Quizzical Clara’s Quinceañera

Clara turned 15! Theoretically, anyway, since we have continued the tradition of giving each twin a birthday that does not compete with the other’s or Jesus‘s cake day—so Clara’s birthday this year was on December 1. With besties Georgette and Marley, we had some fine dining at the famous Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown, staying warmContinue reading “Quizzical Clara’s Quinceañera”

Slippers, Homecoming and all that junk: An introduction to high school

I haven’t posted in such a long time, and I’ve been trying to plumb my little spirit to figure out why. Perhaps the combination of adolescent outrage at uncurated photos and news about them shared; a sense that the inside of my mind is like a swirl cone from the rundown boardwalk ice cream shopContinue reading “Slippers, Homecoming and all that junk: An introduction to high school”

The elephant and the turkey: a ride, a trot, and some driving

You know that feeling you get right before you step onto an elephant’s back to go for a ride? You know, definitely intrigued and excited but tinged with trepidation? That’s how I felt at the beginning of Thanksgiving break. I was waiting to hop on the back of the break, which was to be myselfContinue reading “The elephant and the turkey: a ride, a trot, and some driving”

The Fat Cat and the Thermal Underwear

I wish I could say it was the morning devotional or the jazzy Christmas playlist that slows me down, but it’s really just the fat cat sitting on my lap. Who wants to disturb the cat? So, finally, a moment of stillness on this sunny-cold early morning to pause. Why is it that Advent, theContinue reading “The Fat Cat and the Thermal Underwear”

A Fortnight for Fortitude, from the St. Lawrence to St. George

Two weeks ago today, October 15, I was on a train looking over cold water tumbling across rocks under the bridge somewhere between Montreal and Quebec City, about to debark into the 17th century village with cobblestone streets and flowers spilling over windowsill boxes. Mom and I would deliver our suitcases at the spacious, colorful,Continue reading “A Fortnight for Fortitude, from the St. Lawrence to St. George”

The Case of the Missing Suitcase

One week ago today, this happened. After three harrowing days and even more torturous nights, a 3:00 am knock on the door from Officer Edwards of the Montgomery County Police Department opened the hatch to begin the escape from la la land. Tatum had showed up at a friend’s house, and we had the delicateContinue reading “The Case of the Missing Suitcase”