Relationships and Going Places
Fireflies And Summer Rain
Julia Sneden writes: I have never stopped loving fireflies. On evenings after a rain, or when the grass has been freshly cut, we can count on a large number of winking lights, and the woods in the hollow behind our house are often like a fairyland of tiny stars moving lazily about among the trees. I've gotten over being afraid when I hear the first rumbles of thunder, although I still don't enjoy it when there are strikes so near that you can hear the fizz-snap simultaneously with the bang. more »
Artists in France: "It is the loveliest country you ever saw, the red brown roofs, the white houses, and the green fields."
The 'impressive Normandy coast proved an artistic crucible for European and American artists during the course of the 19th and 20th centuries' while Portland-born artist Mildred Burrage, who as a young aspiring painter traveled in the early 1900s to Giverny, France. She trained her eye on the landscape, creating paintings and filling sketchbooks with her Impressionist style. more »
The Rise of Asian Americans: More Satisfied With Their Lives, Finances and the Direction of the Country
Asian Americans are the highest-income, best-educated and fastest-growing racial group in the US, passing Hispanics as the largest group of new immigrants. They place more value than other Americans do on marriage, parenthood, hard work and career success, according to Pew Research. more »
London Revisited: “Ageing is optional here”
Jane Shortall writes about London: "Nattily dressed and high heeled women, some looking marvellously Botoxxed, came out of the restaurant, chatting loudly and gathered at a table in the alfresco dining area. They carried small glasses of chilled white wine, lit up cigarettes with pricey lighters and blew smoke in the air, tossing their expensive coiffed hair." more »
