The Social Porcupine

Other people, "What is an au pair?"  Before Germany, I would answer, "Basically a nanny who doesn't get paid very much." During Germany, I would sometimes say, "A servant."  After Germany, I decided to actually look up what it was I had done. As an etymologist enthusiast, I'm surprised I didn't do this before I submitted my application.  au pair = on par with, from the French and means literally, on an equal footing.  Of course, that is merely the definition and origins of the phrase. What is an au pair actually?  Face value: An au pair is a young person (male or female) between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six who, wishing to learn more of another culture, goes to live with a family. In exchange, they will help with the children and light chores and receive a small pocket allowance that is not to be considered wages. It is standard for them to work four to six hours a day, and they shall work not more than thirty hours a week. They are to h...

When I was happy the most hurtful thing someone told me was, “I want to like you, Keturah. But you’re always behind a facade of laughter and I can’t ever get to really know you.” When I was falling apart, the most hurtful thing someone told me was, “Keturah, stop dwelling on it. Just get over it.” Both times these things were said to me by people that I respected and loved as close friends. I didn’t think my laughter was a facade … humor is always how I’ve dealt with life. But because of that, I was unable to laugh for a long time. When I was consumed with grief, I was trying desperately not to drown. I wanted to get over it. But being told that, when I desperately needed a friend to let me talk and rant, did not help me get over it . Instead, I pulled deeper into my grief and had no release. (I want to take a moment to acknowledge the fact that I have a few VERY good friends that laugh at my weirdness and talk with me during my tears. They never condemn me for either, but...

For:  Alexa, Camille,  Cherish, Clara,  Elisabeth (Lizzy), Elizabeth V.,  Esther, Jessi,  Laura,  Lauren, Mary,  Rashida,  Rilly (GB),  Shelby. ( And all of the other amazing friends of mine.) Most of these girls have been friends of mine for over five years. Some of you have been friends of mine for half of my life. A couple of you I've only known a year or so. They say you can't be best friends with everyone.  I say that's only because it's impossible for me to meet everyone.  They say there's not enough of me to go around for everyone.  I say that God didn't give us limits when He told us to love the world.  But even so ... I'm lucky to call many my best friend, this I know. And even so, I wonder. Why are we such good friends? Sometimes I wonder,  Why you and I?  What brought us together? Why are we friends?  And why hasn't our friendship ended? Because some of my friends...

The other day I was thinking about how it was sad that some people don't like to think or have opinions. As if having an opinion about something is bad. You see, I love to spend my days developing opinions about all sorts of things while I work. It's fun to think. And it's fun to stretch your thoughts in new directions. But on this particular day, I was pitying all of those that don't like having opinions. I really pity those who say things like, "I don't really have an opinion." And say it as if they really  don't have an opinion. Like I said, I was spending my time pitying them. Until I started thinking about how impossible it had to be to not have an opinion about something. "Surely, there's something that everyone has an opinion on?"  And then it dawned on me what that something was—kissing!  Everyone has an opinion about kissing. And if you tell me you don't, I'll be convinced that you are lying to m...

I have always loved fairy tales. But not for the reason most seem to like them. I have always thought the fairy tale cliches of love at first sight, dreams do come true, and being saved from a hard life by a handsome Prince were stupid. "But isn't that what fairy tales are all about? A magical way to dream of true love?" No. I like real  fairy tales because I see them a stories full of virtue and lessons. I don't see a story fascinating when it's about a girl falling in love because she finds her heart unable to beat steady because she just saw wind whip over a rugged face and deep blue eyes. To me, that's not a real fairy tale, but something that Disney has made us think is the real deal. To me a fairy tale is synonymous for a moral tale — a short story about people learning lesson in a radical, shocking way often with a touch of fantasy to thrill us as we learn something valuable. Often where one would expect magic there will be gruesome horror....

I recently had the honor to review read a copy of Jack's book Brothers-in-Arms. Amazon Goodreads My review on Goodreads Back Cover: Franz Kappel and Japhet Buchanan never expected their friendship to be tested by the Third Reich.  Friends from early childhood, the boys form an inseparable, brotherly bond. Growing up in a little German village, they escape most of the struggles of war until the day Japhet is banished from school for being a Jew, and later has a rib broken when other village boys beat him up. Franz learns he is putting himself in danger for spending so much time with Japhet but continues to stand up for his Jewish friend even at the risk to himself. Then one day their lives are shattered when they see first-hand that the price of being a Jew is dangerously high.  With the war now on their doorsteps, Franz and Japhet come up with a desperate plan to save their families and get them out of Germany alive. Leaving behind the lives they've alwa...