My Six Words of Gratitude
If I had to say what I am thankful for in 2020, my six words would be these: I am grateful for the Internet.
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Sogni Siciliani
Last night I dreamed I was in Sicily again.
Fish Fry Fridays
Why is the fish fry so popular in a town where beef on ‘weck, Sahlen’s hot dogs, and chicken wings suggest a distinct predilection for meat?
Children of the River
We who grew up alongside the mighty Niagara know it as the artery that pulsed through our childhood. Photo courtesy of Maria Eley.
Strawberry Backs and Blackberry Fingers
As an inner city child, one of the things I looked forward to every summer was a trip to the countryside to pick berries.
Water in the Mouth
All I have to do is think about the authentic street food usually on offer at the Italian Festival—sfinge, cannoli, gardoons, zeppole, pizza bianca—and I begin to drool.
Front Porch Summers
No one had air-conditioning, the windows were wide open, and there were no family secrets in the summertime.
Small Victories
Back in 1943, nearly every yard on the West Side of Buffalo, no matter the size, became what was then called a Victory Garden. My mother and father both recall the vibrant, productive gardens that filled these small spaces, and remember doing what they could to contribute, though they were only small children when World […]
Love in the Time of Coronavirus
How we react and how we behave over the coming months will define who we are, and how we will be remembered, long after we are gone.
Swimming with Sea Lions
I have never been met by a Welcome Committee quite like this one. They seemed very glad to see us–a group of strangers–pulling up in our noisy zodiac boat. They responded to our presence by doing somersaults, waving their fins and popping their heads out of the water in greeting. Perhaps this is the thing […]
In My Room
When I first heard the song “In My Room,” written by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys in the early 1960’s, I knew exactly what he was talking about. As one of eight children, I desperately wanted a private space where I could be alone. When I reached the age of 16, I got my […]
What Your DNA Test Won’t Tell You
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I want to express my gratitude to my ancestors for the many ways they shaped my life.