She’s your kid…

Castle walking.jpgThere’s an interesting things that’s been happening as Monki is getting older. She’s developing a personality. Okay, that’s not the interesting part – well, it is, but not really relevant to what I want to talk about. See… along with the personality, you can see certain traits form and develop like eddies and whirlpools in a tidal inlet.  Continue reading “She’s your kid…”

The Postcard Dilemma

resize_400x400_seniI love postcards. I’m a fan in general of souvenirs but nine times out of ten or even 99/100 if I buy anything at all, it’s postcards. When I travel, I tend to get postcards everywhere then spend my time in the evenings at local bars or coffee shops (or on trains or busses) writing them out and sending them from my next stop.  Continue reading “The Postcard Dilemma”

Yesterdays and tomorrows

As an older father, right or wrong, I spend a lot of my time running numbers in my head. How old will I be when Monki hits certain milestones – when she graduates high school, for example, I’ll be 67. I’d kinda like to be around for those milestones (call me crazy, I know). Continue reading “Yesterdays and tomorrows”

What city in Europe or North America is on the same latitude as yours?

whereintheworld

You know, as we head into fall, and winter starts making a comeback (yes, I know this is only August, but that’s kinda the point here) it starts to get interesting to know where we are in the world. Not where in the world are we, although that’s important, too. Continue reading “What city in Europe or North America is on the same latitude as yours?”

Female Action Heroes: The 11 Most Influential of Our Time

The world is changing. Like it or not, this is the case. People who have long held privilege in Western cultures are starting to see those privileges leveled with those around them. Personally, I think this is a good thing. Continue reading “Female Action Heroes: The 11 Most Influential of Our Time”

The Most Iconic Book Set in Every Country [Infographic]

couv16574900This is a great infographic! Global English Editing services (I am not endorsing them – I know nothing about them) have put together this fun list of the most iconic books set in every country of the world. With this gorgeous map, you can tour the entire literary world—without ever leaving home.

If you scroll past the map/graphics you’ll find all of the books listed alphabetically by country so you can get a little sense of the plot. Unfortunately, there’s no hot links so if you want to grab any of them, click here.

And yeah, I specifically chose the Lithuanian entry as the graphic for this post.

Allowance for Allowances

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So, as it does from time to time, the topic of the future came up the other day. In this instance, it had to do with Monki and the idea of an allowance.

It seems that, coming as we are, from different cultures and different generations, we also have a different approach to things like allowances and teaching fiscal responsibility to the little one.

Since it’s still a bit of a ways off, it’s a discussion we will continue to have for a while, debating pros and cons, floating hypothetical situations and ultimately seeing what she needs when she needs it.  Continue reading “Allowance for Allowances”

The death of reading is threatening the soul – The Washington Post

So there was this article a few weeks back in The Washington Post: The death of reading is threatening the soul. Pretty heady stuff. Their subhead is Commitment to reading is an ongoing battle.

And I read it at a most opportune time.  Continue reading “The death of reading is threatening the soul – The Washington Post”

The Millions : Ten Ways to Organize Your Bookshelf – The Millions

I’m just waiting until we move into a (at least) semi-permanent place, where I can get all my books gathered together – and then I will figure out an organization strategy. So looking forward to that day!

Here are 10 organizational strategies for the next time you find yourself in the throes of moving, decluttering, or procrastinating.

Source: The Millions : Ten Ways to Organize Your Bookshelf – The Millions

And So It Ends – 2017 Summer Holiday

Friday July 14

Daisy.jpgFriday morning we again made it to Disneyland and were all about meeting characters. Our first stop, just inside the gates, was Daisy Duck. Since it was early in the morning, Monki was asleep by the time we made it to the front of the line, but we’ll tell her she had a great time and all will be right in her world. Continue reading “And So It Ends – 2017 Summer Holiday”

Happy 50th – 2017 Summer Holiday

Thursday July 13

50 (1)Well… since yesterday was Monki’s birthday, it only follows that today was mine. The big 5-0. Half a century. Not a bad life so far.

There’s certainly something special about spending your birthday, any birthday, at Disneyland. If you let it be known it’s your birthday, everyone gives you well-wishes and makes you feel good. And for me, celebrating with my first child, it was pretty awesome. Continue reading “Happy 50th – 2017 Summer Holiday”

Back to LA, Back to France – 2017 Summer Holiday

Sunday-Monday July 9, 10

Alien Fresh.jpg

Sunday morning, bright and early, all of the out of towners showed up at mom and dad’s place for brunch and goodbyes. AAron and Troy were there along with Tom. Family and other friends came by as well and there was even a cupcake to celebrate Monki’s birthday (although according to Lithuanian tradition you don’t officially celebrate birthdays before the day because that is bad luck and takes time off the back end of your life). Continue reading “Back to LA, Back to France – 2017 Summer Holiday”