Tag Archives: Philadelphia

The Great Escape

Posted on December 15, 2017 by vanbytheriver

Stormy has had it with show business. The 1600 lb. Hereford escaped a live Nativity scene in Philadelphia yesterday. Twice. The first time, the 7 year old cow was found heading south on Interstate 95 at about 2:30 am. Police … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Entertainment, Food, Humor, Nature, News, Travel | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

Mister Softee

Posted on May 10, 2016 by vanbytheriver

It’s the jingle heard in every neighborhood, and it hasn’t changed since the 1950’s. I got stuck behind a Mister Softee ice cream truck on the way to a local park. I didn’t mind, I was smiling the whole time, … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebration, Childhood, Family, Food | Tagged , , , , , | 103 Comments

Letters

Posted on March 8, 2016 by vanbytheriver

It might be a dying art, but there is something so special about the handwritten letter. I have saved so many over the years; some from friends, most from family. None were more special than those from my Aunt Mary. … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Childhood, Education, Family, Inspiration, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 99 Comments

I, Immigrant

Posted on December 10, 2015 by vanbytheriver

My mother’s family emigrated from Germany in the 1700’s, from Ireland in the 1800’s, landing in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. My father’s family were among those “huddled masses” of the early 1900’s, escaping eastern Europe for a better … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, History, News, Random Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Beyonce and Bocelli

Posted on September 27, 2015 by vanbytheriver

Like many, I’ve been preoccupied this weekend with the comings and goings of Pope Francis; not because I’m a practicing Catholic, but because I’m fascinated with the media response. Living in suburban Philadelphia, I used to count myself among those … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Inspiration, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Walking Cross-Town. Heal the wounds. Heal the wounds from the ground up.

Posted on September 24, 2015 by vanbytheriver

Originally posted on Live & Learn:
“Pray for me.” Soft spoken and gentle, he leans into a man and his child amid the throng on the streets of DC. He repeats. “Please pray for me.” I ponder that for a moment.…

Posted in Education, Inspiration, Philanthropy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Town Mouse and Country Mouse

Posted on July 11, 2015 by vanbytheriver

“I never saw a pig until I met your father.” She used the line often. It always got a laugh. We all knew what she meant. She was born and raised a city girl. She married the son of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Family, History, home | Tagged , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Three Funerals and a Wedding

Posted on June 29, 2015 by vanbytheriver

Starring Hugh Grant and written by Richard Curtis, “Four Weddings and a Funeral” is a lovely piece that might apply to my family, with a slight twist. There was a time in my teens when I lost 3 members of … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Inspiration, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Poinsettias and Pedophiles

Posted on December 13, 2014 by vanbytheriver

It was the holiday from hell. I was 7 years old.  I was molested at the Christmas light display in a crowded foyer of the landmark Wanamaker’s store in Philadelphia, Pa. He walked up from behind me and grabbed underneath.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Family, Memories, Mental Health, Music | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments