It’s been a hard week: Husband sick, son sick, a friend suddenly taken to the hospital for an appendicitis, T. winning the U.S. election. Regarding this last sickness, how did this happen and what does it mean for the future of America? The future of the environmental policy, world trade, communication and politics? The security,Continue reading “My Country ’tis of Who?”
Category Archives: Americans in Holland
Happy 4th and Capitalizing on Captilalism
Happy 4th everyone! That little sentence needs no explanation to my U.S. friends. In fact, I believe 99% of you have the day free for the celebration of U.S. Independence Day, besides Antara, who is helping set up the stage in her town for the big day. Fourth of July is a national holiday inContinue reading “Happy 4th and Capitalizing on Captilalism”
A Glass of Tap Water Please?
In the U.S., receiving a glass of tap water with your meal at a restaurant is about as normal as receiving a fork, knife and spoon with which to eat your food. Restaurants in drought areas don’t bring it automatically, but if you ask for a glass of water, they will bring you one without hesitation. But ifContinue reading “A Glass of Tap Water Please?”
Drivel of the Privileged
I had one of those woke-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-bed days this past Thursday. Things just wouldn’t function. Drawers wouldn’t close properly. My computer was PMSing. A client showed up without a reservation. “Surprise! We’re here!” When I got home at 6:30pm, I was ready to put the day behind me. That’s when I noticed; my sweater was inside out.Continue reading “Drivel of the Privileged”
Crazy Man, Art and Happiness Jars
Kat, an old roommate of mine who is an adult with A.D.D. once explained what every day was like for her. She hears and notices everything –each sound amplified and recorded in her mind, demanding equal attention. Her life is rich with detail, but such richness has a downside. “It can be overwhelming,” she said. InContinue reading “Crazy Man, Art and Happiness Jars”
January 1, 2016 Impressions
It started in the early hours of the morning with a round of Pommery champagne as we join strangers on the corner, all gazing skyward at the sparkling, cascading mayhem of gunpowder disguised as fireworks; aware, like someone on a new frontier, that no one is in charge; anything is possible. Long after our New Year’sContinue reading “January 1, 2016 Impressions”
Sunday Ride: Now and Then
When we were kids, my brothers and I were periodically subjected to my father’s long Sunday drives after church. If my father was still alive, I think he would recall these drives as the foundation of our interests in architectural style. My memory to date is that I hated them: the three of us kidsContinue reading “Sunday Ride: Now and Then”
She’s back. But is she here to stay?
Some people find the whole concept of New Year’s resolutions to be a bunch of childish mamby pamby for losers who don’t realize it’s just another day. Me? I’m a dyed in the wool sucker for hope and fresh beginnings in the New Year. And if there’s one thing I can count on, it’s me making a wholeContinue reading “She’s back. But is she here to stay?”
Rothko at the Gemeente Museum
Can an artist portray emotions of happiness, fear or ecstasy through the sole use of rectangular shapes of color? Can they do so without explanation or words? That is the question that came to the forefront Saturday afternoon during a visit to the Gemeentemuseum to view the Rothko exhibit I have to admit, his large swaths ofContinue reading “Rothko at the Gemeente Museum”
Possessions
Although I tend to avoid antique stores and second hand shops because of the crowded nature of the lay out and the often musty smell that comes with old things, I am drawn to bazaars and the hidden treasures they provide. Bazaars have an extra carpe diem appeal because they are often one or two dayContinue reading “Possessions”
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