Personal stories from now and in the past.
I am currently in the process of writing my next book—this time character-driven fiction set in the Canadian prairies circa 1963. It’s developing very slowly. However, as I write I find myself reliving some vivid childhood memories. The following is one of those memories. The first of my teatime treks began on a warm, sunny … More Teatime with Pearl
A few days ago I watched the Netflix movie Worth, a based-on-a-true-story film about the lawyer in charge of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. According to slate.com, the movie fudges some details and creates a few composite characters. Simply put, it’s not a documentary. However, it does remain faithful to its theme—the very real moral … More What is the Value of Human Life?
I need to say a few things about Afghanistan. My heart is broken by what I see going on there right now. I know I am just another voice among thousands, but we did live in Pakistan for five years in the early 1990s. During that time I got to know many Afghan merchants and … More The Rubble of Misplaced Intentions
In the past few months, I have been busy marketing and promoting my latest book, Geckos & Guns: The Pakistan Years. I have to admit that this is hard work for me. Writing is my passion and, even on days when my muse is not speaking to me, I always find something to write about. … More My Marketing Journey
Burgeoning lilac tree Deep purple blooms Lace of my grandmother’s heart Deep sweet scent of spring Floating above the sun-drenched veranda Saturating my childhood dreams This poem is dedicated to my grandmother and all grandmothers on this Mother’s Day weekend.
We had read parts of the Holy Quran before we went to Pakistan, so we had some idea of what to expect. We knew there would be no alcohol available locally. Imagine our surprise when we were informed of the booze allotment provided by the UN. Apparently, there was a UN Commissary in Rawalpindi, twin … More Excerpt from Geckos & Guns – A Trip to the Commissary
My friend, Simone wrote this review which I would like to share with all of you. A true account of what it was like to move to Asia in the 90s Sharon and I met in Thailand, a few years after she moved to Pakistan in 1991. I, myself, moved to Thailand in 1990, and … More An Excellent Review of Geckos & Guns
A few days ago I hosted a Zoom Book Launch party for my latest memoir, Geckos & Guns: The Pakistan Years. It was a successful, enjoyable afternoon of sharing memories and answering questions about the book. One of those questions still resonates, not because it was an unusual question, but rather because I didn’t provide … More Perspectives and Opinions
Yesterday I came down with what I have dubbed ‘the COVID blues’. This ailment presented itself as a kind of hopeless melancholy coupled with floating anxiety and restlessness. At the same time, I was riddled with guilt. What was the matter with me? My husband and I have the basic necessities of life. We are … More The COVID Blues
This morning I watched a clip of the President of the United States bullying his way through another public diatribe. A crowd of his supporters was jeering, chanting, and risking their health during the COVID pandemic just to be a part of his blood sport. It’s one thing to be a bully. We have all … More Are We Being Seduced by Bullies?
The Bazant Blog 