Standing up for yourself is a combination of knowing when to fight and when to back off. I love to tell stories of when my parents owned a motel in Ponders Corner and I stood up to stare others down. I don’t like telling the story of standing up for myself, but it comes with […]
To Ponder
Across the Fence: Schadenfreude
You probably have heard this Germanism in the English language before: Schadenfreude (pronounce: shah-den-froy-duh, meaning glee bout damage). And probably hardly anybody is immune against it, unless they are saints. Though, allegedly, there are such people. Apparently, the term turned up in the German language around 1740, about a century later in the English language. […]
Letter: Those Three Words
‘Breaking News!’ So began the card accompanying the bouquet of daisies just delivered to her door. ‘Stars are no longer available to purchase in the name of the one you love. ‘We apologize for the consternation that will no doubt accompany this announcement but we must inform all lovers and star gazers that all constellations, all […]
Letter: “Ordinary No, Really Don’t Think So”
He couldn’t afford much by which to express his love for her. He wanted to buy her the most beautiful and the biggest bouquet from among the many offerings from the shop where the sweet scents and the fragrances of spring time filled his senses. Fringed petals as if created by pinking shears; nodding bell-shapes; […]
It’s Greek to Me
When Peg and I stop in for a great meal at It’s Greek to Me, we make sure to order enough for the two of us and any other friends we might have join us. The authentic Greek cuisine has been a great place to share family and friends birthday parties from young ages to […]
Letter: My Beautiful, Precious Rose
The young man at the door asked bashfully if she wouldn’t mind having her picture taken holding the dozen red roses he’d just delivered from the local florist – bashful because she was beautiful, as were the flowers, and, well, would she mind? She smiled, and said “Why, of course!” Her eyes were so dark, […]
Sister Act Teaser
Tacoma Musical Theatre opened the fall release of Sister Act Friday. Based on the hit 1992 film, Sister Act is a feel-amazing musical comedy smash that has audiences jumping to their feet! This uplifting musical was nominated for 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical. It is hilarious . . . The almost full theatre was […]
Letter: One Day
There’s a proverb, according to the Aramaic translation, which reads: “A house is built by wisdom and by understanding it is entirely put in good order. And the inner chambers are filled by knowledge with every possession, honor, and delight.” But it’s not brick and motor, cabinets and furniture, or trinkets of one kind or […]
My Father the Sailor
My dad was born in Missouri and grew up during the depression. In the 1930s everyone had it tough. His mother divorced his father and Dad put himself through high school working any job he could get, while renting a room from another relative. My aunt Virginia shared with her twin, my mother, that “I […]