A Surprising Reunion
It’s rare for me to meet anyone outside of my immediate family where I share childhood memories or a historic connection. Moving frequently means that these types of social connections vanish. Certainly, social media has altered the landscape and I now occasionally discover past acquaintances (or they locate me) through Instagram or Facebook. But I […]
Down Under Christmas
The Christmas holidays in Australia always seem weather-challenged to anyone who has grown up in the cold of North America. Here in Australia, the summer holiday blends the traditions of European cousins and colder climates but with some significant differences. There are the artificial Christmas trees with tiered branches covered in metallic leaves and artful […]
On Friendship
Moving frequently growing up, childhood friendships were made and broken but not necessarily forgotten. I have vivid memories of a girl from first grade in Florence, Alabama who invited me over to spend the night and we stayed up late jumping madly on couch cushions like they were trampolines. There was gentle red-headed Pam Bowers, […]
Thanksgiving Thoughts
An Australian friend recently asked me about the significance of the Thanksgiving holiday in America. Living abroad, I am accustomed to people not understanding this holiday as it is uniquely American and does not have its roots in European traditions like Christmas and Halloween. And because it is only celebrated in the United States, it […]
Tyranny of Distance
Numerous books for expats offer practical ideas to help bridge the distance from family and loved ones when people live in other countries. But let’s face it, the hardship of overcoming great distances is real and to remain in close contact or at least feel close to family and loved ones is a challenge. One […]
Repatriation Penalty Phase
My reentry to the United States after living overseas for more than three decades was a trial by fire. Everything was familiar but everything had changed. I didn’t understand the professional scene, health care or the property market. Everything was a challenge as I attempted to master a culture that I had once belonged to—I […]
Fashionable myths and other misdemeanours
Certain contemporary fashion designers are exalted as gods. These hemline giants create clothing designs for women (and sometimes men) that are intended to transcend the staid ready to wear, the plaintive Peter Pan collar and other fashion faux pas. Certain designers are best known for collections which celebrate their obsessions. The poster child for this […]