Category: U.S.

Getting Through Mixed Emotions

It is almost three months since my sister Eileen left us.  It's a strange time. Family and close friends remember what you are still going through, but most forget.  This is normal. You may remember that I had gone through quite a bit during the months before and after her death.  When I think back... Continue Reading →

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here’s what happened

When one becomes a blogger, we often write personal things that others would not share.  In my case, I crossed over from getting my emotions out via keeping a journal and writing poems, to putting myself out there publicly.  Lately, I have written posts that have caused concern to many.  I was still withholding many... Continue Reading →

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Number 13

"How many kids are in your family?"  "We have twelve siblings."  "What number are you?"  "I'm number 13." I can't count the number of times I have had this exact conversation.  I am the thirteenth child in my family and I was born on the 13th.  I am Lucky 13. My sister Jacqueline died before... Continue Reading →

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Warning from US Embassy – Adana

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Turkey that the U.S. Consulate General in Adana has been authorized to draw down its non-emergency staff and family members because of threats against U.S. government facilities and personnel.  The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens defer non-essential travel to southeastern... Continue Reading →

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“509 Theresa”

While many things are the same everywhere, there is a big difference between here and the States related to education and jobs.  In the States, one takes the SAT exam, and with that score, applies to universities of their choosing.  Once in school, they select their major course of study, usually at any time.  Of... Continue Reading →

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Racism Running Rampant — Still

In the news in Turkey is the Deputy Prime Minister Beşir Atalay with his anti-Semitic public comments. I have lived here over three years now.  I don't usually get into the depth of conversations, for lack of Turkish skills, that would make me aware of racism here.  Unfortunately, I do have one "friend" who in the... Continue Reading →

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Taking a Break

Yesterday, a suicide bomber attacked the American Embassy in Ankara. He killed one of his own people, a Turkish citizen who worked as a guard. What the fuck?!  The man simply went to work one day and died because of some a-hole's radical political views.  The man lost his life, because he needed to feed... Continue Reading →

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The Colors of the Rainbow

From time to time I am asked what I miss the most from the States.  Today, I realized I miss the colors of the rainbow. Turkey is chock full of Turks.  They come in varying colors, dark skin and dark hair, blonde hair and light skin.  I've even met some red heads. But it's just... Continue Reading →

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Pickled Beets & Apple Salad Recipe

A few days ago, I was hungry, wanted something healthy, and I didn't want to go to the grocery store.  I looked in the refrigerator and saw three jars of pickled beets and fruit.  Thinking I should start eating them, I searched the internet for recipes and came upon many recipes for beets with apples.... Continue Reading →

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