Burundian Drummers

I grew up watching drummers and dancers like these on Burundi Independence days and holidays. They could get anyone moving.

Fahrtgasse

I know it's fifth grade humor, but my daughter and I always chuckle when we pass this particular street that intersects with the Hauptstrasse.

Red Tree Berries

Why?

Why are we in Germany?
Why do friends keep moving away?
Why does it seem as if you’re often in hiding?
Why?
Why do I ask so many questions?
Why is this world so beautiful?
Why do I want to be a writer?
Why?
Why is there such pain in people's lives?
Why is it difficult to communicate well?
Why did you make mosquitoes?
Why?
Why is there hate?
Why did the teachers and students at Virginia Tech die?
Why?

A Hodge-Podge

I think today will be a hodge-podge of links to some recent posts I've liked:

Laura -- photos up from a sunny Sunday in Weinheim.
Chaplain Cooper from Calvin College -- writing about respectful dialogue.
Milton at Don't Eat Alone -- describes the country of marriage.
Pink Martini -- a new album, Hey Eugene, out in May!
In the Buj -- Trina's impressions of Burundi

Writing Retreat

I'm looking forward to tomorrow -- I'll be meeting the other members of my writing group in a little town in the Mosel Valley, about two hours away. One woman is driving from the Netherlands, the other three live in Germany. This is the first time we've taken off and done our own little retreat. Hope it's productive and invigorating! And the weather's been beautiful. A nice hike will be included.

Things I Liked About Sardinia

Numerous small cups of lovely, strong espresso. Passionfruit tic-tacs. Pudgy palm trees. Neptune's Grotto, a cave with stalactites and stalagmites. Walking Alghero's ramparts overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Hordes of bambinos. The whiskery terrier-type dogs everyone seemed to have. Eucalyptus lining the roads. Cioccolato Nero--a dense dark chocolate gelato. Skateboarders running an obstacle course of plastic cups. Old Town alleys. Friendly people.

Snapshots of Sardinia

Happy 14th Birthday

What fun, celebrating by the sea and dipping our feet in the warm Mediterranean. Now I can officially say "You're my favorite teenager!" Anna, du bist mein Schatz.

43 Things

About a year ago, I started a list of goals on 43 Things, and then promptly forgot about it. Until I came across Stephen Davies' blog, Voice in the Desert, where he listed his 43 things. So, thus prompted, here's my updated list of (so far only 31) things I'd like to accomplish someday.

1. Memorize Philippians
2. Walk & cycle regularly
3. Finish writing a mid-grade book
4. Eat more leafy greens and veggies
5. Take another art class
6. Improve my photography skills
7. See Josh Groban in concert
8. Make an amazing tiramisu
9. Learn Italian
10. Buy a laptop
11. Hike the Pacific Crest trail
12. Teach English in China
13. Visit Flannery O'Connor's birthplace
14. Publish a book of poetry
15. Adopt a Maine Coon cat
16. Learn herbal medicine
17. Follow Christ daily
18. Try indoor rock climbing
19. Kiss in the rain
20. Sleep in a treehouse
21. Plant a sensory (color, texture, fragrance) garden
22. Bake challah bread
23. Learn how to balance my checkbook
24. Be more hospitable
25. Write a graphic novel
26. Be there for my kids
27. Make my own website
28. Know about wines
29. Visit my great-grandparent's grave in China
30. Learn how to whittle
31. Be less defensive

Feel free to leave your own goals in the comments, as many or as few as you desire.