of Quinoa Tabbouleh, or desert island fare

This is in my desert island top 10. What I mean is that if I had starred in the pilot episode of Lost and woken up in airplane wreckage on a remote island, I… Continue reading →

of Spring being late to her own party

Spring is white wine and scratchy grass picnics. Spring is jam jars playing house on the pantry shelf. Spring is an odd ramshackle bird in the middle of the city. Spring is the… Continue reading →

of same-zone loving

Three years ago, I was in my hometown on Java, moving towards my wedding at a pace that felt like sludging through extra-creamy peanut butter. After giving our collective carbon footprint the finger… Continue reading →

of liquid intrigue: Belgian lambic beer

I do love a good intrigue. Especially the sort that goes on in an ancient family-owned beer brewery in rural Belgium. It’s scandalous stuff. First, a hoppy brew is left uncovered and completely… Continue reading →

of Elderflower Cordial, or living off the land

You’ve just licked the last gummy bit of rhubarb-anise syrup from the lip of your glass and now you need a new delicious drink DIY? Elderflower cordial, come on down! It’s a simple… Continue reading →

Of the 1-inch picture frame

A friend  asked me a few days ago why each of my posts is titled “Of….” My hero Anne Lamott has a tiny, 1-inch picture frame hanging above the desk where she sits… Continue reading →

of orange blood

Holland is a frenetic orange mess this month – the European Football Championship (soccer for you yanks) is upon us! A few weeks ago, I started noticing whole neighborhoods stringing up orange flags… Continue reading →

of Rhubarb and Anise Syrup

After dangling shorts-and-sunnies weather in front of our noses for a few glorious days last week, the sun packed up and headed for the Mediterranean. I’m wearing a sweater now, but I refuse… Continue reading →

of Tempeh Bolognese

When I was young, lunch was often a bowl of steaming white rice, some greens, and a crisp, salty slice of fried tempeh. Since moving to the Netherlands I’ve fallen in love with… Continue reading →

of the tip of my tongue

After the last two bookish blips, I thought I’d keep it matchy-matchy and say three words about writing. Only three though, because I reserve rambling for academic papers. I’m an introvert — every… Continue reading →