New Year's Eve Parties?

There was a time when Marash Girl and Marash Boy were invited to, perhaps, ten New Year's Eve parties every New Year's Eve . . . The parties were fun! But one year, Marash Girl and Marash Boy decided to have fun alone (together) . . . neglecting to notify (as it was a last minute decision) the many friends who had sent them invitations. And, as they used to say in the old days, "That was the end of that!" . . . Whoops . . . Marash Girl meant to say, "That was the end of the invitations . . ." . . . not to imply that that was the end of Marash Girl and Marash Boy deciding to have fun alone (together)!

"Who would want a dishwasher?"

Marash Girl, (being rather snippy, don't you think?) once asked her mother, here known as Grandma Jennie, the following quesion: "Who would want a dishwasher?" Grandma Jennie looked at Marash Girl rather strangely, as if to say, "This daughter of mine does not understand? Have I really spoiled her that much?" What Marash Girl's mother's daughter did not understand, was that doing the dishes especially at the end of a festive meal, was a time for the women (and yes, it was only women in those days) . . . time for the women to socialize, gossip, joke, with no men around (hmmm . . . wonder what those jokes were all about . . . ) N.B. And further . . . that when it was not a festive meal and the other women were not around to socializa, gossip, and joke . . . the woman of the house would be there doing dishes all by her lonesome. Not so much fun!!!

On Speaking Armenian . . .

Although Mummy (known to the kids as Grandma Jennie) spoke only Armenian at home when she was growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as soon as her maternal grandmother came to live with Mummy and her family, the whole family began to speak, and continued to speak, only Turkish because that was the only language that Grandma Jennie's grandma understood. Why? Do you really want to know? Marash Girl hesitates to write this because it is so painful, but in certain areas of the Ottoman Empire, at the turn of the last century (that's the 19th to the 20th, NOT the 20th to the 21st), if you were caught teaching, speaking, or reading anything other than the Turkish language, . . . well, there's a family whose name is dilsiz which translates into English "without a tongue" . . . need Marash Girl comment further on this subject? Or, as the Armenian folks often said (in Turkish), lep deyerse, leplebou anliar!!! Don't understand? It translates into English, "When someone says chick, one understands chickpeas." Or, as the folks who grew up speaking English would say, "Need I spell it out for you?" N.B. See http://marashgirl.blogspot.com May 19, 2015 no-Armenian-in-Marash

Artists, Where Are You?

There was a time in Marash Girl's life when she knew not one person who was NOT an artist. Presently Marash Girl knows only one woman who is an artist and one man who is an artist. (Both are painters.) What's going on? Is it this writer? The times? Or the place? Or is Marash Girl's definition of "artist" too narrow?

Let's Pause For A Moment To Remember . . .

Let's pause for a moment to remember Marash Girl's Daddy Peter, Marash Girl's Mummy Jennie, Marash Girl's Uncle Paul, Marash Girl's Auntie Zabelle, Marash Girl's Grandma Yepros, Marash Girl's Grandpa Moses, Marash Girl's Grandma Yester, Marash Girl's Grandpa Garabed, Marash Girl's Great Auntie Mary, Marash Girl's Great Uncle Jack, Marash Girl's Auntie Lydia, Marash Girl's Uncle George . . . Marash Girl should . . . but can't go on . . . Such a wonderful family, such wonderful memories!

Christmas Caroling in Newton Corner

HARK, THE HERALD ANGELS SING! O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL! O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM! SILENT NIGHT . . . O, HOLY NIGHT! GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN! GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN! JOY TO THE WORLD! Christmas caroling on Christmas evening with Grandpa Peter and Howard Zinn (yes, THE Prof. Howard Zinn) sitting on the sofa in Marash Girl's living room, Karoun on the flute, Deron on the violin, Marash Girl on the piano, and Nisha and Lorig leading the choir of neighbors gathered around the living room singing with gusto . . . no matter what their beliefs! How Marash Girl misses those days!!!

Krisdos Dznav Yev Haidnetsav!

"Krisdos Dznav Yev Haidnetsav!" If you're Armenian, you know that this is the manner in which Armenians greet one another on Christmas. And if you're Armenian, you know that this . . . "Ohrnyal Eh Dznoutioun Krisdosi!" . . . is the Armenian Response to the Armenian greeting on Christmas. Translation from the Armenian: Greeting on Christmas: "Christ is born and has been revealed unto us." Response to Greeting on Christmas: "Blessed is the birth of Christ!" Years ago, Uncle Paul, Daddy's older brother, tried to teach us kids the Armenian greetings appropriate for the various Armenian religious holidays. Invariably, we would interchange the Christmas greeting and response (which you see recorded above -- yes, Marash Girl still remembers that greeting) . . we would interchange that Christmas greeting with the Easter greeting, "Krisdos haryav y merelotz!" "Christ has risen and conquered death!" (Marash Girl will record the response to that greeting on Easter!) Rather than being mean and chastising us with a sharp correction, Uncle Paul (born in Marash) would laugh and ask, "How can Jesus be risen from the dead when Jesus has just been born?" N.B. Above image has been borrowed from the internet. Thanks to whomever posted it!

Is Santa Claus real?

Marash Girl was always asked that question by her children: "Is there really a Santa Claus?" And of course, the answer was, and is, "Yes!!!" Didn't know that? You can figure it out, Marash Girl is certain!

Biding Your Time Until Christmas? Or Whipping Up A Storm?

Try Marash Girl's Original Riddle . . . . "Why did the little girl hear crying from inside the refrigerator?" Give up? Take a minute before you read the answer below which, as you may notice, has been written backwards to protect the innocent and discourage the peekers! Answer: Deppihw neeb dah ti esuaceb gniyrc saw maerc yvaeh eht. c. 2020 MarashGirl

Takoma Park Celebrates Christmas

A reader of Marash Girl from Takoma Park, Maryland, a Representative in the Maryland House of Representatives, writes of the Generosity Of The Takoma Park Community. "This past weekend, Takoma Park, Maryland, celebrated the Christmas Season with a massive food distribution event, a free toy store set up by a mutual aid organization, and a toy drive. What I observed, beyond the tangible items was our community looking out for neighbors in need, I felt the generosity of spirit that surrounded us and saw countless acts of kindness. We must all bring this same transforming energy to policymaking to build a more just economy and nation devoted to equity and equality in all areas of our lives. I look forward to working with all of you in the next Legislative Session to bring those ideas and that compassionate spirit to fruition."

Remembering the Christmas Eve Parties of Yore on December 23, 2020

Blog for December 23, 2020 Here we go a-caroling . . . whoops! Wrong house!!! Every one in the neighborhood came to Marash Girl's and Marash Boy's house to sing Christmas carols around the Christmas Tree -- early on, neighbor and well-known sculptor Lloyd Lillie on the piano, Deron on the violin, Karoun on the flute, vocals by Nisha and Lorig leading the chorus of guests singing with gusto! Even Prof. Howard Zinn joined in!!! And the dining room table was laden with tasty treats, among which included Armenian Christmas Pudding, paklava, kadayif, and even fancier Armenian treats prepared by Grandma Jennie and Medzmama. But as Grandpa Peter would have said, were he here reminiscing with Marash Girl today, "Those days are gone . . . forever!"

