Faithful

I am a caterpillar in a cocoon (sure), living on a volcanically active zone (simmering), train off its tracks, sitting at a poker game with one guy who has a gun that might be loaded, and he might be in a bad mood. I think all things are bearable with metaphor. When I visited the […]

Cypresses

When I came home from Paris, I felt like a genius just because I knew how to make acceptable chitchat effortlessly, and how to do things like mail a letter. I wasn’t quite so much of a dummy in New York, but I am not fluent in the language of New York. I did have […]

Leaving New York

I realize that my facebook posts may have looked awesome, but trust me, this last month was really, really hard. I would not suggest growing or changing unless you can’t stop yourself. I felt unemployed more than I felt at leisure, although, yes, technically speaking, I’m still a teacher on summer break. The only thing […]

Moving

What is it like to quit your job, move out of your house, and travel halfway across the country? I’m so glad you asked. In 1649, my ancestor, Harmen or Herman Schurmann or Scheuerman, moved out of his house and traveled across a choppy ocean. He probably had a job here, or the prospect of […]