They walk toward tomorrow carrying old songs,

Cathedrals in their shadows,, phones in their hands.

The world moves fast- still they keep a place

For bread, for prayer, for names history almost erased.

Recently returning from a journey through several Eastern European countries trying to climb out of the communist mentality into the modern day world …some facts we learned from our guides and our own observations (gleaned in the short time we had…)

After communism collapsed in Eastern Europe around 1989-1991, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria changed dramatically. These countries moved from state-controlled economies and restricted freedoms toward democracy, capitalism and closer ties with Europe. This is what it looked like…TAP ON PICTURE WHEN YOU WANT TO SEE WHOLE IMAGE!

ROMANIA: modernized quickly after the fall of NICOLAE Ceauseacu. Cities like Bucharest have become centers for technology and business while rural areas remain poorer. Romania is a beautiful, ancient city and the people are warm, friendly and many are English-speaking.

HUNGARY: This country developed into a strong European country with a strong economy and vibrant capital city with stunning ancient architecture along side communist housing still existing and in use.

SERBIA: This country faced wars and economic hardship during the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990’s. Today, several of the cities are lively and somewhat modern, though it seems that many of the older folks are still nostalgic for the old Yugoslavia….better days?

CROATIA: This country embraced tourism and joined thee European Union in 2013. Its Adriatic Sea coast has become a major destination, helping the country grow more prosperous. We, however, saw the more agricultural part of the country…the part that’s still struggling to step out of the poverty realm. Interesting and more intimate, nevertheless!

BULGARIA: This country is still struggling economically but is gradually modernizing. This is the country that is least ready for tourists as almost no one speaks English. It’s wonderful to visit because everyone you see is busy just living his or her everyday life…it’s the most real. As Michael and I walked around, we found a group of 4 young girls (about 9th grade age) with one little brother just walking around. We tried to ask directions to a market and in doing that, we made 5 new friends…they spoke a bit of English so we were able to communicate. They were a highlight in our journey and I gained a pen pal!!

Today these countries try to combine traces of their communist past with modern European life (as best they can.) Older apartment blocks (reminiscent of the communist era,) traditional culture, modern business and Western influence all exist side by side…but people are people…we all have the same heart! Thanks for the welcome, Eastern Europe!

What a wonderful time I had with a dear friend I haven’t seen in about 10 years…but we never lost touch when she moved to Newport, Rhode Island. A gracious hostess, it’s like we never lost a moment. We spent time with her kids (now adults) and grandkids…and I got my dog fix with her pooch, Tootsie. Newport is such a beautiful town…her home was built in 1822…she and her son are bringing it back to its original glory.
I never realized that Newport has always been such a progressive community…so many firsts: First U.S. Naval Academy (1861,) first free public school (1640), first circus (1774,) first free Black church (1824) first female lighthouse keeper (1879,) first gas streetlight (1824,) first airplane passenger service (1923…) and so many other firsts…both private and governmental.
It won’t be long before we meet again! Please enjoy a glimpse of this stunning community…I did play with some of my photos just for fun…I hope it doesn’t take away from the beauty of the sites!!

Newport, Rhode Island—

where centuries linger

in wood, stone, and quiet grandeur,

homes that remember

salt air and stories,

water everywhere—

harbours breathing in and out,

lighthouses keeping watch,

windmills turning time…

dogs trotting happily

through sunlit streets…

tables set with something wonderful

just around the corner…

and you—

a dear friend—

making it all

perfect!

Thank you Kath, Sophie, Seth, Christine, Lucy, Simon and of course, Tootsie! See you again soon. XOXOX

DECEMBER 2025

Music paints the stage

Hippie hearts and tie-dyed chords

Echo from the 60’s

A weekend with our closest family is always good for our hearts and souls. This weekend, we had pre-celebrations for Lilly’s 21st and Michelle’s birthdays. Two shows topped off the fast-flying days. We saw TELLTALE HARBOUR that was just okay, and MJ…the story of the preparing for Michael’s DANGEROUS TOUR. It was excellent. But, as always, the best part of the weekend for Michael and me was just being with our loved ones. Especially sweet to be with Hunter who’s usually onboard ship playing his music for many months at a time. Lilly’s busy as well with her musical theater career…she’s in several productions at the moment in Toronto!! (More about that as shows open…it’s rehearsal time now!)

How we love beautiful Toronto and our very dear family! We look forward to the next visit…this visit also celebrated CANADIAN THANKSGIVING. Next trip is celebrating AMERICAN THANKSGIVING and Lilly’s show…HAIR! 🎉🥰

We travel for many reasons- curiosity, beauty, escape, adventure- but in Provence, France, and along the Rhone River, travel becomes something quieter and more intimate…at least, that’s what happens normally. However, this time, there were hoards of people wanting to experience Provence at the same time, so it was very crowded. Nevertheless, it was a trip about seeing AND feeling…the texture of time-worn stones beneath our feet, the warmth of late sunlight on our faces…each town offering its own rhythm, its own flavor of life. It’s a place where art and history seemed to breathe in tendem. The memories linger like the aftertaste of a fine dinner. In this part of France, beauty isn’t something for which you search…it simply unfolds all around you, moment by gentle moment, until you realize it has enveloped you throughout your journey. VIVA LA FRANCE!!

