“Daddy, why are they screaming?” Olga and I were dumbfounded, one of those questions from the mouths of children which leave you grasping for an answer. We were driving through the city, the four of us in the Nissan King Cab pickup truck, Olena and Nicholas snug in the back, Olga in the front passengerContinue reading “Black, White and Blood Red”
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Tom Sawyer
“Like it? Well, I don’t see why I oughtn’t to like it. Does a boy get a chance to whitewash a fence every day?” The forecast is predicting a week of heat and sunshine, the first true taste of summer. Olga is at the cottage focusing on her yoga work. Books are calling to beContinue reading “Tom Sawyer”
The Morning After
The news arrived quietly, through the email, a brief note, a link for more details. I was stunned, immediately reading the announcement out loud. “Generous in spirit; gave of himself tirelessly; believed that art had the power to change lives.” The obituary was dated two months earlier, not even an opportunity to attend a virtualContinue reading “The Morning After”
Rise Up
I have always looked forward to the celebration of Ukrainian Easter. It is the most important date in the liturgical calendar, marked with symbolic traditions, set apart in timing and practices from the Roman Catholic church. And with the scythe of war looming over every conversation and each gathering a poignant reminder, these moments ofContinue reading “Rise Up”
Private Eyes
The curtain pulls aside. The priest opens the Royal Doors of the iconostas, looks out into the nave then turns around to the sanctuary as the congregation stands, the choir singing. Mass has begun. We have been attending this Ukrainian church since last fall, Olga reconnecting to her roots. I don’t understand a word, saveContinue reading “Private Eyes”
Wake me up before you go-go
What time is it? For that matter, what day is it? The flickering flat screen at the far end of the dining area suggests it could be Sunday. Images of gesticulating men and women, arms raised in praise, swaying to the rhythm of electric guitars, unheard voices singing in unison, a lighted cross in theContinue reading “Wake me up before you go-go”
Christmas Wrapping
“What should I get my grandfather for Christmas?” The question seems preposterous, so I keep manipulating the paper, head bent over the irregular present, attempting to find the best fold for the wrapping on my latest task. Why is this young boy asking advice from us, total strangers, within our square booth, in the midstContinue reading “Christmas Wrapping”
Common People
“Can I take your picture?” The three young women responded with blank looks at me before glancing to each other, shrugging their shoulders, either for lack of understanding or for signs of agreement amongst themselves. They were sprawled alongside the curb, amongst empty pails and sacks of red onions, tired, exhausted, scarves wrapped tight atopContinue reading “Common People”
Money Talks
“Have you gotten over the culture shock?” We are about an hour into our drive to the city of Cape Coast, having woven through conversations about Ghana, Canada, and Sweden. Kwame picked me up from the hotel at 7:00 am before a quick diversion to another for Anna who had already been in the countryContinue reading “Money Talks”
Strange Things
Let me tell you about the strange things happening to meStrange things I wonder if the next guests of Room 716 will have a wash cloth. There was one when I arrived. It was tightly rolled, resting in the aluminum cradle atop the bathroom counter, waiting for me to wash my face. Which I did.Continue reading “Strange Things”
