It's a beautiful day, once again, in my neighorhood. During the week we had huge rainstorms, very cool weather, and generally difficult days for walking around, especially with my ankle still wrapped. I've become pretty good at wrapping and then cling wrapping! It's improving steadily, for which I'm very grateful. I'm also getting very good at slowing down my already slower-than-it-used-to-be pace! I must say that the past few months have given ample opportunity to notice changes in myself, something I've paid very little attention to over the years.
There's way too much else to pay attention to, however, and this has been a week of totally disconnected reading which has given perspective and even more interest to the places I go and things I see. One book, Foreigners in Prague, written by a Czech couple with wonderful Czech phrases and word choices, tells of visits by some who are very familiar to me -- Beethoven, Mozart, Edison, Einstein -- and others -- 17th/18th century artists, writers, alchemists (!) -- who are new and interesting. In addition, these are not the usual stories. What a great new view, found by accident at a "discount" bookshop by the tram stop.
My great excitement and joy was a weekend with Dasa and Thomas at her home in Zahorany. The weekend before was a reunion at the airport (wrapped ankle and all). What a great time. I had no idea how much I was longing for their arrival until they walked out the customs door. I was focusing way too low for Thomas's face -- how much he's grown since Christmas. His smile for each of us and his zipping in and out of English and Czech for multiple conversations were amazing.
Then the whole weekend together. What a great time, including a joint birthday party for her mom's 70th and Thomas's 4th, beautiful cake, candles, and his insistence on singing "Happy Birthday" and all. Got to make those beautiful Czech open faced sandwiches with Dasa for the guests who joined us, in and out Saturday afternoon. It also meant I was able to see some folks I've known over the years there. Mornings with Thomas, talking and playing with trucks/trains in his bedroom and one bedtime ritual together were long to be remembered times also. Then there was a morning at Uncle's small farm. Oh my -- what four year old wouldn't love that adventure! And what Granne wouldn't love to watch!!
I've made a couple adjustments to my teaching schedule for Thursday and Friday -- they'll be down for those days with me. Last summer he visited the zoo -- listed as 5th best in the world (I'm impressed, and will visit it on my own later). This week it will be Petrin, Charles Bridge, and perhaps Vysehrad, since it has a great playground as well an ancient church still holding mass and the graves of famous Czechs. I'm certainly hoping for sun. We already cancelled one day's visit because of storms. Whatever we do, being with them will be wonderful, fill up some of those gaps I was hardly conscious of till I saw their faces.
How blessed I am, what great gifts I've been given. Each new surprise and every reminder prompts another "thank you".
Time to be moving on, together, I trust. The computer problems continue, and I once again am enjoying the hospitality of Andy's laundromat. By the way, you can find Andy's, Petrin, Karlov Most (Charles Bridge), and Vysehrad on line with simple Google searches! Since laundry is a regular part of life, we'll catch up next week!
Till then, wishing you joyous and peaceful traveling. . . .
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
How Do You Measure "Far Away"?
Do you use a ruler? A calendar? A history book? An impression? Is the answer "it depends"? Or is it really a matter of the heart?
I wish I had the "right" answer this morning. At the moment it could be any and all of the above.
I know, because a Google search and Geobytes just told me, that I am 4506 miles and 7251 kilometers away from the city I left three months ago (my how time flies. . . ). It offered to tell me quite a few things about Durham. My silent answer was "no thanks -- already know that." It must have assumed I knew about Prague, since it entered that as my "home" automatically and offered no further introduction to the city. Being curious, I continued to search. This distance thing was turning into fun. Not a big surprise that there's at least one more answer. MapCrow says it is fewer miles and/or kilometers. And both were "as the crow flies." Different crow? That answer came from satellites and GPS and all kinds of technological marvels. And it certainly isn't the one I'm looking for today.
My grandmother was and continues to be a significant defining influence in my life. How I wish I could tell her thank you at this point in my life. What an incredible lady! Homesteaded with her parents in the 1889 Run which opened Indian Territory for settlement, married my grandfather (who made the same Run with his brother) at 15, made the Run which opened the Cherokee strip as a new bride, gave birth to eight children -- the oldest dying in WW I, the youngest flying in WW II, kept the farm running while Grandpa was away working as a carpenter, helping others get settled. I was married on their 65th anniversary -- they cut the second piece of cake at the reception! I can still hear her saying, multiple times, "Oh Anne, the wonders you will see. Things I can't even imagine." Her love of life and her openness to change shaped me. And she doesn't seem very far away. Her influence is so strong, her acceptance of me, warts, mistakes, and all, such a life gift.
I continue to be amazed at the way technology erases the miles (and perhaps increases the agita). So often I comment to myself and others about the difference between Grandma going to the unknown territory and my coming to Prague. I know she had almost no means of contact, and certainly not the regular and easy connections I am afforded. I'm sure she thought her goodbyes to friends and family were final. Mine could be, but I don't know that. And we all seem to live our lives based on the presumption that we will see each other and share stories again.
My last day at Pilgrim UCC did include final goodbyes to two dear friends. Would the parting have been any different if I had known that? Bryant Dunshee and Midge Niblock will remain in my heart always for their grace and their smiles. And I feel very far away at the moment. I cannot share my sadness with anyone else who knew them.
Maybe, if you measure with your heart, "near" is when things are going along fine, memories of good times are strong, email and Skype are working well, and life isn't scattering major question marks along your path. "Far" is when the questions marks are growing, there is too much between the lines in the emails, beloved voices don't sound quite the same, and you are feel so completely powerless. It is very little help or comfort to realize you couldn't change things if you were closer. But it is so difficult not to offer a hug or a listening silence. That's "far"!
And measuring with a calendar and history book? Yesterday was a public holiday here -- Labour Day. I'm old enough to remember when May Day -- May 1 -- brought news pictures of an enormous show of military strength in a Red Square parade. It had nothing to do with the historical rites of spring, welcoming the new season, a traditional May Day celebration. Now everyone knows it is nearly impossible to take a holiday away from people, so you just rename it! And the history book certainly can tell us about these changes. They are very near to those who lived them and to those whose lives are now represented by plaques and memorials. The history is very far away to the late teen/early twenties generation who are the future.
I am, once again, very grateful to be at this place in the world at this point in my life. What wonders! You are so right, Grandma. I just wish I knew more about the distances I've traveled to this point and the ones yet to come.
I wish I had the "right" answer this morning. At the moment it could be any and all of the above.
I know, because a Google search and Geobytes just told me, that I am 4506 miles and 7251 kilometers away from the city I left three months ago (my how time flies. . . ). It offered to tell me quite a few things about Durham. My silent answer was "no thanks -- already know that." It must have assumed I knew about Prague, since it entered that as my "home" automatically and offered no further introduction to the city. Being curious, I continued to search. This distance thing was turning into fun. Not a big surprise that there's at least one more answer. MapCrow says it is fewer miles and/or kilometers. And both were "as the crow flies." Different crow? That answer came from satellites and GPS and all kinds of technological marvels. And it certainly isn't the one I'm looking for today.
My grandmother was and continues to be a significant defining influence in my life. How I wish I could tell her thank you at this point in my life. What an incredible lady! Homesteaded with her parents in the 1889 Run which opened Indian Territory for settlement, married my grandfather (who made the same Run with his brother) at 15, made the Run which opened the Cherokee strip as a new bride, gave birth to eight children -- the oldest dying in WW I, the youngest flying in WW II, kept the farm running while Grandpa was away working as a carpenter, helping others get settled. I was married on their 65th anniversary -- they cut the second piece of cake at the reception! I can still hear her saying, multiple times, "Oh Anne, the wonders you will see. Things I can't even imagine." Her love of life and her openness to change shaped me. And she doesn't seem very far away. Her influence is so strong, her acceptance of me, warts, mistakes, and all, such a life gift.
I continue to be amazed at the way technology erases the miles (and perhaps increases the agita). So often I comment to myself and others about the difference between Grandma going to the unknown territory and my coming to Prague. I know she had almost no means of contact, and certainly not the regular and easy connections I am afforded. I'm sure she thought her goodbyes to friends and family were final. Mine could be, but I don't know that. And we all seem to live our lives based on the presumption that we will see each other and share stories again.
My last day at Pilgrim UCC did include final goodbyes to two dear friends. Would the parting have been any different if I had known that? Bryant Dunshee and Midge Niblock will remain in my heart always for their grace and their smiles. And I feel very far away at the moment. I cannot share my sadness with anyone else who knew them.
Maybe, if you measure with your heart, "near" is when things are going along fine, memories of good times are strong, email and Skype are working well, and life isn't scattering major question marks along your path. "Far" is when the questions marks are growing, there is too much between the lines in the emails, beloved voices don't sound quite the same, and you are feel so completely powerless. It is very little help or comfort to realize you couldn't change things if you were closer. But it is so difficult not to offer a hug or a listening silence. That's "far"!
And measuring with a calendar and history book? Yesterday was a public holiday here -- Labour Day. I'm old enough to remember when May Day -- May 1 -- brought news pictures of an enormous show of military strength in a Red Square parade. It had nothing to do with the historical rites of spring, welcoming the new season, a traditional May Day celebration. Now everyone knows it is nearly impossible to take a holiday away from people, so you just rename it! And the history book certainly can tell us about these changes. They are very near to those who lived them and to those whose lives are now represented by plaques and memorials. The history is very far away to the late teen/early twenties generation who are the future.
I am, once again, very grateful to be at this place in the world at this point in my life. What wonders! You are so right, Grandma. I just wish I knew more about the distances I've traveled to this point and the ones yet to come.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Happy Easter(n)
Happy Easter to you -- or vesele Velikonece. Not long after arriving someone told several of us about the tradition of men whipping (the actual word used was "beating") women with sticks at Easter. That, of course, raised more than a bit of curiosity! My first response was "Not me they won't!"
So many questions, so few answers! First one -- in a country that certainly is not strongly religious, why would Easter Monday be a public holiday? I've come from the Bible Belt where Good Friday gets a fair amount of recognition, but Easter Monday? Another -- how to make sense of the variety of what appear to be folk customs and traditions which seemingly have no connection to Easter as I know it. Not opposed, mind you, just curious! And still the big one -- whipping? And receiving gaily decorated eggs in return?
To pass along the little I've learned. Easter here is quite a mix of traditions and customs which pre-date Christianity. And the customs are observed mostly in villages and small towns. And that is just where I've spent Easter!
At last -- a trip to Zahorany, Dasa's home village, to spend two days with her mother and brothers. It was a wonderful reunion for me, one that I wasn't sure would ever happen. And I've treasured every moment of it. With the use of my trusty Czech-English dictionary (which has spent other happy hours in their home) we had a great time. The hugs at the bus station in Litomerice were a treat in themselves (and seemed to have some mutual relief that at last we were together again, bad health and miles not interfering), and it only got better. Every meal incredible traditional Czech cooking (waaaay too much food, but every bite marvelous), smiles and nods to the stories of our shared grandson/nephew, company dropping by and staying for hours (people still do that in villages when it's obvious something a bit out of the ordinary is happening!) long restful sleep under the cozy duvet, and endless offers of more kava (coffee), caj (tea), pivo (beer), vino (I don't need to tell you that, do I?), vadu (water). And especially the time spent just enjoying being together.
AND watching the snow! All day Easter it snowed. Most of the time the temperature was just warm enough that it stuck only a few minutes. And it varied from a heavy fall of huge flakes to a general drifting of smaller ones and back again to large and heavy. All day!
Another treat was that each day Dasa and Michael called to see how things were going, offer any translation or information needed, and generally to stay in touch. Both babickas (not sure the plural, my Czech is only a tad better than when I arrived, but it is two grandmothers) in the same house. It was great, and I must admit how cared for I felt/feel. It was in one of those calls that I learned from Dasa that Monday is the BIG DAY, not Sunday. She'd said earlier that the children came around and sang, then received candy/colored eggs, and I really wanted to see that.