On Studying Armenian in Marash

Blog for December 22, 2020 Uncle Paul would often recall his days in grammar school in Marash, Ottoman Empire. This is how Marash Gril remembers his telling the tale. "In Marash, we all had both Armenian textbooks and Turkish textbooks. The class would be taught in Armenian, until we heard the tromp of footsteps . . .the Ottoman Turkish soldiers approaching the classroom door . . . at which point we would sit on our Armenian textbooks, open our Turkish textbooks, and the teacher would begin teaching in Turkish as we answered her questions in Turkish . . . so that when the soldiers burst into the classroom, they would be satisfied with what they heard and saw." Marash Girl can't imagine growing up under those circumstances, but many of her ancestors did grow up in exactly those circumstances . . . many Armenians survived to tell the tale, . . . but, sad to say, many did not!!!

Remembering Medzmama, Grape Leaves, and the Wilbraham Library

What connection could there possibly be between the Wilbraham Library and grape leaves? Wanna know? Just read on! One day years ago, late summer, Marash Girl drove most of the family (her children and Medzmama) down the Wilbraham Mountain to the Wilbraham Library . . . the children to search for good books to read, and Medzmama to search for grape leaves, tender enough for making sarma! As Medzmama was carefully selecting grape leaves, (carefully searching for the leaves that were large yet still tender enough to make yalanchi,) a young man happened by. "Here," he said. "Let me help you pick the grapes . . . those are the grape's leaves that you're picking!!!!"

Attending Live Performances with Mummy and Daddy

Whenever Marash Girl's family attended a live performance, whether theatrical or musical, whether amateur or professional, while awaiting the rise of the curtain, Marash Girl's mother, Mummy, would always scan the list of performers, looking for the names that ended in "...ian", and upon finding those names . . . those Armenian names . . . Mummy would beam, grinning from ear to ear, so proud that Armenians were a part of the performance . . . so proud to be Armenian!

BMB Loves BMB!!!!

Once her sister, brother, cousins and neighbors learned that Marash Girl had the same initials as the handsome young neighbor boy, (initials in title changed to protect the innocent), the chanting began! BMB loves BMB! BMB loves BMB! BMB loves BMB! BMB loves BMB! So the chant continued. "BMB loves BMB! BMB loves BMB! BMB loves BMB!" Unnerving to say the least, and a bit scary, as the chanters and the two BMB's were all still in elementary school!!! Yesterday, when Marash Girl looked for BMB on the internet, she learned he had passed away two years ago. May God rest Marash Girl's childhood friend's soul and welcome her friend, BMB. into God's Kingdom.

"Wag More, Bark Less!"

Above Photo of Bumper Sticker Taken by Marash Girl the Day Before Yesterday's Snow Storm

FAREWELL TO THE KOHAR CALENDAR SERIES

For many New Years now, Marash Girl has been heartened by the gift of the KOHAR Calendar coming her way from far away Beirut, Lebanon. Yesterday, she received notice that the KOHAR Calendar 2021 will be the last of the KOHAR Calendar series. A heartfelt thanks to the KOHAR Library for all the calendars they have sent in past years, with Marash Girl's best wishes for the future of KOHAR Library. Should you wish to email the KOHAR Library, you may email info@kohharlibrary.com

Farewell to Stellina's!

Marash Girl and her family and friends loved Stellina's . . . a restaurant where new friends would meet and old friends would greet!!! Marash Girl and her family and friends shall miss the food, the service, and the Author Evenings where an author would present his latest publication, talk about the writing of it, entertain questions from the audience, and later, have dinner with those who chose to stay and indulge in the delicious selections from Stellina's menu. Marash Girl arrived early one day for an author presentation...so early that there was only one other person in the audience -- a fellow beside whom she sat. The two looked at eachother, smiled and attempted to engage in conversation. Marash Girl began. "Well, we can't talk about religion, we can't talk about politics, we can't talk about sex . . . I guess we'll have to talk about the book . . . except we haven't read it!!!" Remembering those days . . . but as Marash Girl's father used to say (as he was remembering his old days), "Those days are gone . . . forever!" We shall miss you Stellina's!!!

Turkeys on Tuesday

Photo by Marash Boy, !2/15/20

Massachusetts Scientist Writes Marash Girl Concerning COVID

Massachusetts Scientist Writes To Marash Girl Concerning COVID. "I've seen some concerning thoughts and opinions expressed recently by people I know personally, regarding the idea that the risk of COVID in the community is exaggerated and/or that the measures recommended by public health professionals are excessive. Forwarding things like this and/or presenting them as authoritative is extremely irresponsible, self-centered and shortsighted. "I have spoken extensively to many friends and colleagues who are physicians and have worked directly in the ICU with the patients who are stuck on ventilators for weeks or months due to COVID. I have read the data in the New England Journal of Medicine and other reputable journals. "People who are sick and dying from COVID are NOT only old or immunocompromised individuals - there are statistical probabilities to predict risk, but there is NO way to tell for sure which individuals are going to get struck more severely or have more long-term consequences. As a community, we have to take precautions to help others - I can’t fathom why this is difficult for people to grasp just because they themselves don’t know people who have gotten sick or died. What if you did know someone who died from COVID? Would that make you feel better about wearing a mask or having a quiet Christmas? "I have personal knowledge (people I know, who are not old, weak or vulnerable) - who have had prolonged effects of COVID after either going to the hospital and recovering or being sick at home for several weeks because they felt they could manage this at home and didn’t want to go to the hospital. "We have hundreds, thousands of physicians and public health professionals who are telling us how to very simply handle this virus - wear a mask, social distance etc. These recommendations are based on medicine, science and data. Reports are rigorously analyzed and peer-reviewed prior to its presentation to the public. "As an additional note, some of the comments I have seen have included the idea that we can protect ourselves from COVID by taking high doses of vitamin D. Please note that it is medically dangerous to take high levels of vitamin D in a pill- (more than 2,000 IU per day) - this should only be done by prescription under the supervision of your physician. Because vitamin D can be stored in your body, you can end up with a condition called “vitamin D toxicity” if you take too much. "If you do happen to be a person who thinks that our public health measures for COVID are a hoax, please stop and think about this a bit. Who would this hoax benefit? Does the government or any private industry (beyond a very few) benefit from some extensive hoax about a pandemic? As a scientist, I can tell you that scientists are not benefiting. We are trying to redirect resources as a whole community to address this huge public health problem. We have had nationwide and worldwide shortages of certain supplies and equipment as we direct them towards necessary research & development. My medical friends and colleagues have been pulled in numerous directions, working extended shifts with insufficient resources because everyone and everything is spread too thin. "Please, please do not spread information that is not based on peer reviewed science. I don’t know when the scientists became the enemy for part of our society, but that was a very sad day." Nisha Charkoudian [Ph.D., Physiology]

"United for Biden"

Joyous and relieved residents of the United States of America, Aline and Lorig Charkoudian celebrate in downtown Takoma Park, Maryland, a few hours after the Biden/Harris win was announced on November 7, 2020.

