Was I seeing stars? Or just the future? My first time in “la cave” was in 2007, and the vintner (the uncle of a friend) asked, “What’s the year of your birth?” I told him after some pause, unsure of why he had asked. To this day, I have no idea why he opened that … Read more
European friends often ask me to describe a typical American meal. Much to their surprise I tell them that there isn’t a typical American meal. It depends on where you live in the country. America is a country of immigrants. I was reminded of this unique aspect of my country yesterday, while in the New … Read more
The series to which The Clan of the Cave Bear belongs was a favorite of my maternal grandmother. I can remember in the 80s and 90s, seeing the thick volumes laying on the little table next to her chair in the family room. But, aside from the first five pages just now, I’ve never been … Read more
In 1905, Einstein published his theory of special relativity: E = mc2. Energy (E) equals mass (M) times the speed of light squared. However, Einstein was a bit troubled with his theory, as it did not allow for acceleration. He then spent the next ten years, trying to come up with a way to do … Read more
The lady in the photo below led a remarkable life which spanned nearly 80 years. No small accomplishment for a woman born in 1848, let alone for someone who emigrated from two countries, settling in America, with nothing but her family and a lot of hope. Born in Belfort, France, Bretta’s family made their way … Read more
On 21 October I received the dreaded text from a friend in Paris: “Come now. Danielle is in bad condition.” Danielle Moussett (née Menais), the woman I called “my French mom,” was at the end of her battle with pancreatic cancer; Jesus was calling her home. Due to financial constraints and work responsibilities, I had not … Read more
Yesterday, Rafael Nadal did something remarkable. He carried home the trophy from Roland-Garros for the 10th time. No other tennis player in the open era has won a single Grand Slam that many times. Not Roger Federer, not Serena Williams, not Martina Navratilova, not even Margaret Court. Anyway you look at it, it’s an achievement worthy … Read more
When American soldiers came marching into Chartres on 18 August 1944, five-year-old “Rocques” stood on the street corner near his home, and cheered. He didn’t know that the soldiers had just watched thousands of their fellows die on the beaches of Normandy. He didn’t know that they were exhausted and afraid and missed home. Rocques knew that … Read more
Many people want to change the world. But, few do. That’s probably a good thing. Parents, whether they intend to or not, impact their children in all sorts of ways, and in ways they could never foresee or expect. I know a mother that starting reading to her daughter before she was a year old. … Read more
“Will we get to play sports in heaven?” The first time I heard the question asked was in a Bible class in the eight grade. The boy that asked it was being serious. Basketball was his life. He wanted to go pro one day. Our teacher was from Nigeria. He had had a much different life … Read more