A Few Snaps

A few snapshots of my time in Oregon for Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary -- this first picture shows our folks with Beth, Dan, myself, and Susan -- the four siblings.

All the cousins (except for David & Anna, back in Germany). My oldest daughter, Danielle, stands top left. Then, moving clockwise, Aaron, Josiah, Gabrielle, Andrew, Hannah, Benjamin, and Austin. A great group, and I'd still say that if I weren't the "auntie."

Bubble Tea Recipes

JW asked for bubble tea recipes -- here are a few:

* Bubble tea history and recipe -- "The drink originally started as a childhood treat in Taiwan in the late 1980's at small tea stands in front of the schoolhouses."

* Another bubble tea recipe

I've never tried to make my own bubble tea, but it doesn't look too hard. Just need to hunt down a store that sells large tapioca pearls...they must be sold somewhere in Germany.

Another Item Crossed Off the "To Do In Oregon" List

Got my bubble tea fix this afternoon. My stomach is happy.

Update From the Northwest

Yesterday I canoed with my two sisters, a few of their children, and Danielle in Sunriver. When the waterfront worker picked us up at the end of our 2 hour trip, I asked if he liked his job.

"Yeah, except a lot of people do stupid things and end up hurting themselves here," he replied. Recently, one teenager swung out far over the river on a rope swing, but forgot to let go and smashed back hard into the rock cliff wall. Another man injured himself falling out of a porta-potty, and when his young daughter saw his gashed leg, she fainted dead away. That was just the beginning... I'll bet the emergency room does good business this time of the year.

In other news: Trina of In the Buj posted about my brother, Dan, and his wife Tam. She wrote a nice tribute -- Dan and Tam just moved back to Oregon from Burundi, Africa.

Our Law-Abiding Neighbor

Olaf, our neighbor across the road, waves and says "Hallo!" whenever we see him. He's also the self-appointed "enforcer" of German laws in our neighborhood (given that many of us rent our rowhouses, so haven't lived here long enough to memorize the entire canon of South Germany rules ...).

Mike, an American who lived next door to us for two years, had a feud going with Olaf. Mike's daughter liked to play her rock music loudly with the windows open on Sunday afternoon. You may not realize, but Baden-Wurttemberg has quiet hours during the week from 1-3:00 in the afternoon, and all day on Sunday and holidays. This means: no lawn-mowers revving up then, no screaming and shouting, no loud car engines, and of course, no stereos blasting. But Mike didn't take kindly to Olaf's reminders about needing to be quieter. In fact, he may have encouraged his daughter to continue playing her music at an even higher volume. Maybe it's just as well that they're no longer living kitty-corner to each other.

But I had to chuckle at what my husband, Jeff, described seeing this morning--the neighbor directly across from us owns a huge golden retriever that barks its head off at random moments. Olaf walked over to their patio and leaned close to the fence. He whispered to the dog, "shhh, shhh," and held his finger to his lips. For several minutes, Olaf stayed there, making sure the retriever understood the importance of quiet hours. After he left, all was silent.

Now, if I still had cranky toddlers? I'd hire Olaf in an instant. Then I'd let him work his magic during nap-time. This man has a gift.

Oregon, Here I Come

In less than a week, I'll be setting foot in Oregon again. My folks are celebrating their 50th anniversary, and (miracle of miracles), all four of us kids plan to celebrate with them. Danielle's going too, on a separate flight. I'm gloating here: got the ten hour, straight shot Lufthansa flight! Last time, Anna and I had two LONG connections, and by the time we boarded the last plane headed towards the west coast, I came very close to using my handy "personal motion discomfort bag."

I won't be able to connect much with friends in Portland--most of the time is booked--a week in Sunriver with the entire clan, and a few days in Newport at the beach. So I guess that means I'll need to make a repeat trip soon...

What I can't wait for:
* The one-of-a-kind Sylvia Beach Hotel, a hotel for book lovers! This place is quirky and fun. A spot to meet intriguing people from all over the world. Check out some of the rooms.
* Walking along Nye Beach and listening to the waves. Picking up smooth rocks. Hearing the seagulls. Feeling the ocean mist on my face.
* Laughing with my family at the same old stories and silly jokes we bring up each time.
* Cycling along the trails at Sunriver. Sighting hawk, deer and maybe elk.