"United for Biden - Biden/Harris" Photo Credit: Kathryn LaLonde

Sunday Afternoons in Belmont

Often, on Sunday afternoons, Mummy would gather the family together to visit her cousins in Belmont . . . Going way back in time, Marash Girl recalls, in particular, Junior Daghlian at Aunty Lucy's house licking the chocolate batter off of the eggbeaters after the batter had been poured into the cakepan on its way to the hot oven. When visiting Aunty Mogie and Uncle Joe, Auntie Mogie would be placing the second tray of choereg (seasoned with mahleb) into the preheated oven soon after she welcomed us into her home . . . the house already redolent with the promise of what was soon to come! As Marash Girl's father would say, were he living today, "Those days are gone . . . forever!"

On Cutting The Bacon In Half, or, How To Cook Bacon The Easy Way

Preparing bacon (and eggs) for breakfast this morning, cutting the bacon in half (not lengthwise, but crosswise), Marash Girl remembered to thank Grandma Jennie for teaching her how to cook, and, in this case, how to cook bacon evenly and quickly, without leaving the strips of bacon half raw or half burned!!! Here's the secret. Simple but effective. Before opening the package of bacon, cut the package in half widthwise, so that each half has bacon strips of about the same size. Remove the bacon from the one half, and replace the other half package back into the refrigerator, or freezer, first sealing the open end, of course. In this way, the bacon strips you have remaining will fit easily into your frying pan, and you will have an easy time tossing and turning the bacon until the strips are evenly cooked. No more burned bacon . . . unless, of course, you are called away to an urgent telephone call and forget about that bacon sizzling in the frying pan above the flame on top of your stove! N.B. Oh, how we miss you, Mummy (Grandma Jennie)!

EVEN TRUCKS ARE CELEBRATING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!

Photo ©MarashGirl2020

NIPS IN NEWTON CORNER

Look what Marash Girl found (the day before yesterday) in the gutter outside of the funeral home, across from the church, on Centre Street in Newton Corner!

Photo ©MarashGirl2020 N.B. They appeared to be quite empty, but Marash Girl refrained from checking!

ON MAKING YORGANS FOR THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE (Do Not Read Until Wednesday, Dec. 9)

Blogpost for Dec. 9, 2020 There we were, Mummy, Great Aunty Mary (Grandma Yepros's sister -- Grandma Yepros was blind, so she couldn't help), and Marash Girl . . . sitting crosslegged on the sheet covering the oriental rug on the living room floor in Newtonville, pulling apart wool freshly washed after having been sheered from the sheep on the farm in Hopkinton . . . picking out of the wool any brambles that may have been caught in the wool . . . Spreading that wool evenly across the inside out dobrag (cloth bag soon to be the cover of the quilt), rolling the dobrag up (starting on the closed end) along an old but cleaned broom stick, and carefully unrolling the bag so that the wool was now spread out evenly inside, rather than on the outside of the cloth bag. Carefully tying knots of heavy string equidistantly across the quilt at twelve inch intervals, which hopefully would assure that the wool would stay in place once the quilt was in use, and finally, invisibly stitching the open end of the quilt closed, with a prayer for the good health of the couple who would be using that quilt throughout their marriage. Verchabes . . . we had successfully completed making the "yorgan" for Marash Girl's dear friend Gail and the love of her life, Ron, who were soon to be married!!! What sweet memories . . . But as Grandpa Peter would have commented, were he reading this blogpost today, "Those days are gone . . . forever!" Note: Happy Birthday to you, Gail!!!

Remembering Claflin School and Miss Julia Tobin's 6th Grade Class

The members of Miss Tobin's sixth grade class way back then (Marash Girl is not admitting when) were so disobedient, so noisy, so rowdy, that theirs was the first class to be denied the traditional week-long, sixth grade camping trip to a local summer camp site. (Was it Camp Cedar Hill?) Marash Girl, to this day, grieves (although that's a bit too strong a word) the loss!

Be Careful Walking Along The Sidewalks Of Newton Corner . . . It's Not The Ice!!!!

About a month ago, a little after noon on a weekday in November, Marash Girl was walking along the sidewalk towards the Newton YMCA, minding her own business, when a young man went running by, passing in the same direction, on the outer side of the same sidewalk, swiping Marash Girl, slapping her with his billowing long shirt sleeves! No apologies, no nods, no nothing! Marash Girl wonders whatever this fellow was thinking!!!

Playing Backgammon, But Not For Keeps . . . and Never On Sunday!!!

During winter vacations from public school, Marash Girl and her siblings and cousins loved to play tavla, as we called it -- (nard in Armenian, backgammon for those of you who don't speak Turkish or Armenian). . . we had learned from watching our fathers engage in what seemed to be ferocious competition. The rattle of the dice, the shouts of the players when they realized they had gotten lucky dice (du shesh, shesh besh, juaradu du, du bara),the slam of the backgammon pieces, the annoyance of the seasoned players as they moved their opponents' pieces into the correct slots. For us kids, it was pure fun. We never wagered money or toys; although we knew that backgammon was a popular game with adults, we never knew that in the coffee shops, the stakes were high ($$$) for those who played in backgammon competitions. But we did imitate the shouts of the players (always men, never women) as they (probably, though we didn't understand) cursed in Turkish (Armenians never cursed in Armenian -- as the saying goes, "Armenians pray in Armenian and curse in Turkish!") It is interesting to note, however, that we were never allowed to play backgammon on Sundays!

"What are you looking at?"

©MarashGirl2020 Above Photo Taken The Week Before This Snowstorm!!!

The Music of Her Childhood

Falling asleep last night, Marash Girl remembered the music of her childhood, the clicking roll of the dice, the slam of the backgammon (tavlu) pieces (black though slightly worn, or cream colored, depending on the players' preference), the rhythms that nightly rocked her into slumber. "Juarah du!" "Du shesh!" "Du barah!" "Shesh besh!" The memory, albeit everpresent, was brought to the fore by Marash Girl's reading of the book of poetry now in print for the first time: FIRST GENERATION, Poetic Memories, written by Krikor Der Hohannesian, published by Dos Madres Press.

A must read, from Marash Girl's perspective. To order a signed copy of FIRST GENERATION, Krikor Der Hohannesian's newly published book of poetry, email the poet at krikorndh@verizon.net or order from the poet at the address below: Krikor N. Der Hohannesian 31 Boston Avenue Medford, MA 02155-6721 The cost of the book is $22.00 which includes shipping and handling. Enjoy!

