Mom and I were doing undercover research for an exposé on the bridal industry. Continue reading a modest proposal
Experiencing my own country with a foreigner is maybe as close to really traveling in it as I’ve ever gotten. Here with Victor, I delight in the little quirks that may surprise him. I explain why we always tip, and how much to plan on. I smile as he fumbles with the standard American how are you?, which tends to startle Europeans. “What do I say? Do they really … Continue reading half a mile of the american dream: a glimpse of route 66
When Victor came to visit for two weeks in July, our travel plans were quite literally a rough sketch. The napkin on which I had scribbled ideas during a phone call became the backbone of our road trip. As the day of Victor’s flight approached, we had little more than city names, a few reserved AirBnbs, and a lot of anticipation. Trepidation, too. Victor, aviation … Continue reading “make no little plans”: in chicago, the road trip begins
Croissants & Conjugations 