A handful of you may know that I’m almost finished with my first novel. This would be a great time for me to mention the title of my book, but unfortunately I’m like a floor fan on a hot summer day when it comes to determining the best title for my debut novel–oscillating between oneContinue reading “Talking with authors”
Category Archives: Americans in Holland
Old Books versus Mother Nature
Usually I love nature. Just last week I was saying to my husband how much I want to live in a natural environment, away from the screeching sounds of the tram rails, the bricks and concrete and the compressed feeling I experience when I’m among the crowds in the shopping district. But when a bitingContinue reading “Old Books versus Mother Nature”
Why do you write?
I was speaking to my brother on the phone the other day about a post on a blog we both follow called Life of Johnston. She starts her post with the following: “I only started this online diary as a publicity stunt for my books. Yet fame continues to elude me. It seems that aContinue reading “Why do you write?”
Boston Marathon, Interpreter of Maladies, Displacement
I woke up early Tuesday morning to the screeching of trams rolling along the tracks mixed with the pleasant chirping of birds. After a thirty minute meditation, I eased into the morning routine of making breakfast, packing lunch for my son, getting my own bag ready for my Tuesday morning gym class and kissing myContinue reading “Boston Marathon, Interpreter of Maladies, Displacement”
Strange Things the Dutch Don’t Do
The Napkin A few weeks ago a beam of sunshine cracked through the thick layers of gray and we celebrated by going out to a cafe. Our son ordered a tosti (a diminuitive of the grilled cheese sandwich) and Chocomel (chocolate milk that is so well branded, it dominates the market, and is a staple in everyContinue reading “Strange Things the Dutch Don’t Do”
Make your Breasts Wet
When we moved to the Netherlands two years ago, I had only a rudimentary understanding of the Dutch language. A lack of fluency compromises your ability to participate in a culture in the same way smoking too much dope impairs your senses; you know people are saying something that resembles words, but by the time your mind translatesContinue reading “Make your Breasts Wet”
Six boys
My husband and I were both excited and fearful as our son’s 6th birthday approached. We were excited because our little guy was turning six and his exuberant energy was contagious. We were riddled with fear and anxiety as memories of last year’s birthday party played through our minds accompanied by the mantra of “never again.” Last year’s “celebration” provided a rather harshContinue reading “Six boys”
Christmassy Towns and Giving Thanks
Are you a Christmas lover or Christmas hater? Okay. So it’s not so green and red as that; there’s a whole spectrum of possibilities in between. Perhaps you’re someone who likes all the presents but doesn’t like the religious aspect, or someone who highly dislikes how this religious holiday has been hijacked by consumerism. Or maybe it just stressesContinue reading “Christmassy Towns and Giving Thanks”
Home way from home away from home
When we flew into Schiphol airport outside Amsterdam, I had a great sense of relief: Relief that the long plane ride was over, excitement to see my husband again, and the shoulder-relaxing sensation of being back home. And there I’ve said it. Home. Usually, that’s a term I reserve solely for central California, the place where I grew upContinue reading “Home way from home away from home”
Dutch Communication
Dutch Communication May 11, 2012 I was considering joining a course offered through the church where I work called Werk en Balans (Work and Balance). Guest speakers from professional job coaches, successful businessman-gone-minister, psychologists and others would be giving lectures on seeking this coveted balance. Seeing as my residence is attached to my workplace, you canContinue reading “Dutch Communication”
kristininholland 