Now I know about Easter Monday Zahorany style. During the morning we had a slow but regular stream of visitors, mostly young men who came with their pomlazka (the braided whip which has colorful ribbons tied to the top). Both Dana and I were tapped lightly, then the "older" (it looked like 13/14 and up) males were offered their choice of drinks and children were offered eggs and candy. It was indeed a treat to see and yes, my resistance is now lowered, tho' I still wonder about the source of this beating thing! One other note -- yes, about four hours later I happened to see a neighbor male being guided back to his home fence. Instinct told me that would be the result of all that "elbow bending." Good thing there was no need for designated drivers. I'm certain none could have been found.
I'd been invited for Monday lunch by Dasa's aunt and uncle. Again, a happy reunion. And at the same time, sad. This also is a traditional Czech home, one which has been lovingly cared for and updated over many years. The disastrous floods of 2002 and 2005/6 devastated it all, the second one just after they'd finished restoration from the first. Just across the street and down a steep embankment is the Labe River, probably better know to you as the Elbe, which is its name in Germany. It's running full now -- I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to watch it come right across the street and keep going several feet deep through your home. They have yet again cleaned and restored, which is not an easy task at any age, and surely not in your 70s!
And oh my goodness -- again, what a meal. Highlight? I not only thoroughly enjoyed eating but also got to watch the making of brambory (potato) knedlicky (dumplings). Oh me oh my! It took me right back to the days of my grandmother teaching me to make noodles. Start with flour (in this case boiled, grated potatoes) on a board, make a well for the eggs, etc., etc. While the meal was being prepared, a five-year-old neighbor girl arrived with her willow twigs and her well-rehearsed song/poem. Once launched into her first word, there was no stopping, no breath, no smile, just full steam ahead. SO cute!
Just in case I might be hungry (you're kidding, right?) there were two marvelous appetizers. Since I'm definitely not a novice at this, I knew enough to be polite (one) and disciplined (no more)! The meal starter? A marvelous light soup. Then on to roast duck, knedlicky, red or white sauerkraut, followed by Turkish coffee and mazanec, a traditional Easter cake. Again, the constant enjoyment of communicating every way possible! And loving every minute of it.
Really, this isn't a food column! It is, however, passing along my appreciation for the hospitality and my recognition of the gift of sharing bread and the "best of the house" with those you love and who love you, just because. . . . What a lovely weekend, what a special way to recognize life on Easter weekend.
The trip back to the bus station and to Prague was uneventful, made all the right choices to get to my own door, nice when you're a very uncertain transplant! Standing room only on the bus (knew this was probably the weekend for a reserved seat).
It's back to the routine, to everyday life as I know it (wonder if it was like that for the disciples?) And to you -- a wish for a year of new life, new adventures, new ways of finding and sharing love.
Oh yes -- Happy Eastern? Don't have a clue, but that is the Czech wish to friends. Certainly did take me by surprise the first time I heard it. Thought I'd misunderstood. Now I've heard it quite a few times -- I am blessed to have wonderful new friends here -- even received it as a wish in a text on my phone! So I've not heard incorrectly. It's Happy Eastern! To you and you and you.
So many questions, so few answers! First one -- in a country that certainly is not strongly religious, why would Easter Monday be a public holiday? I've come from the Bible Belt where Good Friday gets a fair amount of recognition, but Easter Monday? Another -- how to make sense of the variety of what appear to be folk customs and traditions which seemingly have no connection to Easter as I know it. Not opposed, mind you, just curious! And still the big one -- whipping? And receiving gaily decorated eggs in return?
To pass along the little I've learned. Easter here is quite a mix of traditions and customs which pre-date Christianity. And the customs are observed mostly in villages and small towns. And that is just where I've spent Easter!
At last -- a trip to Zahorany, Dasa's home village, to spend two days with her mother and brothers. It was a wonderful reunion for me, one that I wasn't sure would ever happen. And I've treasured every moment of it. With the use of my trusty Czech-English dictionary (which has spent other happy hours in their home) we had a great time. The hugs at the bus station in Litomerice were a treat in themselves (and seemed to have some mutual relief that at last we were together again, bad health and miles not interfering), and it only got better. Every meal incredible traditional Czech cooking (waaaay too much food, but every bite marvelous), smiles and nods to the stories of our shared grandson/nephew, company dropping by and staying for hours (people still do that in villages when it's obvious something a bit out of the ordinary is happening!) long restful sleep under the cozy duvet, and endless offers of more kava (coffee), caj (tea), pivo (beer), vino (I don't need to tell you that, do I?), vadu (water). And especially the time spent just enjoying being together.