Here are some glimpses of the eye-candy we experienced. Tap on first image then swipe left for the rest…

“THE RENT COLLECTOR” by Camron Wright

This is a tale of hope and beauty that takes place in one of the dirtiest paces in the world…a massive place called Stung Meanchey. It’s an actual municipal garbage dump in Phnom Penh, Cambodia! THE RENT COLLECTOR is based there. It’s not a true story, but is inspired by real people who call Stung Meanchey home…who live in huts created from debris collected from the dump. The residents scavenge for recyclables to sell, to provide for their families. If that’s not hard enough, they also must pay rent to their cranky, often drunk rent collector. The author gives an accurate picture of life at the dump as well as the incredible spirit of those who love and live to preserve their families. It’s a story about what it means to be human and about literacy and the way it can change lives. More than that, it’s a narrative about one woman’s journey to save her sick baby son (a resident of Stung Meanchey) and another woman’s chance at redemption (the rent collector…) Far from depressing, it’s a beautiful story of hope and humanity.

My husband and I have spent some time in Cambodia and have learned much of its history, so picturing it all wasn’t too difficult. Too, it was nice to have pictures of the real people available at the end as well as some background into the inspiration for the story.

For a story that celebrates and encourages the best from within and teaches us to “judge not,” THE RENT COLLECTOR is a most memorable read.

Michael’s and my journey through South Africa was pure joy…visiting with dear family originally from Scotland, now longtime residents of South Africa …Capetown and Johannesburg…and dear, friends who have become family in East London as well as Johannesburg. Our hearts are full and we’re looking forward to returning in the not-too-distant future. Here are some pics from each city…

EAST LONDON…

CAPETOWN…

JOHANNESBURG…

Reuniting with family and friends, after many years, was so rewarding and heart-warming. Just being together was important and reaffirming…and catching up on news…current and past…a comfort. We so appreciate all these dear people who went out of their way for us…to welcome us and remember that they’re part of our hearts..even when we’re apart…we’re so grateful for your presence in our lives.

Much love until our next meeting… Abbyj

Africa is HOME.

Her people and animals

Refresh heart and soul

Trying to climb the high riverbanks to reach my other family’s “compound” has become increasingly difficult and I always need someone supporting both arms to reach the top (as well as to return back down to the boat that takes us to Walla and Dido’s family and extended family. This seems like a lot of complaining, but this is the first time EVER that I’ve felt that my time visiting with these people who have been so dear to me for sooooo many years, is winding down. I don’t know if Michelle will continues to visit from time to time once I stop…that’ll be her decision. I’m hoping that perhaps she and Lilly will go and a new generation will be introduced…My heart is heavy as Buno, Walla and Dido and their families have been part of my life for more than two decades…I knew them before most of the kids were born and have loved watching them grow, mature and change in so many ways. Each of my families even have an Abby of their own now!

Michelle, Steve and I explored Zambia for the first time this trip. It’s always a surprise and a gift to experience the majesty of these iconic animals in their own natural habitats. Even rising with the sun at 5:30 each morning was a treat…and to look out of our window ”tent” and see (and hear) hippos in the river or lazing on the river banks, having a Mom and baby baboon visit with us at our little plunge pool, seeing the warthogs grazing just a few feet away from our “home away from home”…it was all magical.

Well, we’ll see what the future holds. I will continue to travel to my favorite place on earth and drink in as much of the culture and wild life throughout the huge and varied continent until I am no longer able to do so. A huge thank you to Steve Turner and OriginSafaris for wisking me away to all the mysterious, magical, fascinating places we’ve visited together and with Jayne through the 20+ years of friendship. It will continue as the torch passes to Richard and Rebecca…and a new chapter begins…

“THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN” by Marjan Kamali

This is a story about the friendship of two young girls growing up against the backdrop of political unrest and instability…in the turbulence of Iran during volatile times. Their friendship spans decades from the 1950’s to present day. It’s a coming of age story as Ellie and Homa make life changing decisions and the conflicts they encounter. An unlikely friendship at the start, this is about feminism, activism, commitment to a cause or belief as well as love, devotion, betrayal and forgiveness. I must say that Kamali’s writing made me feel part of the friendship of Ellie and Homa…sharing in their simple joys of childhood, feeling the teenage stresses and jealousies playing out between them, their parents and friends…and experiencing their parting ways when they were young women and LIFE interrupted them.

THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN is an engaging story celebrating women, friendship, redemption…and triumph! Loved it!