This man, Sakhai Prasad, was my model for the character of Ramesh in my novel Sister India. Like Ramesh, Sakhai was an innkeeper; he was the cook and manager of the two bedroom guest flat where I spent my three months in Varanasi (or Benares). I think he’s the only real-life model I ever used […] Read More

An original mattress factory. There’s something satisfying about seeing daily objects made by humans, knowing that it can be done. Add to del.icio.us - Stumble It! - Subscribe to this feed - Digg it Read More

This photo, taken in one of the wider of the narrow alleys, called galis, of Varanasi, is part of the reason I called my novel Sister India. The other reason was that my good friend Usa who lived in the flat across the stair landing from me said that I was her Indian sister, which […] Read More

This intersection is the site of a crucial moment in my novel Sister India. Jill is riding a rickshaw that is trapped in a traffic jam beside a political demonstration that seems on the verge of erupting into violence. I did have that experience myself at this spot. I briefly considering walking across the bars […] Read More

I shot this photo of a water taxi on the Ganges during the winter I spent in Benares (also called Varanasi) doing research for my novel Sister India. I’m starting a series of photos here that I took during that trip, one of the bolder adventures of my life. The two-bedroom guest flat where I […] Read More

If you ever feel worn out from long effort on any project–like finishing a book–a look at these photos can put that into perspective. They’re from the ESPN sports magazine’s body issue and show the wear and tear and hyperdevelopment of the bodies of athletes. These show what trying hard looks like when it’s physical. […] Read More

My Halloween costume: Photo by husband Bob Dick. Add to del.icio.us - Stumble It! - Subscribe to this feed - Digg it Read More

Tonight’s the night. Here’s my rig. It’s not too late for you to break out yours. Clue: try the Goodwill. I found my ensemble at the Apex, NC, location for six bucks. I think that boils down to a millionth of a penny per shiny red dot. And so the devil walks tonight! Add to […] Read More

At the recommendation of Anonymous on the previous post, I just read a stunning article by a brave woman. “I Will Never Know Why” is Susan Klebold‘s story of living with the fact that her son committed murder-suicide at Columbine High School. This is one full-time brave woman. I hope her telling the story is […] Read More

The business about comparing people being bad is a cliche. Ever wonder why? It’s because it’s always apples and oranges. There are no equivalent situations. Even identical twins growing up in the same house have different aims and different sets of problems to solve. I think we all know that at a gut level. But […] Read More