Greetings old friends. I haven't taken the time to keep up with you, to ask how you are doing, or to share my view of the world with you. In fact, earlier this week I mulled over whether I should shut down my blog since I have not kept it up-to-date. But yesterday, I learned... Continue Reading →
For the Love of Family
I wrote the following piece last September. For no particular reason, I decided to hold on to it. We lost my brother this week, and for no particular reason, I feel it's time to share my writing with you. September 5, 2017: Many of my readers have followed this blog faithfully for years. Not only... Continue Reading →
From the eyes of a tourist: My first visit to Ankara
Hello old friends! It's been a long time. And I am feeling a bit nostalgic tonight. It's over a year now since we returned to the States. Although I felt relieved when we left, I can't say I don't miss Turkey. I do, I really do. Tonight I pulled out an old hard drive looking... Continue Reading →
Özgürlük – Freedom – Part 2
Fear and the Loss of Freedom to Be Afraid "By the time this clip was finished, we knew what was going on. There was much to be said, a lot of fear, and things to do. It was not long before an emergency bag was packed and I had made the dreaded first call to... Continue Reading →
In America Anything Is Possible
These days, I find myself with some time on my hands. This morning I am feeling a little nostalgic. I rarely look back on my Philadelphia homes with anything less than happiness. They were good days. I never fully regret selling my houses (although admittedly, I regret selling the little condo from time to time.)... Continue Reading →
In Memory of my Precious Patches
Patches “Angela” Henson May 5, 1998 – October 27, 2015 Patches was born around May 5, 1998 on the streets of “the Gayborhood,” Philadelphia, PA. She came to us from the Morris Animal Refuge. Her new mother had been looking at adopting a Maine Coon, but after two weeks of deciding on a kitten, Patches chose... Continue Reading →
Visitors, Airlines, Terror and Love
My mom has visited me in Ankara three times. It's a really wonderful feat considering she is now in her 80's. Each time she visits, she also makes a stop in Germany to visit her family. And each time she visits, she says she's afraid it will be her last time - she doesn't think... Continue Reading →
Montague vs. Capulet and the Power of Love – a Turkish Wedding
A while back, I was witness to an incredibly horrifying clash at what should have been an otherwise beautiful event - a wedding in Ankara. I have been to many weddings in Turkey. Sometimes, I have only attended the wedding receptions. The actual marriage is often done privately at a local office. Additionally, there is a... Continue Reading →