For My Youngest Sister

Susan -- hope you had a wunderbar birthday celebration!

I'm bringing you a gift from Germany (just pray it doesn't break in the suitcase).

A few of your special qualities:
* You combine an artist's outlook with a down-to-earth business mind.
* You're always willing to try ethnic food--Thai, Mexican, Ethiopian, or any other triple chili pepper blend.
* You inspire me with your fitness walking.
* You have a knack for learning new things quickly.
* You care about your kids and take time for them.

* You make me laugh!

* You don't remind me too often that I'm the older sister.

Susan, I could write a lot more, but I mainly want you to know that I love you and you'll always be an important part of my life. I'm glad we got to spend time together in Italy last November and I'm looking forward to seeing you again in less than a week. Let's treat ourselves to espressos and tiramisu...

Thought-Provoking

If I hadn't started painting, I would have raised chickens. -- Grandma Moses

Everything is a miracle. It is a miracle that one does not dissolve in one's bath like a lump of sugar. -- Pablo Picasso

I often painted fragments of things because it seemed to make my statement as well as or better than the whole could. -- Georgia O'Keefe

Art is never finished, only abandoned. -- Leonardo da Vinci

Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly? -- Frida Kahlo

I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me--like food or water. -- Ray Charles

The Waiting Game

Well, I'm feeling productive. Got a themed collection of thirty-five Africa poems off in the mail yesterday to a children's/young adult publishing house. Now, I'll wait a long time for their reply. Also, I have two children's picture book stories out at a different publishers, along with several poems submitted to Weavings journal.

Time to figure out what to focus on now. Should I work on chapter 3 of a young adult novel I started awhile back? Or pick up the thread of an old picture book that needs reworking? I could send out a few completed essays that came back with a "no..."last month. Choices, choices.

Pawing Through Old Photos

I'm rummaging through boxes of old photos, and thought I'd post a few pictures from younger days--Laurie and friends holding new puppies (a mix of our dachshund and the local basenji breeds).

Burundian women carrying loads of firewood and produce home from market--notice their excellent posture! Also, I now realize how much strength it takes to carry those loads any distance. Amazing.

Happy 23rd Birthday

Happy July birthday to Danielle:

History buff,
black tea drinker,
dog-hugger,
étudiante de Français,
wonderful oldest daughter,
shoe-hoarder,
service project volunteer,
Gilmore Girls watcher,
gear shift driver,
raspberry chocolate fiend,
avid reader,
world traveler,
DANIELLE!

Time to Play Tag

Ginger at Joyful Woman tagged me to write eight random facts about myself. Without too much extended thought, here you go:

1. I’m the oldest child of four, and somewhat compulsive about knowing what’s going to happen in the near future (surprise parties throw me for a loop, fyi).
2. I love Tandoori chicken, Tazo Earl Grey tea with milk and sugar, dark chocolate, Thai chicken pizza, and, I guess, pretty much any type of food. When my youngest challenged me to tell her a food I didn’t like, I replied, “Umm, brains on toast?”
3. My brother’s nickname for me as a kid was “Truck.” As in lorry=Laurie. Those Brits out there will understand. Also, I got called “Professor” at boarding school when I started wearing glasses.
4. Like Ginger, I enjoyed climbing trees constantly as a child. Tall, bendy, spicy-smelling eucalyptus trees. I also liked lying in our tree house, listening to the wind blow.
5. Bumblebees are another one of my loves. They’re just so much fun to watch, bumbling among the blossoms. They’re like clumsy planes which somehow manage to become airborne.
6. As far as I know, I’ve never broken a bone or had strep throat. I did take tons of malaria medicine growing up and suffered my fair share of immunizations.
7. In high school, I skipped countless afternoon classes my junior/senior years and drove the country roads around Gresham. (Not recommended, for you students out there).
8. Choir concerts in old cathedrals and African drumming both make me happy.

I’m tagging :

Betsy at Blog Ness Monster
Holly at And Sew It Is
Laura at Today On My Wanderings
Milton at Don’t Eat Alone

The rules:
* Players start with eight random fact about themselves.
* People who are tagged need to write their own blog about eight things and post these rules.
* At the end of the blog, choose eight (or less!) people to tag and list their names and blog addresses.
* Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged.

What's Your Idol?

Just returned from gassing up the car at our local Esso station. While there, I glimpsed a bright yellow pickup with this logo on the side:

"IDOLATERS OF CLASSIC SCOOTERS" and in smaller letters underneath,
"Lambretta, Piaggio"

Did they maybe mean "Worshippers of Italian Scooters?" I'm guessing, here. But it made me look twice!

The Latest Harry Movie

Took our two daughters to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix tonight. I think this one turned out to be my favorite movie so far--maybe because it felt so realistic--all that teen angst and Harry's struggles with grief and rejection. Good photography, too.

Ah, you gotta love German movie theatres, though. We reserved our seats ahead of time online (can you do this in the States?) and claimed our nice middle row, not-to-close-to-the-front spots. I had the option of purchasing Welde beer at the concession stand, along with nachos and sweet popcorn. What really threw me for a loop--Anna ordered a chocolate bar, and the snack person asked her, "from the Kühlschrank?" (from the fridge?). Apparently, if you like, the candy's precooled so it doesn't melt in your clammy, hot hands.

Anyway, a nice outing. If you send me an email at the address listed in my Blog profile, I'll mail you a Harry Potter postcard in German. Picked up three, so first come, first served.

Murphy's Chin-Rest

Our dog loves to rest his jowls on the bottom rung of our wooden dinner chair. Also, on the rockers of our rocking chair. I guess he just needs a little extra support now and then. Doesn't it make him look thoughtful?

Jeff and I have been discussing a few intense topics lately: where we might live in the future, types of jobs to consider, family finances, etc. Our discussions are helpful; however, I'm feeling the desire to mix a bit of lightness and humor into our daily lives. Jeff and I need to laugh more on a regular basis, especially with each other.

I like watching comedies with Jeff, and he reads the funnies from the newspaper to me on Sunday. We chuckle together about silly quirks in people, and the odd habits of our corgi.

My big question, thrown out into the blogosphere—
What ways have you found to laugh together in your relationship with a friend or family member? I’d love to hear some fresh ideas. Please leave suggestions in the comments below. Remember, you can sign in as Other, you don’t need a Blogger account to comment.

The Park of Naked People

If you've never had an opportunity to visit Vigeland Sculpture Park, just on the outskirts of Oslo, Norway, here are a few photos from our trip to Oslo a few weeks ago. Jeff is half Norwegian on his mother's side, and he finally got to see the land of his ancestors. He thought the country beautiful but didn't care so much for the Norse fixation on fish for most meals. I have to say, on the bus from Torp airport, someone opened a packet of smoked salmon and munched on it on the drive to town. Had me salivating the entire way!

I loved Vigeland and could easily have spent all day there. On the other hand, my daughter Anna said, after a brief hour in the park, "I don't like it--isn't it kind of creepy to stare at a bunch of naked people, standing around in different poses?" I guess art appreciation truly is a matter of individual taste.

One of the things I noticed--Vigeland sculpted men, women, and children of all ages and shapes. Not only people in the prime of life, but those near life's end and just at the beginning. Genius, as far as I'm concerned.

Rwandan Litany

Here's the poem of mine that appeared in the spring 2007 edition of Portland Magazine, edited by Brian Doyle. Check out the magazine website for more stories and photos!

RWANDAN LITANY

Praise for the laughing group
of schoolchildren
& their chant: “abazungu, abazungu!”
Praise for the scarlet-crested turaco
wings flashing red and black,
pecking guavas split by the sun.
Praise for the priest’s forearm
corded with veins.
Praise for dugout fishing boats,
trolling Lake Kivu at midnight.
Praise for cowhide drums
beaten by men’s callused palms.
Praise for the widows, draped
in coarse cotton.
Praise for all manner of beetles.
Praise for yeast bread, baked
in rusted barrel ovens.
Praise for the overturned truck
on Kijabe’s slick curve,
a woman prematurely in labor
beside it.
Praise for rain on tin rooftops,
erratic tap-tap and din of water.
Praise for the market lady
and her piles of soap,
rice, razorblades.
Praise for the plastic shunt
in a child’s skull,
draining excess fluid.
Praise for coffee beans.
Praise for red dust
caking each eyelash.
Praise for voices rising
from terraced banana groves.

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

Last week we were out of town and I didn't get to post on Jeff's big day. So now it's time-- Happy Birthday to you, Jeff, and here's to many years ahead!

See here, for a poem I wrote last year. It still holds true.

