If I have set down roots, it was less from intention than from the combined forces of time, circumstance, and inertia. The spirit of a vagabond still resides within me. But somehow, the years have passed, and I find myself living in a house with a lush, mature garden that I alone designed, planted, and … Continue reading Beauty in the Blunder
Memoir
A Lazy Man’s Load
When I was in college, I worked part-time in a family-owned coffee-roasting and gourmet food store. We had loyal customers, who appreciated the quality of the merchandise and the low prices. I made it a point to greet people warmly, as they entered the shop. It became my mission to get the cranky ones to … Continue reading A Lazy Man’s Load
False Friends
In an attempt to provide relatable context for my latest historical novel, I have been organizing a portrait gallery of some of the colorful characters who lived, loved, fought, and died during the reign of George III. The King’s eldest son, George, Prince of Wales, was an untamed, big-hearted, self-indulgent force of nature, and his … Continue reading False Friends
Sunset on the Gulf of America
My day in Cozumel didn’t turn out like I had expected. It was the second day of the Gilbert family cruise. At Dad’s invitation, 25 of his kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren had gathered in South Florida, from various locations in the United States. We boarded a cruise ship in Fort Lauderdale, then sailed to … Continue reading Sunset on the Gulf of America
A Wimbledon Match
Today is opening day at Wimbledon. If my stepmom were still alive, I know I could find her sitting on the couch in front of the tv, savoring every moment. To her credit, she didn’t just like to watch tennis matches. She played tennis until she was well into her eighties. Another tennis aficionado was … Continue reading A Wimbledon Match
Music and Memories: Living Along the Void
Just before my father turned 80, he decided to sell his ocean-front condo in Florida. Dad was living in an over-55 community, and he was getting depressed seeing so many of his friends and neighbors become infirm or die. His kids expected him to move to a smaller condo in an independent living residence. To … Continue reading Music and Memories: Living Along the Void
Roxane Gilbert 