Still in Love

Mom and Dad--at a Mother's Day Brunch a few weeks ago put on by my sister Susan.

I'm so grateful to be living near my folks this year. They're still in love with each other and it makes me happy to see them together.

P.S. Can you tell that we Broses are a food-loving family? Quite a spread. My steamed carrots with honey and ginger felt underdressed next to the brie & pinenuts in puff pastry, smoked apple frittata, and dessert tray with chai cupcakes and mini cheesecakes.

Good Advice from Hank Jones

Hank Jones, jazz pianist, died a few days ago at the age of 91. NPR replayed an earlier interview with him and this is what Hank said about playing piano (as closely as I remember--I was driving the car while listening and wrote his words down after I got to my destination):

"I try to be conversant with the piano... You have to be on good speaking terms with the piano, or the piano will rebuff you."

Seems as if this advice also applies to writing and other art forms. Unless it's an ongoing conversation, not just an occasional thing, the writing will rebuff us too. Daily writing, here I come.

Thanks, Hank! You'll be missed.

Can You Guess?

Can you guess where this picture of Jeff and me was taken?

Ch-Ch-Ch-Change

More than a few changes going on with our three children these days...

This July, Danielle moves back to the US to attend law school. She's worked in Heidelberg, Germany, with Malachi Ministries for three years, helping to support youth groups and youth projects for children of the military. We're proud of Danielle's involvement overseas and interested to see what happens next.

At the beginning of June, our son David marries his fiancee Emily in Grand Rapids, Michigan--the two met during college, and will be moving to Iowa for work and further studies. We're excited for this big step in their lives and eager to gain a great daughter-in-law.

Anna is researching schools and thinking about college scholarships. She lives one more year at home and then off she goes. I'm realizing it will be a big adjustment to say goodbye to our youngest! Jeff and I might need to adopt an international student or something. Truly though, we're happy at what an independent and thoughtful young woman Anna's turning out to be.

P.S.
Oh, and in case you wondered, contrary to some dire predictions (ahem, Jeff), Murphy survived the sixteen hour trip last year on Lufthansa airlines and is currently chasing squirrels and assorted birds in our Washington backyard. He takes pain pills for his joints, but is doing remarkably well for an eleven year old pup. Not bad for a dog whose death has been foreseen multiple times.

I Found A Reason -- Cat Power