Mid-Week Field Notes

Three quick things this week:

• I’ve been listening to records my uncle and my aunt (his sister) made circa 1943-1944. What a hoot! The records were to be played at “victory speed” and were sent in lieu of letters. My uncle sang “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” and “Pack Up Your Troubles.” My aunt sang “Three Caballeros.” Her friend, Ethel, sang “Say a Prayer for the Boys Over There.” I’m so glad my cousin found these.
• My next Yiddish course at YIVO starts March 3. I’m eager to resume. But that also means I have to give up my Amherst Writers group I’ve been writing with for the last six weeks.
• I’m practicing my pitch for the Jewish Book Council’s Author Network to promote my forthcoming middle-grade novel in verse, 37 Days at Sea: Aboard the MS St. Louis, 1939.

Stay healthy and safe!