The Freedom of Limitations

Nuns fret not at their convent’s narrow room
And hermits are contented with their cells;
And students with their pensive citadels;
Maids at the wheel, the weaver at his loom,
Sit blithe and happy; bees that soar for bloom,
High as the highest Peak of Furness-fells,
Will murmur by the hour in foxglove bells:
In truth the prison, into which we doom
Ourselves, [...]

The world is at your doorstep – Pt. 1

I had mentioned on my “Coming up this week” page that I would be doing an interview with my good friend and neighbor, Tamara (shown above here holding my son, and standing with her husband, Iskandar, and sister-in-law, Rima).  Unfortunately, between the pile of housework I need to catch up on today and the full-day’s [...]

Keeping up with the Yusupovs

I distinctly remember a moment when I was working in Uzbekistan, and I had received an email from a friend.  She asked me if there was anything I needed.  I sat there for a minute, racking my brains.  Surely I needed something.  My wardrobe consisted of a mere few skirts, tops, and dresses.  I only [...]