The other day I had to run an errand. I took the Bx bus line to Yonkers. It happened that my bus stop was directly in front of a Mexican bakery called Café sin Dulce. I immediately recognized the aromatic Mexican bread, the cinnamon, the sugar, and the wonderful smell of baked flour. I looked …
Tag: University Settlement
Autumn
It wasn’t the first time that Simon was about to perform onstage, but still he was very tense, as he was all the time. From backstage, he could see the shining black piano reflecting on the polished wood floor, and the first three rows of spectators in the twilight—the rest of them were wrapped in …
This Little Train
Made in a black-and-white epoch, Located in a foggy kingdom, With a limited view, just right in sight, What hardship it would be facing. Crossing the domain with limitation, Climbing up a bright mountain, A lively and colorful view forward, What wonderful, blessed days ahead. However, a thunderstorm is in sight, Speeding up is the …
Ode to the Rocket
She’s already flying. One second and she will gnaw through a chain between past and future. The grass will burn green without getting old. The yellow leaf will fall but won’t touch the ground. She’s already flying. One second and the thread is torn, and beads fall into oblivion: unread books …
Ellis Island
When, almost three years ago, I found out that my husband and I had to move to New York, I couldn’t believe it. It seemed like a sign of destiny to us. There is a common thread that ties us to the United States.
First Day of School
A week ago, I started talking to him about his new routine. He didn’t know what it was about, but I was very happy and impatient to see this day arrive. The day before, I told him that tomorrow would be a great day, not only for him, but for us. He gave me a smile. The next day, I woke him up early, gave him his bath, dressed him, and made him sit on the bed so I could talk to him. I blessed him and told him how happy and proud I am of him. My joy was immense because, for me, it was the beginning of a beautiful story: Learn, make friends, and converse.
Seasons
There are days that we are in good humor; there are days that we have humor from hell. This week I traveled by car to work. I had time to see the landscapes. I love the feeling that comes from looking through the car window. I can’t imagine how blessed I am.
Defeating My Fear of Swimming
Swimming—I hadn’t heard that word for almost two decades. My family members and friends were prohibited from mentioning any water-related activity. It is unbelievable that a girl who lived near the beach wouldn’t allow this. How could this be? Very surprisingly, I was scared of the water. This brings up one unforgettable event.
My First Christmas Tree
Usually, I don’t like buying into unreasonable consumption. Since my husband and I moved from Korea to the U.S., I have stopped buying any decorations for our homes because it doesn’t help make the weight of our carriers lighter. When Christmas was coming, Americans started looking for a tree. The culture sounded cool, but, as always, I wouldn’t follow the vibe.
Dimes
Since I came to this country, flat and round copper angels have been following me around. I call them angel dimes; they have been my emotional support. I don’t remember exactly the first day that I had my first encounter with one of these beautiful pieces of copper. All I know is that every time I find one, it is always on the reverse side.
I Will Walk My Steps; I Will Leave My Footprints
For me, wearing shoes symbolizes the possibility of walking and beginning new adventures. Of course, we do not need to walk to do great things. Frida Kahlo, the famous Mexican painter, who could not walk for some time, wrote, “Pies, para que los quiero si tengo alas para volar?” (Feet, what do I need them for if I have wings to fly?) Indeed, we do not need feet to do great things.
Get What You Give
It was a sunny and peaceful day in Washington, D.C. I was walking from the U.S. Department of State building to the hotel where I was staying. Suddenly, I heard someone calling my name, “Hey, Vusala!” I stood and tried to find where the sound was coming from. Then I heard my name again from very close to me. I was shocked. It was a surprise to me that someone recognized me in Washington, where I was visiting for the first time. I looked where the sound came from.
The View through My Apartment Window
I like the view from my window. You can see pretty trees and the sun’s rays through the branches. You can hear the birds singing as they sit on the branches. It’s nice to see the nests that they build for their babies. I can also see the kids playing and walking their dogs and my neighbors jogging and working out.
Having Coffee in NYC
Since I arrived in New York City, I have enjoyed having coffee outside. What a nice array of wonderful coffee places! My husband and I immediately embraced the NYC coffee culture. Every year, we would go to the New York Coffee Festival, and we would buy the new edition of The New York Coffee Guide. We were always strolling the city to discover a new coffee spot.
Eleven Pets in the House
The house where I grew up was in an urban area, but it was a very large house with four rooms and a backyard that was also really large. My mom loved animals, but at one time, things got out of control.