AND watching the snow! All day Easter it snowed. Most of the time the temperature was just warm enough that it stuck only a few minutes. And it varied from a heavy fall of huge flakes to a general drifting of smaller ones and back again to large and heavy. All day!
Another treat was that each day Dasa and Michael called to see how things were going, offer any translation or information needed, and generally to stay in touch. Both babickas (not sure the plural, my Czech is only a tad better than when I arrived, but it is two grandmothers) in the same house. It was great, and I must admit how cared for I felt/feel. It was in one of those calls that I learned from Dasa that Monday is the BIG DAY, not Sunday. She'd said earlier that the children came around and sang, then received candy/colored eggs, and I really wanted to see that.
Now I know about Easter Monday Zahorany style. During the morning we had a slow but regular stream of visitors, mostly young men who came with their pomlazka (the braided whip which has colorful ribbons tied to the top). Both Dana and I were tapped lightly, then the "older" (it looked like 13/14 and up) males were offered their choice of drinks and children were offered eggs and candy. It was indeed a treat to see and yes, my resistance is now lowered, tho' I still wonder about the source of this beating thing! One other note -- yes, about four hours later I happened to see a neighbor male being guided back to his home fence. Instinct told me that would be the result of all that "elbow bending." Good thing there was no need for designated drivers. I'm certain none could have been found.
I'd been invited for Monday lunch by Dasa's aunt and uncle. Again, a happy reunion. And at the same time, sad. This also is a traditional Czech home, one which has been lovingly cared for and updated over many years. The disastrous floods of 2002 and 2005/6 devastated it all, the second one just after they'd finished restoration from the first. Just across the street and down a steep embankment is the Labe River, probably better know to you as the Elbe, which is its name in Germany. It's running full now -- I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to watch it come right across the street and keep going several feet deep through your home. They have yet again cleaned and restored, which is not an easy task at any age, and surely not in your 70s!
And oh my goodness -- again, what a meal. Highlight? I not only thoroughly enjoyed eating but also got to watch the making of brambory (potato) knedlicky (dumplings). Oh me oh my! It took me right back to the days of my grandmother teaching me to make noodles. Start with flour (in this case boiled, grated potatoes) on a board, make a well for the eggs, etc., etc. While the meal was being prepared, a five-year-old neighbor girl arrived with her willow twigs and her well-rehearsed song/poem. Once launched into her first word, there was no stopping, no breath, no smile, just full steam ahead. SO cute!
Just in case I might be hungry (you're kidding, right?) there were two marvelous appetizers. Since I'm definitely not a novice at this, I knew enough to be polite (one) and disciplined (no more)! The meal starter? A marvelous light soup. Then on to roast duck, knedlicky, red or white sauerkraut, followed by Turkish coffee and mazanec, a traditional Easter cake. Again, the constant enjoyment of communicating every way possible! And loving every minute of it.
Really, this isn't a food column! It is, however, passing along my appreciation for the hospitality and my recognition of the gift of sharing bread and the "best of the house" with those you love and who love you, just because. . . . What a lovely weekend, what a special way to recognize life on Easter weekend.
The trip back to the bus station and to Prague was uneventful, made all the right choices to get to my own door, nice when you're a very uncertain transplant! Standing room only on the bus (knew this was probably the weekend for a reserved seat).
It's back to the routine, to everyday life as I know it (wonder if it was like that for the disciples?) And to you -- a wish for a year of new life, new adventures, new ways of finding and sharing love.
Oh yes -- Happy Eastern? Don't have a clue, but that is the Czech wish to friends. Certainly did take me by surprise the first time I heard it. Thought I'd misunderstood. Now I've heard it quite a few times -- I am blessed to have wonderful new friends here -- even received it as a wish in a text on my phone! So I've not heard incorrectly. It's Happy Eastern! To you and you and you.
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