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.
In my latest memoir, Geckos & Guns: The Pakistan Years, I have included stories told to me by some of my expat friends. Day to day life in Pakistan was full of unique, hilarious and, at times shocking experiences. Here is one from my good friend Norma. When we moved to Islamabad, the house the … More Excerpt from Geckos & Guns – Norma’s Cushion Story
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
Geckos & Guns: The Pakistan Years is now available in paperback. You can order it on Amazon.com, Booklocker.com or any major online retailer. Happy reading everyone!
“What in heaven’s name motivated you to move to Pakistan?”
I can understand why she would ask this question. She’s at a point in the book where it seems as if everything is falling apart. … More Why Did We Move From Canada to Pakistan?
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
In my new book, Geckos & Guns: The Pakistan Years (experiencing some delays; coming soon I promise) I talk about how our family left Canada for Pakistan during the first Gulf War. When we arrived in Islamabad tensions were running high. Many expats had been evacuated and those that stayed were told to ‘shelter in … More School Days Re-imagined
