by MarianBeaman | May 25, 2013 | Coming of Age, Family / Nostalgia, Lists, Tips, Uncategorized
For years I have kept a ratty ole pin cushion from Grandma Longenecker in my sewing cabinet. It looks pitiful, but I’ll never throw it away because it came from my Grandma. Pierced through its dusty middle with some of her pins and holding one of my...
by MarianBeaman | May 22, 2013 | Conflict, Family / Nostalgia, Mennonite Lore, Uncategorized
I’ve told my students if they ever see me in a bank behind the teller’s window—RUN! Math has never been my strong suit, but I can spell well. In fourth grade, I always win the spelling bees on Friday. In fact, my winning is so predictable that my friend Wayne tells me...
by MarianBeaman | May 18, 2013 | Conflict, Family / Nostalgia, Uncategorized
Yes, my Aunt Ruthie is a cheater. I’ll admit that she also has an honorable resume that includes a principalship of Rheems Elementary School, Tax Collector of West Donegal Township, mother to refugees and immigrants. But, you heard right, she also has a rap sheet. Let...
by MarianBeaman | May 15, 2013 | Coming of Age, Family / Nostalgia, Mennonite Lore, Romance, Uncategorized
Baskin-Robbins offers nearly 60 flavors of ice cream at their shoppes. The varieties of dress among Mennonites and Amish, who split from the Mennonites, is nearly as long and equally fascinating. In recent research, I counted dozens of sub-sects. ...
by MarianBeaman | May 11, 2013 | Family / Nostalgia, Lists, Uncategorized
10 Reasons Why My Husband Does Not Hear Me: 1. He is listening to an audio book CD 2. He is listening to music 3. He doesn’t have his hearing aids in 4. He does have his hearing aids in but they’re tuned to TV/BlueTooth 5. He is upstairs 6. He is downstairs 7. He is...
by MarianBeaman | May 8, 2013 | Family / Nostalgia, Mennonite Lore, Recipes, Uncategorized
As I shove the casserole dish into the oven, I notice the olive oil spray can, the top of the paper towel holder, knives, and a scissors all besmirched with sausage. When did stuffing a Dutch goose (euphemism for pig stomach) take so much time and effort? It seems my...