Midsummer Americana
I have the luxury of my mother’s rusty old Schwinn bicycle to relish these summer evenings. And what a luxury it is. The light lingers long and orange on trees so green they could burst. The neighborhoods are filled with a floral perfume, like lilac but not so saccharine. The streets echo softly with children’s … Continue reading
Getting into Focus
Almost one year ago we boxed up our lives in Edinburgh and hopped on this crazy merry-go-round. We’ve been in four countries, five states, a few dozen cities, and traveled tens of thousands of miles since. As this transitional year wraps-up (she says with a knowing hubris) I’ve been dwelling on little blessings, like my … Continue reading
The Broad Art Museum
I can be a total snob. I don’t mean to, and rarely is it malicious, but my judgmental streak pops out sometimes when I lease expect it. My prejudices must delight in surprising me. They are so damn good at it. ~ Yesterday, Bean and I went to the gallery. We used to do such … Continue reading
Even the light here is different
There are many things I knew would change when we moved to America. Our language would be odd [use the phrase “he threw his toys out’ the pram” and just watch their befuddled faces], our routines unconventional. I fully expected a warehouse-sized grocery store and a wild goose chase or two when I craved the … Continue reading
Michigan’s Winter Wonderland
All of a sudden winter is here. Last week we took a break from life-altering debates and financial planning to explore northern Michigan. And on a whim, Bean decided it was high time we saw the UP. What’s that you say? What in heavens name is the UP? The UP is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to … Continue reading
Tawas, Michigan
Sometimes the world hands you magic on a silver platter. While the summer and autumn of adventure have been glorious, exciting and full of love, Bean and I are moving into a new phase of madness. One where all our plans and ideas are more than pipedreams. Where it is time to choose where to … Continue reading
The Return
I thought a break from writing would help me better process the crazy changes in store this autumn and leave space for my private life to flourish, but it seems I was wrong. Writing is, by its essence, an act of processing. To put new things into words requires attentive thought unlike any other I … Continue reading
Oh, Britannia!
We leave in three days. The bags are packed, the tickets bought. The visa is stamped, the car is sold. It is time. While I never expected a wild rushing summer of family politics and working remotely, we’ve covered thousands of miles of country and had countless hugs along the way. Ten weeks ago we … Continue reading
The Plunge
Bean’s visa was approved last week. We left the Embassy and, after a celebratory pitstop in the decadent Selfridges Food Hall, we boarded a river cruise down the Thames. Saying goodbye to London and landing at Greenwich — ground zero; the place where time began — to watch the sunset. Fitting for the beginning of … Continue reading
Que Sera Sara? 