"Death and the Gardener"

Seattle, Washington

"Death and the Gardener" by Georgi Gospodinov is a fantastic read. I saw a review in the New Yorker a few weeks ago and knew I must read it. 1) I LOVED his earlier book "Time Shelter," and 2) my mother passed away last summer. 

Wow. 

Although, this is barely a novel in the traditional sense, the writing and and storytelling are amazing. When Mom died, I was not interested in reading any kind of "grief book." But somehow THIS was the book that made me think deeply and clearly about my mother's passing. 

Read it.

tourISTANBUL

Istanbul, Turkey

On my way home from eight amazing days in Iraqi Kurdistan, and this morning I got to take advantage of a Turkish Airlines free bus tour. The weather was absolutely amazing (sunny, cold and windy) and just a few hours on the bus reminded me that I/we absolutely must get back to Turkey again. 

Though I am willing to wait until the mayor of Istanbul is not under lock and key.

Homemade!

Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

My last evening in Erbil: a lovely dinner with friends, fun math projects--and homemade yogurt to admire. My friend just finished "setting" the yogurt when I arrived--made from sheep's milk from a family member's farm. Truly farm to table...

Leveling up with Tomoko Fuse

partially completed dodecagon, rose pattern

Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan 

I am just coming to the end of 9 days of visiting with friends in Erbil. In preparation for this trip I decided to "level up" my unit origami skills by buying Tomoko Fuse's most recent book and spending some time to learn some new patterns, in particular the "rose units" and the "silver star units". (Rose units have a ratio of 1:2 and Silver star units have a ratio of 1:Sqrt2.) 

4-point football (silver star units)

I really enjoyed sharing some of my origami (both old and new) with friends. A great way to pass the time with folks who don't share much language in common with me...

Arizona interlude

Tucson, Arizona

Unexpectedly, I found myself in Arizona for 5 days this week to help out with an ailing family member. After all kinds of wild weather and a new found (and deep) familiarity with the layout of the Tucson Medical Center, I am headed home. The skies were lovely, but Tucson is definitely not the place for me for more than a few days...

More book recs:

• "The Buried" by Peter Hessler (great book about the Arab Spring in Egypt)
• "Memorial Days" by Geraldine Brooks. Wow.

Books on Bikes

Seattle, Washington

My latest three reads (listens):

• "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney (a great read)
• "Foundation" by Isaac Asimov (a class sci-fi read)
• "Mania" by Lionel Shriver (serious satire!)

Home & settled

Seattle, Washington

After the joys, adventures, and work (!) of wandering in Switzerland and Iceland, it's great to be home to a sparkling clean house (thank you, A!) and the comforts of home. My only regret? That I didn't get a tea towel in Iceland to match the one I found in Switzerland. Good to be away and good to be home!