Not long ago, I took a two-week holiday in Scotland in August. I use the expression “on holiday” instead of “on vacation” because that is what the people in Scotland say. The people I spoke with just do not understand the expression, “on vacation.” They inquire, “But what are you vacating?” Ah, yes. If they […]
Ten Reasons to Go on Holiday in Scotland Read More »
The grace of the Irish is what immediately comes to mind when I think about the two weeks I was in Ireland in July. Oh, I know that people usually think of the common phrase, “the luck of the Irish.” Throughout history, though, the Irish have not been particularly lucky. Think of the potato famines
The Grace of the Irish Read More »
Your voice is too friendly,Your smile too inviting,Your laugh too welcoming.Don’t speak.You’re giving these people the wrong idea.Be silent. White powder spread across the table,glass bottles scattered on the floor;the loud men filling the roomgrow more menacing with each snort of cocaine.Such peace for me in his chaotic lifewhen he doesn’t notice me.He reminds me,“Lock
I had a pet otter for about two years when I was growing up in the dusty farming town of Fessenden, North Dakota. His name was Joe and we played together quite a lot. My best friend, Carol, played with him, too. I should mention Joe was imaginary. Carol had a bird named Hi-low who
Growing Up: From Otters to Elvis Read More »
Times are changing for Japanese women, and the changes are profound. Traditionally, young Japanese boys and girls followed firmly established paths. For instance, as a young boy, Ono went out into his community to find a willing teacher to take him in and allow him to learn an art or trade as an apprentice. He
Japanese Women Are Rolling into Careers as Sushi Chefs Read More »
She said she wouldn’t leave me and I believed her. She stared at me with those big, colorless eyes, half-smile, waiting. She was never the patient sort. “Do it,” she said. Every time she asked, the thought of the guard and the seven other inmates listening and responding made me hesitate, but only momentarily. “Would