Category Archives: Childhood

Tomato Sandwich

Posted on July 21, 2017 by vanbytheriver

It’s the perfect summer sandwich, with the simplest of ingredients. Garden-fresh tomatoes, mayo, store-bought white bread. I had the first of many this week. You might be tempted to modify it, toast the bread, add ingredients like cheese, bacon, avocado, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Beauty, Books, Childhood, Education, Entertainment, Food, Gardening, Movies, Nature, News | Tagged , | 83 Comments

Woolworth’s

Posted on January 16, 2017 by vanbytheriver

As we celebrate another MLK Day, and prepare for a new administration that leaves us with a lot of questions and skepticism, I thought I’d share an older post. I always believed in his message of peaceful protest. I still … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Food, Inspiration, News, Politics | Tagged , , , , | 81 Comments

Comfort

Posted on November 10, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Time to simplify. Deep breaths, and a return to basics. Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Wishing everyone a calm, uncomplicated day.

Posted in Art, Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Food, Home, News, Politics | Tagged , , , , | 56 Comments

Four Questions

Posted on October 6, 2016 by vanbytheriver

For some of us, things happened while we were too young to understand. Children get it. Until they don’t. And then, they might spend a lifetime trying to get it back. Some do, some never do, and some are still … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Childhood, Education, Entertainment, Movies, Music, News | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Small Things

Posted on September 16, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Small, poorly focused, black and white. The picture tells a story. I was always the smallest. In childhood, as an adult, over generations past and present. I noticed the difference quite early. In the photo shown, and so many others … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Photography | Tagged , , | 57 Comments

Penny Candy

Posted on September 14, 2016 by vanbytheriver

With a single dollar, we were sent off with a very short list. It was usually bread, milk, and a pack of Tareyton cigarettes for Dad. It was the favorite chore. The trip to the Mom and Pop grocery store. … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Food, Home | Tagged , , , | 90 Comments

Love and Food

Posted on September 5, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Like many, I grew up in a food-focused family. My husband was quick to notice and a bit confused that so many of our conversations centered around food. There is a pretty simple explanation. It was never subtle. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Food | Tagged , , , | 82 Comments

The First Seven Years

Posted on September 1, 2016 by vanbytheriver

“Give me a child for the first seven years, and you may do what you like with him afterwards.” St. Ignatius Loyola. In honor of that belief, I’d like to repost a piece of writing dedicated to the woman who … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Food, Home | Tagged , , , , | 85 Comments

Dorothy

Posted on August 28, 2016 by vanbytheriver

It is my real name. The name I never use on my blog. For most of my life, I was certain that I was named for Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz, the classic that now celebrates its 77th year. … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Humor, Inspiration, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 123 Comments

Something for Nothing!!!!

Posted on August 27, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Click on this image on the right for a link to get this ebook free from Kindle Saturday or Sunday only.  Please share!I grew up in a family of competitive storytellers.  A little thing like a stubbed toe gets us…

Posted in Art, Books, Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Humor, News | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments