Category Archives: Histories/Memories

Friends and fruit trees

Posted on August 26, 2007 by Marisa

I have a lot of wonderful friends who are gifted and talented in many ways.  I know people who can fix computers, create recipes from scratch, code websites, play instruments, twirl batons, raise children and remodel houses.  But, for all … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Friends, Histories/Memories | 5 Comments

Chopped liver choppers

Posted on July 16, 2007 by Marisa

One summer when my mom and I were visiting my grandma Tutu (hawaiian for grandmother) in Philly, I remember my mom taking a utensil out of the drawer in the kitchen and bringing it back to Portland with us. She … Continue reading →

Posted in Histories/Memories, Philly Living | Leave a comment

A 28-year-old letter

Posted on June 28, 2007 by Marisa

When I was out in Portland last month, one of the activities I tasked myself with was sorting through the ephemera that I’ve collected over my lifetime. I had saved up a veritable mountain of programs from high school plays, … Continue reading →

Posted in Day to Day, Histories/Memories | Leave a comment

The most influential teacher of my high school career has died

Posted on June 2, 2007 by Marisa

When I was a sophomore in high school, I was on my school’s Constitution Team.  Each year more than 100 students applied for the 30 available spots on the team, so it was an honor to be awarded a position … Continue reading →

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My mom's mountain

Posted on May 16, 2007 by Marisa

One of my favorite things about flying in and out of Portland during the daylight hours is the amazing views you get of the Cascade Mountains. When my parents were first looking for a place to live that wasn’t Southern … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Histories/Memories | 3 Comments

Bound by bread

Posted on April 28, 2007 by Marisa

My confessional post about my white bread purchase yesterday stirred some emotions about white verses whole wheat bread, and so I thought I’d continue the conversation by posting a poem my mom wrote about my grandfather (her step-father) and the … Continue reading →

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Fine Leather Goods

Posted on April 19, 2007 by Marisa

There are a number of ways in which I take after my grandmother Della.  I’ve always had a fascination with girly stuff like perfume and make-up.  I wear a lot of black.  And I have a deep and abiding fondness … Continue reading →

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Three boys, sometime in the 1950's

Posted on April 10, 2007 by Marisa

There’s no date on this picture, but the one in the middle, the only one really looking at the camera, is my dad. My guess is that they are standing outside of their grandparents’ garage, at the house on West … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Histories/Memories | 5 Comments

Family history, plucked from the basement

Posted on April 9, 2007 by Marisa

I drove out to New Town Square today to visit my great-aunt Anne. This is not the first time I’ve written about visiting her, as it is always a bittersweet experience. When I view my time with her from one … Continue reading →

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On Homelessness–A National Poetry Month offering

Posted on April 6, 2007 by Marisa

On Homelessness by Leana McClellan She is only five, my child who stands rooted watching the homeless man pace. He shakes fists at the sky howls curses that jolt her though she doesn’t understand the words. His clothes are torn … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Histories/Memories | 3 Comments