My Latest

Currently listening:
Andrea Bocelli -- Andrea CD

Currently reading:
Writing Juvenile Stories and Novels -- Phyllis A. Whitney

Junie B. Jones and her Big Fat Mouth -- Barbara Park

Moses:When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom --Carole Boston Weatherford (illustrated by Kadir Nelson)

Planning to watch later this evening:
Touch the Sound DVD -- A Sound Journey With Evelyn Glennie

Such Oddballs

Topic of conversation at dinner last night:

Are mother birds bulimic?
(because they throw up food to feed their young)

And Yet More of Rothenburg

I shot many photos in Rothenburg, so here you go again...

A runaway carriage--

A view of the city from the castle gardens--



The infamous "Schneeballen" (otherwise known as snowballs--deep fried fatty pastries rolled in powdered sugar, dipped in dark chocolate, and otherwise made dangerous to the arteries)--

In Bloom

Saw these flowers in Rothenburg, and they reminded me of Oregon--except I think the blooms were mostly purple there. Foxglove?

The King Does Come

The title above is from Frederick Buechner's writing--the June 13th entry in his book, Listening to Your Life. I really needed to hear his words today, a day when I'm wondering again, "what are you doing in my life, God, and where are you?"

Buechner writes: The day will come when all the voices that were ever raised...will be permanently stilled. But when that day comes, I believe that the tumbled stones will cry aloud of the great, deep hope that down through the centuries has been the one reason for having churches at all...the hope that into the world the King does come. And in the name of the Lord. And is always coming, blessed be he. And will come afire with glory, at the end of time.

A bit later he adds: Make our stone hearts cry out thy kingship. Make us holy and human at last that we may do the work of thy love.

To that, I say amen, and amen again. What I love about Buechner--he writes of immense joy and wonder, but he doesn't shy away from the horrible, awful, hard things in life. And He leads me ultimately towards God with his words. No one can do better than that.

Daily City Photo Goodness

While browsing blogs, I happened upon ParisDailyPhoto, and from there, the links to many other Daily City Photo sites. An easy way to hop around the world--with only a few clicks! Try out Shanghai Daily Photo, Lisbon Photos, Grenoble Daily Photo, Milano Daily Photo, and for a comprehensive listing, the Daily City Photo Blog.

More Rothenburg Photos

Houses lining the central town square.







Eine Katze greeted us from a doorway.






Peering out the tower window.

All Around Rothenburg

Check out the ad for the last Harry Potter book-- coming out in a German translation on October 2007.






















A view through the castle garden arch, looking towards central Rothenburg.

Jeff and I finally had a little weekend getaway for ourselves --it's been awhile. We thoroughly enjoyed Rothenburg, a medieval walled city only an hour and a half away by car.

My Grandma Hartung

I've been thinking about Grandma Hartung lately. She loved to sit down for a nice hot cup of tea with me in the afternoon, after first setting a timer for the teabag to steep--"Brew it five minutes, Laurie dear." Also, whenever I see Aplets and Cotlets at the store, in all their gummy, sugary goodness, I remember Gram. A sure-fire way to please her? Bring a few boxes for a gift. And maybe a new book of crossword puzzles. I miss her.

What Grandma said about her parents:

"Dad didn't have any say about anything mean or hateful. He was kind. My mother had to do the whipping. Dad wouldn't have laid a stick to anybody..."

"Mother moved every year, and always lived in an upstairs flat. She wasn't satisfied with anything--Mother was a funny woman."

Quote for the Day

"What is to give light must endure burning." -- Viktor Frankl

Many moons ago, before starting college, I went on a two week survival course in the wilderness areas of Wisconsin and Michigan. As one of our requirements before the course, we had to read "Man's Search for Meaning," by Frankl. Recently, I picked up another copy from a box of free books, and plan to reread it over the summer.

Frankl survived Auschwitz, but his wife died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. On April 27, 1945, Frankl was liberated. Among his immediate relatives, the only survivor was his sister

It was due to his and others' suffering in these camps that he came to his hallmark conclusion that even in the most absurd, painful and dehumanized situation, life has potential meaning and that therefore even suffering is meaningful.

A College Graduate

Danielle graduated from college last Saturday!

The three siblings -- Danielle, David, Anna -- enjoying an Italian dinner afterwards.

