Amy Tan was born in Oakland, California in 1952, two and a half years after her parents immigrated from China. Her first book, “The Joy Luck Club” (published 1990) was on the New York Times best seller list for almost a year. The book is a delightful mix of ancient … Continue Reading
I started to dig up another patch of flower garden yesterday. It’s not the sort of thing I find pleasurable. My wife enjoyed the garden. I guess I still do it to please her. Some people find relaxation and pleasure in gardening. I find it to be rather ill-disguised work, … Continue Reading
One of my favorite spots in all of England is a little stone cottage in the “Lake District” that was once owned by Beatrix Potter. It’s a charming 300 year old cottage, with attached barn, slate roof, and low beamed ceilings that require a reverent nod of the head as … Continue Reading
In certain American Indian cultures, a young girl was given was given a simple test when her elders felt she might be ready to take her place in adult society. She was given a basket and instructed to pick the best ears of corn in a given row. There was … Continue Reading
