Tomorrow, April 19, is the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolution in which colonial Americans fought against the tyranny of King George III of Great Britain. All of my known ancestors came to America during the colonial period, before the United States of America even…
Icelandic Landscapes: Haukadalur geothermal valley and Strokkur geyser
The Haukadalur Valley is the most famous geothermal area in Iceland and is home to more than 40 hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles, which are vents in the Earth’s surface from which volcanic gases and vapors are emitted. The valley also is the site of one of Iceland’s most popular geysers, the Strokkur geyser which…
“White is the most wonderful color…”
White blooms in my garden… Snowball bush (Snowball Viburnum) Mountain Witch Alder (Fothergilla) White Azalea “White is the most wonderful color because within it you can see all the colors of the rainbow. For me, in fact, it is the color which in natural light, reflects and intensifies the perception of all of the shades…
Icelandic Landscapes: Thingvellir National Park and a rift in the Earth
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik. The park was created in 1930 on the site of the founding of the first Icelandic parliament, which met here for over 860 years from the year 930 until 1798. Also of geologic significance,…
Icelandic landscapes: From the bus
I’m not a traveler, not having been outside the United States since 1977, but I recently returned from an amazing trip to Iceland with eight other women. The trip was hosted by the social media news source/influencer/political commentator known as Chasing Oz (who can be found on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media sites). Although…
A world free of war and hate
Last month, as the full-scale war in Ukraine was entering its 4th year, I wrote to United24, the fund-raising initiative established by President Zelenskyy. I previously have posted here about my support for United24, and I’ve shared Ukrainian social media posts in which I was featured. About an hour ago, I was scrolling through Instagram,…
Peachy flowering quince
I recently returned from a week away in Iceland to find that my peach-coloured flowering quince, which usually blossoms in April, was in full bloom. As always: Слава Україні!! Slava Ukraini!! #StandWithUkraine Am Yisrael Chai
Spring awakens
“When one flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere.” (John O’Donohue) As always: Слава Україні!! Slava Ukraini!! #StandWithUkraine Am Yisrael Chai
Song for The Resistance: I’m a Snowflake
Appalachian singer/songwriter, flatfoot dancer, clogger, and social activist from Kentucky, Carla Gover released this song in 2017. It is as current today as it was eight years ago. I’M A SNOWFLAKE (Chorus) I’m a snowflake, one of a kindAin’t nobody else like meI’m a snowflake, no two alikeI’m surrounded by diversity.Some people say we’re going…
The art of words
#Resist #Resistence #CallToCourage As always: Слава Україні!! Slava Ukraini!! #StandWithUkraine Am Yisrael Chai
Unexpected in common hours 