By marlyse | Published: Sunday, December 4, 2011
The past 2 1/2 weeks have passed in a flurry of activities, talk and work. As usual, it was great to have my dad visiting. This time around I decided to make a little photo “story” book as I had made on my birthday, capturing some of those fleeting moments (yes, in-between I plain forgot to take pictures, my bad). A few hours ago we dropped him off at the airport where he promptly fell victim to one of those random searches – and they did it thoroughly!!! – what, you don’t believe that 89-year old passengers could be mean bomb carriers? They looked close to request him to take off his shirt! – but anyhow, he made it through that hassle just fine and thus is the time to release the collected photos from his visit – with emphasis on cat pics because he likes them so :
Posted in family | Tagged dad
By marlyse | Published: Thursday, November 24, 2011
Once again it’s the last Thursday in the month, the day that millions of Americans come together and “say thank you” and “be thankful” for things, gathered around tables with stuffed turkeys and bellies.
On one hand it sounds great but on the other actually pretty gross.
Originally I thought the day is meant to prepare and share food with others – something I could see as a very worthwhile endeavor back in the days when there was a lot of poverty around while the country was established. Doing something for others which they might be thankful for. Doing something for others – cooking and sharing some great food - to also say “thank you”.
Oh, I finally realized how wrong I was.
I’m all in for traditions. You would not have thought so, correct? But yes, I am for the traditions which brings people together, I like gathering of Christmas (but not the shopping frenzy nor the fact that Xmas songs and decorations are being hammered onto and into you already by the end of October). Thus I also like the family gathering on Thanksgiving. Usually I could do with less food, but that is another story and has rather todo with poor personal control than the fact of the gathering.
Thanksgiving though is an odd one for me. It’s this “let’s all hail together and be happy together because it’s this day”. Huge aversion to something the like. Now be happy and say thanks. BE THANKFUL ON COMMAND. Ugh. It’s the same as LOVE SOMEBODY ON COMMAND because it’s February 14th. A day created and gotten on the gravy train by Hallmark.
Of course I’m thankful for a lot of things. But I do not feel compelled to go around and announce it to everyone what a good person I am that I’m such a grateful person! Too close to be nothing more than a lip service and we have enough of that when it comes to various religions and politics.
Thus, for all it’s worth, I will keep enjoying the gathering aspect of it and the food itself, while glossing over the points which remain alien and fake to me after all these years.
By marlyse | Published: Saturday, November 19, 2011
With much sadness have I heard of your passing.
I remember you as a kind man and a great spirit.
I remember good talks, hanging out on the Platter.
Personal talks. Fun talks. Creative talks.
I remember and wish you well, wherever you are now.
Posted in friends | Tagged death