Forgetfulness - Billy Collins Animated Poetry

I've been more forgetful than usual lately. Uhh, I'd tell you more, but I've forgotten what I wanted to say...

Grand Rapids, Michigan--A Week From Now!

Things I’m planning to do while in Michigan:

*Watch our oldest child, Danielle, graduate from college (I keep kicking myself—is this the bald little ET-looking baby, all grown up?). Congrats, Dani!
*Walk through the nature preserve where our son David’s working over the summer.
*Take our kids out for Lebanese food, Tapas, and Mexican (in Grand Rapids, of all places).
*Buy items that are hard to find in Germany (ie,Cheese Fantastico, by special request) and bring them back in my suitcase.
*Visit Eerdmans discount bookstore at the publishing house.
*Take Jeff & Anna up and show them the lakefront—a bit different than our Oregon beaches.
*Go see Spiderman 3 and any other new movies on a big screen.
*Hug my parents multiple times (and don’t forget Kleenex when it’s time to say goodbye).

To The Nile

My brother and his family are in Seth's recent video of a trip from Burundi to Uganda. Dan, Tam, Aaron, and Austin went with friends who rafted the Nile. I'm posting the video because my parents wanted to see it. Also, it gives you an idea of what road travel is like in that part of Africa.

Another Good Author

This week, there's an interview up on Children's Bookshelf with Gary Schmidt, author of a Newbery honor book, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, and the soon-to-be-released The Wednesday Wars.

Gary is an English prof at Calvin College, where our two oldest children attend school. He does a great job teaching as well as writing (or so I hear).

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.

Taking to the Streets

While browsing through my pictures from the November trip to Florence, I came across these two images. University students held a demonstration and the police turned out en masse. Click on the police photo to enlarge it -- some great expressions on their faces.

Addendum: I believe the students were demonstrating for school funding, from what I gathered in questioning passers-by.

Oh, you thick Egg!

A moment ago, I received an email from Ikea in Germany -- with the heading Ach Du dickes Ei! Literally translated, that means, "Oh, you thick Egg!"

Will have to ask my German neighbors what that means in real life. Oh, you numbskull? Or: oh, you egghead? Made me laugh, which I needed!

Idioms are fun.

Any Northwest Jobs?

Jeff continues looking for jobs within the government--it would be preferable to stay with a government job, since then he keeps his retirement. Say a prayer for us, will you? I really want to move back to the Northwest. I like it here, but still miss my extended family. Oregon or Washington would be good...

Obsessions

You know what the national obsession is here? Besides beer? Gummi-bears. Also, gummi coke bottles, gummi fish, gummi burgers and hot dogs (I'm not lying!), gummi lips, gummi hearts, gummi ice cream cones and gummi worms. And zillions more of all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors and flavors.

This photo is from a "fest" a few weekends ago -- gotta have the requisite gummi vendor.

Grace (Eventually)

Our guest pastor today spoke about how we need to allow for blindness, bewilderment, and brokenness in Christian circles -- basically, to stop pretending we've got it all together, and focus on following Jesus, who heals all of us from the inside, out. I love that type of preaching.

His words reminded me of Anne Lamott's writing. And speaking of Anne Lamott, her book, Grace (Eventually), arrives soon in the mail! Here's a quote from one of her essays: I wish grace and healing were more abracadabra kinds of things, that delicate silver bells would ring to announce grace's arrival. But no, it's clog and slog and scootch, on the floor, in silence, in the dark.

Can't wait to sit down & devour the book whole. Along with a cup of hot milky tea, and Murphy the corgi warming my toes.

It's Beth's Birthday!

From across the ocean, a very happy birthday to my sister, Beth. I'm so proud of her--she's attending grad school for a degree in public health--after raising two kids and working at Camp Tilikum as retreat coordinator for many years. Go, Beth!

This photo was taken around 1979, when our family returned to Burundi for the summer. My father filled in at Kibuye Mission hospital, which was without a doctor at the time. Most days, we all helped around the hospital, from pricking the fingers of pregnant women for their iron levels, to painting metal doors with letters and numbers. Evenings, we strolled down to the stream to watch golden crested cranes and water birds or hiked past garden plots and giant rocks to see more of the countryside.

Enjoy your day, "little sis." Have fun at the Oregon coast!

