For whatever reason, there’s only a single picture of Oma Ida and me, a keepsake I’ve always cherished throughout my life. She’s the only grandparent I’ve met in person; all others had long passed on when I was born. My life with her began on a hot summer day when my mother labored to bring … Continue reading Molded after Oma Ida.
Category: Memories of Germany
The Mirror
LETTERS TO MARIE My beloved Marie, Today, I want to tell you about my daddy, your great-grandpa. There are so many stories, happy ones and sad ones, but I’d love to share this one with you, when I asked him to help me hang up my huge mirror: I hear my parent’s car and see … Continue reading The Mirror
The old stuff, and what’s attached to it.
A bag full of tapes. The leather bag was heavy. It was a gorgeous, hand-made Haitian bag made from stiff, golden-brown leather. Some 35 years ago, I saw it in a shop and fell in love with its stylish appearance, ideal for traveling. I was so proud of my beautiful piece of luggage and so … Continue reading The old stuff, and what’s attached to it.
Fresh Bread
The taste of German bread...
Mom’s Bike
Sharing Mom's old bike...
Memories of Advent
It's just after four o'clock and already dark outside. Helga and I are tapping our feet at the threshold, freeing boots and pant bottoms from snow before opening our entrance door. I inhale deeply. She looks at me, nodding, and we giggle in anticipation. A wonderful whiff of baked apples, cinnamon and caramel sugar greets … Continue reading Memories of Advent
A woman from the East
Grandma Ida’s house was not really that large. But too big for a widow living by herself, decided the mayor. “Sorry, Madam, but you must take some of them.” “How many?” she asked, fully knowing there’s nothing much she could do. The ending war just swept a wave of refugees from the East into the … Continue reading A woman from the East
Math problem solved
"You are dreaming again," shaking her head, Charlotte darts a disapproving look my way, blue-checkered kitchen towel in hand. I am watching the bird fight in the bird house outside our window, hoping my math problem is solving itself. Some redstarts are fiercely defending their lunch, fighting off an audacious sparrow. Birdseed flying all over … Continue reading Math problem solved