In memory of Dr. Norman E. Wengert I am barely done grieving the end of my lilacs and I’m fully immersed in the coming of lily-of-the-valley. White bells on a seemingly fragile stem, surrounded by green leaves: the sight of innocence and perfection. Their scent is sweet, delicate, yet powerful. They may end up in … Continue reading The Times of Lily-of-the-Valley
For many years now, my life’s calendar revolves around the three seasons: fall semester, spring semester and the summer. The Fall semester starts when everything is still green, full, warm, blooming. Slowly the leaves begin to turn yellow, then orange, then red or gold. The air is soothing with the sense of abundance, beckoning the … Continue reading Three Seasons
Autumn-- leaves of all colors are everywhere. Still on the trees, on the grounds, on the bushes, cars, chairs and benches. I was walking on campus one day, towards one of my favorite spots, surrounded by beautiful trees. Under the old, gorgeous yellow-golden maple, a young woman was sitting on a bench. I couldn’t see … Continue reading Autumn
It started as an innocent story—romantic, even. At the beginning of July, I discovered a meticulously built, beautiful nest with three gorgeous turquoise eggs in the shrub below our bedroom’s window. After some Googling, I figured out that the nest most likely belonged to an American Robin. I marveled at such a wonderful gift of … Continue reading Angry and Other Birds
In the south of the Appalachian Mountains, about two hours’ drive north from Atlanta, lies a magical forest. The mountains are becoming higher and steeper than around us in Pennsylvania, the mixed forest is becoming denser, the creeks are faster and larger. A wooden deck on the third floor of the old building served as … Continue reading Magical Forest
San Francisco was a bit underwhelming this time around. The city vibrated at a frequency that I could not connect to; not the way it happened on previous visits. The encounters, personal and professional, were meaningful, and at times moving. But my relationship with the place felt stuck. We got in the car and an … Continue reading The Gems of Northern California
When I was a young girl (maybe 8 or 9 years old), I watched a play in one of the Moscow's theaters named The Blue Bird. I may have even seen it more than once. I really enjoyed the story line (based on a French fairy tale), in which the children were searching for the … Continue reading The Blue Bird
Little amethyst flowers are slowly opening up to display their purple glory. It’s been a while; an entire year with its cold winter of waiting. Waiting for the sight, the scent. The most impressive view is from my bedroom window, under which purple and white bushes present a regal appearance. But not for long; their time … Continue reading Times of Lilac
The leaves are long gone and the trees stand naked. They are not embarrassed by it. The trees show off their strong trunks and elaborate branches, the graphics of an incredible artist. The shapes and silhouettes vary: ovals, spades, and semicircles, narrow and wide. The winter air is clean. Some days are gloomy grey but … Continue reading Trees in the Winter
It was about to rain. Right before the storm descended upon the valley, the green mountains on both sides of the road got a more defined contour. The sky was divided; the left part was still light blue with the white clouds; the right part was getting darker and tense. The waterfall started almost immediately, … Continue reading An August Rainbow
Katerina Bodovski Writings 