Monthly Archives: May 2012

Visas and Patience

Posted on May 30, 2012 by

He took the window seat and buckled himself in. His adult daughter shuffled belongings around the overhead compartment and gave commentary on her discomfort. He nodded at her words, not looking up or responding, but nodding so that it wouldn’t … Continue reading →

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Lawn Pilot

Posted on May 28, 2012 by

Still only one-third of the way through his job–navigating a riding lawnmower over two acres in front of the Lutheran church–he delighted in shredding each swath. He chose a bright orange shirt that day, feeling kindred to the construction workers … Continue reading →

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The Same

Posted on May 23, 2012 by

There is no great difference in reality between one country and another, because it is always people you meet everywhere. They may look different or be dressed differently, they may have a different education or position; but they are all … Continue reading →

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I’m Thinking Lovely

Posted on May 21, 2012 by

She parks in the first spot outside Arby’s, and he waits patiently in the passenger side, readying his oxygen tank as she comes slowly around the long Buick. She wrestles with his walker, which seems to want to stay in … Continue reading →

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Skip the Map

Posted on May 18, 2012 by

If you find yourself asking: How did I get here? Isador once said, that probably means you are living a life worth living. –Aleksandar Hemon. The Lazarus Project (yes, AGAIN. It’s a beautiful book.) Photos: Mostar Bosnia; Reykjavik, Iceland; Red … Continue reading →

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Spring Training

Posted on May 16, 2012 by

The humidity hasn’t kicked in yet. So the parks are packed with people: joggers, parents with strollers, cyclists, pet owners, families having picnics. At the site of one such picnic, the extended family in attendance heads to a nearby patch … Continue reading →

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Night Game

Posted on May 14, 2012 by

After dinner the small boy stood at the far side of the lawn with his back to the street. He focused on a point in front of him, waiting for the ball to come his way. He opened his mitt, … Continue reading →

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Locally Owned and Operated

Posted on May 11, 2012 by

In the tire shop: “Well, it’s a good car, you know, I do enjoy driving it.” The men chitchat, standing and pacing between the displays: cut-outs of the Michelin man, islands of potential childhood swings, and taxidermy. Heads of deer, … Continue reading →

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Neighborly

Posted on May 9, 2012 by

The eleven year old girl on the bus moves over to sit in front of her mother. This way she is now in the row across the aisle from me, so we can see each other. She gives me a … Continue reading →

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Double Date

Posted on May 7, 2012 by

The couple ducked into the restaurant–the doorways gave them plenty of space, but they bowed anyway. The host showed them to a table and the woman took the chair facing the mirror. As she and her husband spoke, she kept … Continue reading →

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