When I was a girl, I used to collect bunches of dandelions. It didn’t matter to me that everyone else was trying to get rid of them--out, out, damned weed!--I thought they were pretty. Together, they looked like a fist full of sunshine. More than just a schoolgirl fancy though, I was convinced that a... Continue Reading →
Expating in the Time of Corona
Unless you're living under a rock (superb social distancing points), navigating this virus is affecting most aspects of our lives. It's upended economies. It's uprooted nations, plans, and traditions. The damn virus is upskirting us all--exposing fault lines within countries, within governments, institutions, and families. I feel a bit like a menopausal monkey, swinging wildly... Continue Reading →
Story of an Expat, Part I
Here’s where my story starts. Almost twelve years ago, my husband and I were sitting up in bed on a sunny, Sunday morning. The kids were blissfully and, unusually, asleep; it was a rare moment of quiet. And as we lay there, this man I loved with all my heart told me about a job.... Continue Reading →
Prayers for the Recently Moved
To Mazu, goddess of the seas, hear my plea for calm waters because I'm not 100% sure I filled out the insurance claim properly and we are all desperately sick of wearing the same clothes we've been wearing for the past twelve weeks. To St. Maersk of the Shipping, hear my prayer: May our shipment... Continue Reading →