Have You Ever Played "Racing Raindrops"?

Raining outside? No problem for the kids. On very rainy days, especially during elementary school vacations, Marash Girl, her sister, brother, and cousins, would play "Racing Raindrops", a game of their creation. Have you ever played? It's fun! Here's how they did it . . . When it was raining outside, and the kids had little to entertain them, they would go to the dining room window, the window overlooking the dell, then overgrown with white birch trees (a dell which later in their childhood, disappeared when it became a grassy hillside, as the dell had been filled in with the soil from the cavity created when excavating the cellar hole for the yet to be constructed Newtonville Electrical Company on Newtonville Avenue); each kid (at the same moment) would select a raindrop at the top of the window pane, and then follow that raindrop all the way down to the window sill, hoping that his/her raindrop of choice would arrive at the base before the others. If it did, that raindrop's owner won the game!!!! And all of the kids cheered for the winning raindrop!

Are you ready?

Yesterday, the first Christmas carolers of the season came by to sing a timely Merry Christmas wish to Marash Girl, who, of course, immediately joined in on the chorus! But did she have any treats ready for the young carolers? Luckily she did! But do you?

Who Lost A Penny?

Photo ©MarashGirl2020 According to Claflin Elementary School lore, "If the penny's heads up, it's okay to pick up!"

Thanksgiving Surprise!

First flowering ever. . . and at that, in late November!!!! Photo by Marash Girl

"Something there is that doesn't love a wall . . ." or a fence!!!

With Marash Girl's appreciation (and thanks) to poet Robert Frost! Photo Taken in Newton Corner by Marash Girl

Yesterday was Native American Heritage Day . . .

Yesterday was Native American Heritage Day. . . What can Marash Girl say? Many years ago, her friend from the Navaho Tribe (a friend who was a student at Harvard College) informed her that because of immigration to the United States of America and immigrants like her family, ultimately such immigration forced Native Americans off of their land onto "reservations" . . . need Marash Girl say more? N.B. It is interesting to note that Marash Girl's Navaho friend recognized the similarity between the Navaho line dance and the Armenian bar (the simple Armenian line dance) or "Neh-Neh Dance", as Marash Girl's dear departed niece Katie named it.

The Day After Thanksgiving

The day after Thanksgiving is always a sad day for Marash Girl, because it was on that day, many years ago, that her wonderful mother, Jennie, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. We miss you so much, "Grandma" Jennie! See http://www.MarashGirl.blogspot.com - March 9, 2011.

Remembering Thanksgiving at 84 Bowers Street, Newtonville

Every year, Great Uncle (Rev.) Vartan and Great Auntie Elmast would invite little Marash Girl and her family and extended family over (to their home on the second floor in the brick building across from the train station on Bowers Street in Newtonville) for Thanksgiving dinner, the adults (Uncle Vartan, Auntie Elmast, Uncle Paul, Auntie Zabelle, Uncle Kay, Auntie Bea, Uncle Setrag, Auntie Gulenia, Daddy Peter, Mommy Jennie . . .) all eating in the dining room while the kids (little Marash Girl, Martha, James, Pauline, John, Carol, Nancy, Charlie, Ruthie, Herald, David . . .) all eating in the kitchen (which gave the kids all the space they needed to have fun and make a racket!!) Traditional roast turkey with Auntie Elmast's delicious rice pilaf, freshly cut up celery and carrots, cranberry relish (which Marash Girl believes that her family brought to add to the table), and Auntie Elmast's homemade paklava for dessert. So many people eating, and talking in English, Armenian and Turkish, and after dinner, all the kids singing hymns accompanied by Auntie Zabelle playing the upright piano in Uncle Vartan's living room . . . so much fun . . . "but those days are gone," as Marash Girl's father would have said, were he living today, "forever!" Although this Thanksgiving is different from any Thanksgiving that Marash Girl has ever experienced, "May your Thanksgiving be happy and healthy . . . Albeit, so lonely . . . May you have loving hugs from caring family . . . Distant hugs only!" N.B. Uncle Vartan was the son of the minister of the first Armenian Protestant in Marash, Turkey; Uncle Vartan, or "Uncle", as we all called him, established the United Armenian Brethren Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, becoming its first minister. In the beginning, he conducted services in his second floor apartment on Bowers Street in Newtonville, Massachusetts. And in all the years that he served as a minister, he never accepted money from his parishioners for the religious services he performed.

Get into the Thanksgiving Spirit!!!

Ensure a Happy Thanksgiving with Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish -- Raw Foodies, Take Note! On Thursday, December, 16, 2010, Marash Girl wrote a blog post entitled ON NOT PEELING AN ORANGE. In that post, Marash Girl shared the following recipe for Cranberry Orange Relish, a concoction that her second grade class, under the direction of her second grade teacher, Miss Eleanor Sprowl, prepared and sent to the United States troops overseas for Thanksgiving . . . So here's that very recipe from all those years ago!!! CRANBERRY ORANGE RELISH 2 cups fresh organic cranberries, UNSPRAYED, washed, stemmed and sorted (discarding the squishy ones and the green ones) 1 organic juice orange with skin (washed) 1 cup granulated sugar Put cranberries and oranges through a meat grinder, coarse blade, or if you're living in the 21st century, through a Cuisinart chopper. (Be careful to chop sparingly; you don't want a purée.)" Because juice oranges today are a lot less juicy than they were in the "good old days", Marash Girl would recommend that you use two juicy oranges rather than one, and if the mixture is not orange juicy enough, add some of your own freshly squeezed orange juice. (Adding a third orange with peel would throw off the taste balance.) Marash GIrl doesn't know anybody else who makes this dish, though she gets calls every year from friends who want her to save them some (and last year from someone who wanted the recipe. . . she was so happy to learn that Marash Girl had recorded it in her blog!) Cranberry Orange Relish gets better as it stays, and Marash Girl's friend has informed her that it freezes well, too (though Marash Girl never has any leftovers to freeze)! If you use organically grown oranges, organically grown cranberries, AND you substitute an all natural raw sweetener for the sugar, even the "Raw Foodies" in your family will love it! Happy Thanksgiving!

A Timely Riddle!

Why did the tree drop its leaves? (This is a riddle. The answer is NOT that it was autumn!) [A prize awaits the first best/correct answer! You have until the day after Thanksgiving to answer, so you can proffer the riddle to all included in your Thanksgiving celebration, albeit at a distance!]

Yesterday, The Boston Globe Remembered Leo Kricorian

Above article from the Boston Globe, November 22, 2020. For more on Leo Kricorian, see Marash Girl's memory http://marashgirl.blogspot.com/2020/05/remembering-leo-kricorian.html posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. N.B. Leo Kricorian, how we miss you!!!

Reminder From The Kids Next Door - Christmas Is Just Around The Corner!

Photo by Marash Girl

Why Was the Cereal Shouting For Help? Have You Figured Out The Answer Yet?

Why was the cereal shouting for help? It was drowning in milk! (Copr. Marash Girl 2020)

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Remembering Grandpa Moses burning the paper and cardboard trash . . . Uncle Paul spreading the cooled ashes around the base of the trees in the back yard . . . Daddy Peter lovingly burying the vegetable peelings in his garden among the tomato plants . . . . and Marash Girl, attempting to carry on the family tradition, but with no land large enough to garden, hiding her vegetable peelings under the leaves that have fallen in the dell between her house and her neighbor's.

RICHIE RICH?

President Obama commented on "Richie Rich" in a recent news telecast. Who knew that President Obama has read the Little Lulu comics? Little Lulu?

Delegate Lorig Charkoudian Gets Back To Legislative Work

Dear Reader: After a devastating four years, compassion and hope are returning to the White House. Thanks to all who worked together for this victory. Delegate Charkoudian is excited to get back to legislative work in the upcoming Session and invites you to join us at her "Relentless Forward Progress" Zoom fundraising party on Tuesday, November 17, at 7:00 pm. To purchase your ticket or make a donation, click here. Since taking office in 2019, Delegate Lorig Charkoudian has earned impressive accolades for her effectiveness as a legislator and public servant. The Maryland League of Conservation Voters recently named her an “Environmental Leader” and she was the Solar Energy Industry Association’s 2019 regional “Solar Champion.” After her first legislative session, the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition gave her its “Up-and-Coming Legislator of the Year.” Perhaps her favorite kudo came from someone who said she is the “Queen of Constituent Services” for her dedication to helping community members get needed help--whether it's unemployment benefits, COVID testing in hard-hit areas, or nutritious food for families. Lorig has consistently shown her passion and prowess in solving issues both large and small. At this fundraising party, you’ll hear directly from Congressperson Jamie Raskin, Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones, and Economic Matters Committee Chair Dereck Davis about the important difference Lorig is making in the State House and in the community. You will also have an opportunity to ask Lorig about her plans and priorities in the upcoming legislative session. By supporting this event, you can show your approval and gratitude for Lorig’s dedication and effectiveness. Help build up her campaign coffers for the next election so she can continue to make “Relentless Forward Progress” in building a more just and inclusive Maryland! Relentless Host ($500) Fierce Co-Host ($250) Persistent Sponsor ($150) Tireless Advocate ($100) Determined Supporter ($50) Steady Friend ($25)

Vegetarians Beware . . . "When I think of all the wasted chicken carcasses in this world,,,"

Would you, dear reader, like to write this blog post?

Riddle of the Day: What gets longer the shorter it gets? Have you figured it out yet?

Have you figured it out yet? You had the whole weekend!!! Well, here are two possible answers!!! Which one did you proffer? 1) The word "short" gets longer as it gets shorter! 2) Your life gets longer as it gets shorter!!!! Copr. 2020 Marash Girl

Be Careful Crossing the Street, Especially In Crosswalks!!!

Marash Girl nearly got mowed down yesterday morning by a UPS (United Parcel Service) truck which failed to stop at a stop sign and crosswalk when Marash Girl was already in the crosswalk crossing the street three blocks from her home, during her morning walk. She called UPS and they said they could not help. BE CAREFUL CROSSING STREETS, ESPECIALLY IN CROSSWALKS, WHEN YOU THINK YOU ARE SAFE!!!! The life you save may be your own!

We Will Worship The Lord!

During the Corona Virus, Pastor Regina Walton conducts services on the front lawn of Grace Church. Photo by Marash Girl

Remembering . . .

Growing up attending Watertown's Armenian Brethren Church every Sunday, the church in which her great-grandfather's son preached (her great-grandfather was the first Protestant minister in the Armenian Protestant Church in Marash), Marash Girl saw many little old Armenian ladies all dressed in black . . . little because they had little nutrition during World War One when they survived the Armenian Genocide . . . little old ladies who had lost their homes and their husbands . . . singing hymns to their Lord God . . . singing with hope, singing with prayer, singing with faith, singing with love, singing with gusto, singing with all their energy . . . If they could sing then, their children's children must sing now . . . must sing with hope, must sing with prayer, must sing with faith . . .

Riddle of the Day

What gets longer, the shorter it gets? A prize for the first best answer!!!!

"Women's Rights Are Human Rights!"

Photo by Marash Girl

RELENTLESS FORWARD PROGRESS

NEW RIDDLE OF THE DAY: WHY WAS THE CEREAL SHOUTING FOR HELP?

Why was the cereal shouting for help? A prize for the first/best answer!

What did the dime say to the nickel? Read on for the answer!!!

Have you given up yet, dear reader? The dime said to the nickel, "You think you're so BIG!" Copr. 2020 MarashGirl

Riddle of the Day . . .

What did the dime say to the nickel? A prize for the first best answer. Give up? Check in tomorrow!

Stubborn stains?

Marash Boy's mother, born in Marash, Ottoman Empire, would often comment, "Stubborn stains? I'm more stubborn!" . . . as invariably she was able to remove stains from clothing that even the strongest stain removers could not!!!! I guess she'd have to be stubborn . . . after all, she survived the genocide of the Armenian people!

It's time. . .

It's time to start praying!

"WEAR A MASK!"

Photo by Marash Girl "Wear a mask You have one task Whether you're fast Whether you're slow Wear a mask Wherever you go. COVID-19 can cause you strife, Wear a mask and save a life!"

"One Day, It's Like A Miracle . . . "

Scroll to the right in order to see complete photo.Don't know how to reduce size

Sign reads, "One day, it's like a miracle. He will disappear . . . " With thanks to Elaine M. for the photo

Lorig Charkoudian - Relentless Forward Progress

Akşam olsa, yatak!

"Akşam olsa, yatak!" Such were the words that Marash Boy often heard mid-afternoon from his Medzmama who was born in Marash, Ottoman Empire!!!!

Puzzling . . .

Wherever could that puzzle piece have gone? It only takes one . . . Photo by Marash Girl

Remembering Miss Tobin and the Sixth Grade Class at the Old Claflin School

The members of her sixth grade class were so disobedient, noisy, rowdy, that theirs was the first class to be denied the traditional week-long, sixth grade cammping trip to a local summer camp site. (Was it Cedar Hill?) Marash Girl, to this day, grieves (although that's too strong a word) the loss!

Handmade Quilt At A Yardsale!

Marash Girl: "What a beautiful quilt! Why are you selling it??" Yard Sale Seller: "My husband's secretary made this quilt for him and I'll be d...'ed if I'll sleep with my husband under a quilt that another woman made for him!!!" N.B. Marash Girl has not included a photo of the quilt in order to protect the innocent . . . or the not so innocent!!!

"YOU SIT DOW-VN!"

When Mummy and Auntie Lydia (this was before Mummy was married) visited Uncle Vartan's church in Watertown, Massachusetts, they walked to the front of the church to sing a duet. (Mummy had a very sweet voice and, later in life, sang in Roupen Gregorian's choir in Watertown, Massachusetts.) Before the two young ladies could begin to sing, a man in the congregation stood up and demanded, "Before they can sing in this church, they must give their testimony." Uncle Vartan, without hestiation, and in his accented English (he was tri-lingual and spoke and read Armenian, Turkish, and English), commanded, "You sit dow-vn." The man had no choice...and Mummy and Auntie Lydia sang their hymn for the church congregants to enjoy. Not sure if the fellow who demanded the young ladies' testimony enjoyed it!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Halloween Ghost Dances in the October Breeze

Photo by Marash Girl Overheard: "I'd rather be a witch than a ghost!!!"

Are you ready?

Photo by Marash Girl

Secured By Whom?

Photo by Marash Girl

No "Trick or Treat" for Marash Girl!

Marash Girl's dad grew up as one of the "starving Armenians" in Marash, Ottoman Empire, early in the 20th Century. Even so, her dad and his family never went completely hungry because their uncle had taught Yepros and Mary (his mother and her sister) to weave cloth, and even though the cloth they wove was not perfect, their Muslim neighbors would take that cloth to the countryside and exchange the cloth for grains, fruits and vegetables. Thus, the family was able to survive during the most difficult of times. However, despite the tough times, Grandma Yepros forbid her children to "beg", no matter how hungry they becamse. Hence, in the United States of America, Marash Girl's dad saw the custom of "Trick or Treating" as begging. Thus, though allowed to dress in costumes on Halloween, and to distribute candy to the costumed children that came knocking at their door, Marash Girl and her siblings were never allowed to "celebrate" Halloween by practicing the United States custom of "Trick or Treat"!

Housing Available!!!

Grandma Jennie's Trick For Opening Unopenable Bottles

Grandma Jennie's trick for opening small, unopenable bottles that noone else could open? "Easy," she would grin, grasping the bottle cover with her trusty and everpresent nutcracker, giving it a twist, and, voilà! There she had the bottle cover off of the bottle. "Easy," she would repeat, grinning even more broadly, seeing the surprise her audience exhibited at her success!

"At The Cross" In Newton Corner

Photo by Marash Girl

Purse Snatching in the Big Apple

When Marash Girl was living in New York City, she heard that purse snatching had become a big problem, so she asked a local policeman what she should do. Without hesitation, he answered, "No problem at all. Simple! Just don’t carry a purse!"

October in Auburndale

"GRAB HIM BY THE BALLOT!"

Photo by Marash Girl

A Toss In The Hay?

In discussing the political climate of the day, a long-time acquaintance of Marash Girl soundly approved the President's latest appointment to the United States Supreme Court. "Why should we help kids who have just had a night of it?" she asked . . . or as she put it, "Why support kids who have just had a toss in the hay??!!!!" And that from a woman who had tossed around "in the hay" plenty during her youth!

Stretch your feet to the end of your quilt!

Ayağını yorganına göre uzat. According to Marash Girl's Turkish friend Murat, this expression means for you to 'Stretch your legs far enough so that your feet remain covered." Implying, one should know their limits and act accordingly: particularly for financial decisions, like spending. But according to Marash Girl's father, born in Marash, Ottoman Empire, survivor of the Genocide of the Armenian people, Ayağını yorganına göre uzat means rather than knowing your limits, you should to try as hard as you can to go as far as you can!!!

Armenian Red Pepper On A Halloween Pumpkin ?

Do you know why Marash Girl sprinkled Armenian Red Pepper on her Halloween Pumpkin? Any guesses? Give up? The squirrels know why!!! From the lower limbs of the local Maple Trees, those squirrels eyed Marash Girl as she set out her newly acquired pumpkin, (see October 9, 2020, Marash Girl blogpost on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin...) liberally sprinkling Armenian Red Pepper on the pumpkin as well as on the stair at the top of the porch on which the pumpkin sat. To Marash Girl's knowledge (fingers crossed), no squirrel has attempted to take a bite out of her Halloween pumpkin yet. Perhaps they have already experienced the effect of Armenian Red Pepper on their squirrel tongues. Photo Credit: Marash Girl

"NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY . . . SAVE YOURSELF!!!"

So advised a sign prominently posted on a beautiful Cape Cod beach last summer! Could this sign have religious ramifications? Political ramifications as well? Photo Credit: Marash Girl

Thank You, Mike!

A Photo From Marash Girl's Blog!!!

Feeling a bit under the weather last week, Marash Girl was lazing around the house, until, out of a clear blue sky, as they say, (and there was a clear blue sky that day), came a phone call from a publisher who wants to use a photograph from the Marash Girl blog, the very blog you are following, in a book he is about to publish. "It was the best photo on the internet of . . ." Wow! That sure perked Marash Girl up . . . Thank you, Mr. Publisher! Marash Girl will write more on the title of the book and the photo the publisher has selected after the book is published!

On the Bus: Commuting to Yonkers, NY

In the days when women wore skirts, and that was not so long ago, (or was it?) Marash Girl commuted to work daily by bus from the Bronx to Yonkers, New York. On one such morning, she felt a hand under her skirt. Reaching down, Marash Girl grabbed the hand, a large, rough hand, clearly attached to the man standing next to her, held the hand up high, and shouted, "What is your hand doing under my skirt?" The man attached to the hand shouted out, "That's not my hand!!!" And that, as they say, was that!!!

Boris Johnson’s Ancestor was an Ottoman Turkish journalist who tried to defend the Armenians!

Email from my Anoushig!!!

 I saw this on Facebook today.  Didn’t know that Boris Johnson’s ancestor was an Ottoman Turkish journalist who tried to defend the Armenians!

I sent Mr. Lawson an email to thank him for the article.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Delegates Charkoudian and W. Fisher: Honoring All Americans By Guest Commentary - October 12, 2020 Image from a Change.org petition. 2020 has been a year of moral reckoning. The Black Lives Matter protests of this summer raised awareness of structural racism in the United States and saw monuments to a fabled past brought down. While the history of inequality for African-Americans can be traced to 1619 when the first enslaved Africans were brought to what is now the United States, another landing made six score and seven years earlier in 1492 — by Christopher Columbus — and the holiday that celebrates it, must also now be reconsidered and, in our view, reframed and renamed. The myth of Columbus Since our founding, our nation has celebrated Christopher Columbus discovering North America without him ever having stepped a foot on our continent. The United States’ Founding Fathers claimed him as a non-English discoverer of a new land and honored his legacy by placing our capital in the newly-established District of Columbia. In time, a larger mythology developed around Columbus and it became an important part of the country’s idea of Manifest Destiny and the Doctrine of Discovery, which still provides the legal underpinnings of the United States of America’s sovereignty over indigenous peoples. But what we rarely learned in school is the depth and breadth of the genocide Columbus and other “discoverers” wrought in the “West Indies” — the misnamed islands which were, in fact, inhabited by Taino people with their own culture, language and way of life. Felled by battles with Spanish soldiers, smallpox, and slavery, more than 85% of the indigenous populace was wiped out a few decades after the first contact with European invaders. Columbus’ own cruelty towards the indigenous people led many of his contemporaries to speak out against his inhumanity. Although he arrived as a brave explorer, he returned to Spain in chains. In spite of this cruelty — and the centuries of violence and injustice that followed — the impact of Indigenous Peoples’ resilience is evident throughout American history, and their history and contributions are worthy of commemoration. Some have argued that celebrating Columbus Day is a way to celebrate Italian-American heritage. We believe there is value in lifting up the many Italians and Italian-Americans who have contributed to our country’s leadership in civil rights, arts, medicine, academics, journalism, and labor organizing, among other areas. Columbus Day does not do that and we encourage and support new ways of honoring these contributions. Why Maryland should honor Indigenous Peoples Day As Marylanders, we find ourselves at a crossroads: as we look back on our difficult past, how do we carve a pathway to greater inclusion and equity? How do we reconcile both the myths and accomplishments of our past with the reality of a history of imperialism and colonialism grounded in oppression and exploitation? Del. Lorig Charkoudian (D-Montgomery) We believe that reconciliation begins with a fuller understanding and requires truth-telling about our history. We must now create new ways to celebrate the varied peoples and cultures in our state, while resisting the glorification of historical figures whose legacy of murder, discrimination, and degradation should be analyzed and understood for the centuries of oppression that they began. Recently, Maryland began the necessary reframing of symbols of the past to reflect more accurately our current beliefs and values. We took down the statue of Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney, who drafted the majority opinion in the infamous Dred Scott case, and removed the Confederate soldiers plaque from the State House. We honored the great legacies of Harriett Tubman and Frederick Douglass with bold statues in the State House. We are also hopeful that the state will adopt a new song to replace our current racist one. Del. Wanika B. Fisher (D-Prince George’s) We can take another important step along this path and celebrate the vibrant culture and history of the three tribes officially recognized by the State of Maryland — the Piscataway Indian Nation, the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, and the Accohannock Indian Tribe — and the many other indigenous people who have been here in the past and continue to live in our state. Pledge for a new America We call on fellow Marylanders to take this Monday, Oct. 12, to reflect on Columbus’ legacy as part of a brutal beginning of 500 years of oppression and the plight — and resilience — of Indigenous Peoples throughout the Western Hemisphere. Our work to dismantle structural racism and address this legacy must also take the form of substantive policy changes. One concrete symbol of our commitment to this path is to change the name of this holiday. Please support us in the 2021 Legislative Session as we bring forward legislation, as many other states and localities have already done, to change Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day. — LORIG CHARKOUDIAN AND WANIKA B. FISHER The writers are Democratic members of the House of Delegates representing Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, respectively. Share this: FacebookTwitter Avatar

KAMALA FOR PRESIDENT ON MAPLE AVENUE

 

       
Sign proclaiming KAMALA FOR PRESIDENT decorates a front lawn on Maple Avenue in Newton Corner

Save the Tower at Newton's Grace Church!!!

 

TO MAYOR OF NEWTON RUTHANN FULLER: Please Use An Alternative Approach to Protect Historic Bullough's Pond Dam and the Laundry Brook Forest

          Dear Mayor Fuller, 

          I am writing to you as a long time resident of Newton, Massachusetts.  

As a little girl, I learned to skate on Bullough’s Pond.  

As an adult, I learned to appreciate the beauty of Bullough’s Pond and the Laundry Brook Forest. 

As a former voting member of Newton Parks and Recreation, I am writing to ask the powers that be to consider using an alternative approach that will protect Bullough’s Pond Dam and the Laundry Brook Forest. 

PLEASE DO NOT clear cut the banks of Bullough’s Pond  and put in gravel on the side of Dexter Road!!! '

          Sincerely,

          Bethel Bilezikian Charkoudian 

Go West, Young Man: Hunting The Perfect Pumpkin

 

URGE SPEAKER PELOSI TO VOTE TO SANCTION TURKEY & AZERBAIJAN

Please call Speaker Nancy Pelosi by telephoning 1-202-225-4965, press 1165, with the following message:

"Speaker Pelosi, I urge you to vote to sanction Turkey and Azerbaijan and to cut United States military aide to these two dictatorships."

Marash Girl Extends Get Well Wishes to President Trump and His Wife Melania

 Marash Girl and her family extend get well wishes to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, 

and his wife, Melania.  May the Lord bring you both back to good health.

AP Chemistry and Anti-Semitism in Newton High School in the !950's

Teacher JCH (addressing the brightest kid in the room) asked Abe to stand up in Marash Girl's high school AP Chemistry class, and for no apparent reason,laced into him. "You and your people . . . " he began. And continued in a diatribe, the details of which Marash Girl prefers not to remember. Marash Girl, unable to tolerate the anti-Semitism, stood up and addressed the teacher. "You can't talk to him like that!" she exclaimed. The bell rang. The members of the class, with no comment, headed out to the hall so as not to be late for their next class. Two weeks later, report cards were issued. Marash Girl had averaged straight A's in that chemistry class, but that's not the letter of the alphabet that appeared on her report card. Can't imagine why!!!

Happy Birthday, Meghan!!!

Have a beautiful day, Anoushig!!! 

Mugsy and the 5&10

When Marash Girl first arrived in 7th Grade, she sat (in homeroom) to the right of Mugsy, a tall, muscular boy with flaming red hair combed into a D/A, a boy who was 16 years old in a classroom of students who had just turned 13. Every day, in order to win the approval of his classmates, Mugsy would carry into homeroom a small trove of treasures that he had stolen from the 5&10, treasures which he would proceed to pass out to the kids in homeroom. When he attempted to foist his loot on Marash Girl, she would politely refused the stolen items. Apparently embarrassed by her refusal, Mugsy would gesticulate and loudly proclaim to all the students around him that Marash Girl felt that she was too good to accept his "treasures"! Marash Girl had no response. She just sat quietly in her seat, awaiting the bell that would signal peermission for her to escape to her first class.

Autumn in Newton Corner

FEEDING THE DUCKS

Marash Girl learned about metaphor early on in life. The metaphor? "Feeding the ducks!" Do you, dear reader, know to what this metaphor refers? If you graduated from Newton High School, you may recognize the reference . . . A prize for the first correct answer!!!!

I'm a no rushin'

 Grandpa Peter used to love to imitate accents, as he learned English as a 10 year old and grew up with family members who, if they spoke English, spoke with heavy accents.  One of his favorite phrases?  

"I'm a no rushin'  (Russian) . . . I'm a just takin' my time!"

Stockingless in the Early 1960's!

A bright young man from MIT,

(Armenian he, oh, glory be!) 

Begged Marash Girl, “Go out with me!" 

But when no stockings he did see, 

He fled right back to MIT!

N.B.  Mary Auntie would have commented, "Abris, dghas!"

Composting a la Adrian!

 The most brilliant compost "piles" Marash Girl ever did see , , ,  (Can compost piles be brilliant?  Oh, I guess she meant the one who might have done the piling!) were not compost piles but rather compost-filled declivities!!! Adrian of Troy, New York, clued Marash Girl in on the secret.  It's not a pile that you want, but rather, the opposite!  Does it take an MIT mind to come up with that one? Adrian would simply dig a deep hole in his back yard, a hole with the circumference a bit smaller than the circumference of a garbage pail (remember those from the old days?); he then covered the hole with a garbage pail cover.  Whenever he had vegetable peelings or the like, he would lift that garbage pail cover with his shod foot and drop the vegetable leavings into the hole, the garbage pail cover covering the hole as soon as he removed his foot.  When that compost hole was filled nearly to the top, he would remove the garbage pail cover, cover the compost-nearly-filled hole with about 6 inches of soil, and dig another hole, covering that with the newly available garbage pail cover.  And so it went.  Thank you, Adrian, for your simple but brilliant solution to composting.

Thank you, City of Newton!

Thank you, City of Newton's Parks and Recreation Commission, for planting a beautiful young maple tree (on Maple Avenue, of course . . . where else would one plant a maple tree?) in order to replace the two hundred year old maple tree that, this past summer, went the way of all good trees!

Medzmama and a Goldfish in Newton Corner

You may not be able to pet your goldfish, but your goldfish sure know how to beg for attention from you . . . or perhaps only from Medzmama. Here's what happened. Medzmama fed the goldfish every morning. After a while, every time Medzmama stopped by the goldfish bowl to watch the goldfish swimming about (which was fairly often throughout the day), one of the goldfish would come up to the side of the bowl, the side on which Medzmama was standing and gazing, and open and close its mouth quickly, making it clear that s/he was waiting for a treat!!! Medzmama, recognizing its plea, fed it a bit more, and soon, Medzmama became fast friends with the goldfish in Newton Corner!!!

The Old Chestnut Tree

On Wednesday, Marash Girl woke up remembering the big old chestnut tree that stood proudly on the corner of Otis Street and Kimball Terrace, in the corner of Mr. Parker's yard.  (Mr. Parker was the orchestra leader in the elementary schools of Newton, Massachusetts, when Marash Girl was in elementary school.  For 7 years, Marash Girl had walked home from the Old Claflin School in Newtonville Square, walking up Otis Street, past that big old chestnut tree.  She loved to pause in the fall and fill her pockets with the beautiful, shiny smooth (though inedible) brightly brown chestnuts that the tree offered to the world around it. This tree was even more significant in Marash Girl's life because of the the poem that Marash Girl's father had her memorize  in third grade (scroll down to see the full text of THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH).  So first thing Wednesday afternoon, Marash Boy and Marash Girl drove over to Newtonville Square, to see if the tree was still there, and as they took a right onto Otis Street, Marash Girl held her breath.  Where was that old chestnut tree?  Marash Girl can't even type the answer, she's so sad about its loss!!!!  A piece of her childhood has gone missing.

The Village Blacksmith by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Under a spreading chestnut-tree
The village smithy stands;
The smith, a mighty man is he,
With large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles of his brawny arms
Are strong as iron bands. 

His hair is crisp, and black, and long,
His face is like the tan;
His brow is wet with honest sweat,
He earns whate'er he can,
And looks the whole world in the face,
For he owes not any man. 

Week in, week out, from morn till night,
You can hear his bellows blow;
You can hear him swing his heavy sledge,
With measured beat and slow,
Like a sexton ringing the village bell,
When the evening sun is low. 

And children coming home from school
Look in at the open door;
They love to see the flaming forge,
And hear the bellows roar,
And catch the burning sparks that fly
Like chaff from a threshing-floor. 

He goes on Sunday to the church,
And sits among his boys;
He hears the parson pray and preach,
He hears his daughter's voice,
Singing in the village choir,
And it makes his heart rejoice. 

It sounds to him like her mother's voice,
Singing in Paradise!
He needs must think of her once more,
How in the grave she lies;
And with his hard, rough hand he wipes
A tear out of his eyes. 

Toiling,--rejoicing,--sorrowing,
Onward through life he goes;
Each morning sees some task begin,
Each evening sees it close
Something attempted, something done,
Has earned a night's repose. 

Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend,
For the lesson thou hast taught!
Thus at the flaming forge of life
Our fortunes must be wrought;
Thus on its sounding anvil shaped
Each burning deed and thought.

Thank you, Amin!

Thank you, Amin, for your friendship and for sharing your expertise in a time of need! As folks have said for centuries, "A friend in need is a friend, indeed!" N.B. This from the internet: a Roman poet named Quintus Ennius who lived in the Second Century B.C.E. wrote (when translated from Latin): “A sure friend is known in unsure times.”

Remembering With Thanks The Poem That Dad Made Marash Girl Learn In 3rd Grade

The message still as clear as day!  How this poem shaped Marash Girl's philosophy of life.

 For a' That and a' That

BY ROBERT BURNS

Is there, for honest poverty,

         That hings his head, an' a' that?

The coward slave, we pass him by,

         We dare be poor for a' that!

                For a' that, an' a' that,

                        Our toils obscure, an' a' that;

                The rank is but the guinea's stamp;

                        The man's the gowd for a' that,

What tho' on hamely fare we dine,

         Wear hoddin-gray, an' a' that;

Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine,

         A man's a man for a' that.

                For a' that, an' a' that,

                        Their tinsel show an' a' that;

                The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor,

                        Is king o' men for a' that.

Ye see yon birkie, ca'd a lord

         Wha struts, an' stares, an' a' that;

Tho' hundreds worship at his word,

         He's but a coof for a' that:

                For a' that, an' a' that,

                        His riband, star, an' a' that,

                The man o' independent mind,

                        He looks and laughs at a' that.

A prince can mak a belted knight,

         A marquis, duke, an' a' that;

But an honest man's aboon his might,

         Guid faith he mauna fa' that!

                For a' that, an' a' that,

                        Their dignities, an' a' that,

                The pith o' sense, an' pride o' worth,

                        Are higher rank than a' that.

Then let us pray that come it may,

         As come it will for a' that,

That sense and worth, o'er a' the earth,

         May bear the gree, an' a' that.

                For a' that, an' a' that,

                        It's coming yet, for a' that,

                That man to man, the warld o'er,

                        Shall brothers be for a' that.