White Stuff Again

Ah, the sadness. Daffodils and honeysuckle everywhere, and now, we're back to snow. Hope this white stuff is a fluke and melts in the sun very soon.

Germany Survival Bible

I stumbled upon the Germany Survival Bible while browsing Spiegel Online . A few articles of special interest: Brutally Honest talks about Germans and their straightforward style of communication (which can be taken as rudeness, until you've learned otherwise). And I had to chuckle at "Gross" is a German Word, Too -- one family's story of confusion over a common word.

By the Water

From a Sunday two weeks ago, in Schwetzingen Gardens.

Out of the Blue

A few days ago, I got an email from Brian Doyle, editor of Portland magazine. My poem, Rwandan Litany, is coming out in the March 2007 issue. That was a nice dose of encouragement.

Sissy & Furball

My friend Jim wanted me to post a picture of his two kittens, Sissy and Furball. They're good companions, and add a bit of laughter and unpredictability to Jim's life.

Jim and I have been friends for a long time--I admire the way Jim keeps a sense of humor, no matter what the week brings. Also, I appreciate his deep sense that God is involved in our lives, every moment.

Designs

Can anyone guess the location of this bus shelter? (Extra points if you get not only the country, but the city as well)...

Click on the photo to enlarge it-- for a small clue.

Addendum: For those who don't know the location yet, click on the comments beneath this picture and you'll discover the country!

Catching Up With An Old Friend

Just this week, I emailed someone from my childhood--Niki, an old friend from boarding school in Burundi. We used to get up to mischief together and often had to write 500 times in neat cursive, " I will do my jobs on time and remember to check with Mrs. Caine before I go out to play..." (something like that). Now, consider that we were only seven and eight years old, and also homesick off and on--our schedule was similar to a college calendar, three months at school, one month at home. I wish the dorm parents had shown more empathy. But I guess maybe they weren't all that happy to be put in the position of "mothering" a bunch of kids who didn't belong to them. Nowadays, I think most missions concentrate on finding dormparents who are nurturing and skilled at relating to children.

Here's what Niki's up to these days. Among other things, surviving a cape buffalo attack and making films about Africa.

The Village of Half-Timbered Houses

Last year, we visited Dilsberg, a small town atop a hill, 30 minutes north of Heidelberg. Their castle is not so picturesque from the outside, but after climbing the tower you can see 360 degrees around, down into valleys, over the Neckar river, and across to little red-roofed towns nearby. Dilsberg has a youth hostel and if I were hiking across Europe, this is where I'd stay at least a few nights.

Happy Birthday, David!

Cute smile with a few gaps here and there!
This was written a bit later, around fourth grade.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, DAVID. ICH LIEBE DICH!

Just the Two of Us

I already posted a picture of the kids, so here's one of Jeff and me (since my family in the States wants to see some up-to-date photos). The sun seems to be shining in Jeff's eyes, but we don't have a better current picture of us, so this will do. Behind us, you see the Neckar river and part of Heidelberg.

Fasching Pics

Our little town already had its annual Fasching parade about a week ago, and this year I missed it. But Laura, who lives a few towns north of me, took some gorgeous Fasching photos and you're in for a treat if you check out her blog! Plus, she has a Wheaten Terrier named Clover who's a total camera ham and cute as can be.

Books Meme

Thanks to Nachfolge (Scott) for this!
Here’s what you do:

Look at the list of books below. Bold the ones you’ve read, italicize the ones you want to read, cross out the ones you won’t touch with a 10 foot pole, put a cross(†) in front of the ones on your book shelf, and asterisk(*) the ones you’ve never heard of.

1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. † To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. †Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. †The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
6. †The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
7. †The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. *Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. *A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. †Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. †Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. †Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. *Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. †Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. † Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. †The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. †The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. †The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. †Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. †The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. †The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. †The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. †Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. †Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. †The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. *The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. †Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. †The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. *Fifth Business (Robertson Davies)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. *The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. *The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. †Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. *Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. *Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. *The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. *Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. *Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. *In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. † The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. *The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

If you play, let me know!

Just Being Silly

My friends and I couldn't resist when we saw these billboards (the power of suggestion)!

The Three Siblings

Danielle, David, and Anna in December--one of the beautiful sunny days when we drove into Heidelberg and ate at our favorite Indian restaurant, Moghul. I hear the latest Michigan weather (in Grand Rapids, where our two oldest attend college) is nothing like this.