Grandma’s Hope

Blossoming flowers and the sunshine of spring birthed a story of hope. I started writing: a lonely woman got a call on Good Friday reporting that her daughter had been in a car accident. She was in critical condition. The woman was faced with loss but at the end of...
Year of the Monkey

Year of the Monkey

“Monkeys,” my kids squealed as they ran to the enclosure. One climbed the chain-link, peering out at us, while another scurried across a beam. “Look, a baby!” I pointed. Their eyes turned to a mother gazing down at a miniature version of herself, who clung to her...
Hot Pot Pizza

Hot Pot Pizza

When the days are cold, China turns to hot pot for warmth and comfort. Hot pot restaurants are plentiful and are filled with family and friends cooking meat and vegetables over a simmering pot of stock. A memorable experience. Their tasty broths and variety of...
Chinese New Year Near Disasters – Part 2

Chinese New Year Near Disasters – Part 2

Brian humbly held our bag of sparklers as we stood, surrounded by boxes, massive fireworks, that must have been the equivalent of four months’ rent for the average person in our city. Our hostess emerged from a room that was papered gold, a massive, gaudy chandelier...
Chinese New Year Near Disasters

Chinese New Year Near Disasters

  Buildings towered side by side and ours almost touched the chain link of an enclosed basketball court; gathering place and first stop for family firework nights. I enjoyed the shows, with one memorable exception. I watched the family arrive, place their huge box by...