Prayers Answered

Hello from Costa on ulica Karmelicka, It is always interesting to return to somewhere you have been before. The change in perception that occurs from familiarity is a difficult thing to quantify, and if the return is more than once, understanding the changes that occur go beyond mere perception to emotion. I think of howContinue reading “Prayers Answered”

The War to End All Wars

Hello from a Starbucks in Selinsgrove, Hiding away and working, but trying to imagine the feelings of not only the important players on the stage in France 100 years ago, but also the simple people, those in France where much of the carnage of a trench war was fought to the families who lost lovedContinue reading “The War to End All Wars”

What Does It Take?

Hello from about 35,000 feet and above the Colorado/Utah border, perhaps a little west. It has been some time since I’ve made a cross-country trek, either by air or land; in fact, it is the closest I’ve been to Placerville since shortly following Lydia’s passing. I believe that is the longest stretch of time awayContinue reading “What Does It Take?”

The World is a Provocative Place

Hello from Richmond, I would like to take credit for the title, but it is something I heard someone say on NPR the other day, and it stuck with me. I think what causes me pause is to ask a question of whether one could always make such an argument or whether the degree toContinue reading “The World is a Provocative Place”

When Geography Becomes a Place

Hello from Starbucks, I am in another Starbucks and I know that it is more than merely another trip to the green mermaid branded coffee shop, in spite of that fact I have not been in this individual Starbucks before. As I walk in I see the familiar colors, the familiar layout, the typical boardContinue reading “When Geography Becomes a Place”

I do not want a do-over

Hello from the corner of my room, I am sitting in the chair in my room, which is a comfortable and thoughtful place in my home. It is a sort of safe place too. I have learned that I am a person who needs a quiet and safe place. I am not sure I haveContinue reading “I do not want a do-over”

Learning Begins Again

Hello from my corner of the office, It always seems to be the case that when I believe, or begin to believe, I have in some shape or fashion figured out what my life is about, the fastball of fate whizzes by my ear. Not only did I miss it, I am not sure IContinue reading “Learning Begins Again”

Unexpected Travel

Hello from the Capitol of Canada, In spite of many travels, and a couple of previous journeys to what I have referred to as “East Detroit,” more accurately called Windsor, I have never really been to Canada. However, on a cold winter night, that seems somewhat reminiscent of a Wisconsin or Minnesota January, I amContinue reading “Unexpected Travel”

Three Cities, Three Countries, One Day and Almost Done,

Hello from our bus, I have always been amazed by outstanding drivers and our current bus driver, who has spent time in Canada, but speaks fluent Polish, might be one of the best I have ever experienced. As our group is 54 people with all included, we need a very large bus to keep peopleContinue reading “Three Cities, Three Countries, One Day and Almost Done,”

So Much in Seven Days

Hello from Kraków and from Oświęcim, Our traveling group has spent a busy week listening intently in classes, learning their bearings around Kraków, and attempting some simple greetings in Polish. At the same time, trips to Wawel Castle, the salt mine in Wieliczka, the Jewish Quarter in Kazimierz, or today to Oświęcim (known to mostContinue reading “So Much in Seven Days”