What’s most notable about my work trip to Europe last November (2019) is what didn’t happen. I didn’t become violently sick in the cab, lose my luggage, or end up wearing a hotel staff cleaning uniform out on the town – all stories for another time. I did, however, buy a shit ton of Delft, finish the Diary of Anne Frank minutes before the tour, and cry a bit at the Van Gogh Museum for reasons I am still processing.…
Nea (New) Kalyvakia is a thirty-minute drive from (original) Kalyvakia. My husband’s family, which consists of his grandmother’s sister, her husband, and their two sons, moved to Nea Kalyvakia 25 years ago along with most of the village. However, they never sold their Kalyvakia home. Somewhat damaged by a recent earthquake, there are still photos on the walls and wine on the shelves. The sons visit periodically to sweep and ensure things are mostly in order. Just as proud, if…
I receive the same answer every time I ask the question: It’s easy. Puréed beets at the monastery, perfectly folded dolmades in Crete, and a midnight BBQ in the village of Nea Kalyvakia were all served with the same set of instructions. The response is neither disingenuous nor overly humble – it’s a matter of relativity. I learned by watching that appreciation for the process itself yields ease. Throughout the evening spent at the family home of our host Eleni,…
Originally published in the Deseret News on August 28, 2020. And now for some good news: The new Salt Lake City International Airport is opening on Sept. 15 — ahead of schedule and under budget. The airport features six international gates, and nonstop international flights to Europe will restart when the pandemic subsides. Bill Wyatt, executive director of the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, and his team are ready to welcome the world to Salt Lake City, although slowly…
I’d forgotten the password to the site as well as the password to the email account it is linked to and had to reset both – it has been that long. Neglected in favor of the new opportunities it allowed, this small creative outlet has been untouched and unpaid for. I’m aiming to spend these months at home retelling stories in a somewhat futile attempt to relive them. Although I’m here now, let’s not call it a comeback.…
After being accepted into the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture (now known as The School of Architecture at Taliesin), students were instructed to pack a tuxedo and a sleeping bag. The former, to be worn each Saturday night to a formal party. And the latter, to provide warmth and comfort while camping throughout the Arizona winter. With this school, Wright created a total learning environment. It was his belief that to truly understand architecture, you must also learn and appreciate…