Right now, it's 1:30 AM in Vitebsk, Belarus. I want to go to sleep. But I can't. My body thinks it's 3:30 in the afternoon. And …
Continue Reading about A Short Post about Weddings from Belarus
5 Kinds of Folk Hats Russian Women Wore
Do you ever wish that hats would come back in fashion? I do. I still sometimes wish I could pull off the Maltese Falcon look, …
Continue Reading about 5 Kinds of Folk Hats Russian Women Wore
5 Unusual Remnants of old Rus
Last week, you may have seen my review of Miles Cameron’s The Dread Wyrm. Mr. Cameron, in preparation for the release of his new …
Russian Winter: Five Fascinating Folk Traditions
In last week's post, I explained why Russians prefer to get married in the beginning of winter, on October 1 (October 14 by …
Continue Reading about Russian Winter: Five Fascinating Folk Traditions
Why the Feast of the Protection is the Best Day for a Russian Wedding
What do you think is the best day for a wedding? Maybe late spring or summer, I would say. Good weather, good wedding, right? …
Continue Reading about Why the Feast of the Protection is the Best Day for a Russian Wedding
7 Obstacles for the Heroes of Slavic Mythology
I think many of you will agree with me when I say that one of the great joys in life is making up stories for your two-year-old …
Continue Reading about 7 Obstacles for the Heroes of Slavic Mythology
This was a war you won’t read about in history books
I’m getting to the end of my second novel, and the climax is going to be a real heart-breaker. I’m not going to spoil anything for …
Continue Reading about This was a war you won’t read about in history books
Seven Typical Russian Gestures
Recently, a friend and I had a long overdue lunch. The food was good (Burmese), the company lively, and the conversation fruitful. …
Five Interesting Facts about Russian Ritual Lamentation
Yesterday, I had a remarkably fruitful writing session at the pool. No, I didn’t swim, but my kids' squeals of delight …
Continue Reading about Five Interesting Facts about Russian Ritual Lamentation
7 Superhero Warriors from Slavic Mythology
Everywhere you look these days in the entertainment world, you see superheroes. And although we may (finally) be getting to a …
Continue Reading about 7 Superhero Warriors from Slavic Mythology
The Tsar’s Menu: A Feast for the Whole World
The Tsar's Menu: A Feast for the Whole World Have you ever noticed how ambivalent people are about wealth? On the one …
Continue Reading about The Tsar’s Menu: A Feast for the Whole World
Looking Back and Looking Forward
You know when you have a great plan in place, when you plan your week, when you feel like you're finally going to be your best …
5 Unusual Codes of Behavior in Old Russia
I’ve had a wonderful few weeks, both in terms of work and rest. My kids are growing up fast and beautiful, my work is rewarding, …
Continue Reading about 5 Unusual Codes of Behavior in Old Russia
15 Russian expressions you’ve never heard of
I’m having a great time getting into the exciting bits of my new novel. Bear-riders have appeared, my main character is in the …
Continue Reading about 15 Russian expressions you’ve never heard of
8 things you’ve never heard about medieval Russian princes
Many people have an allergic reaction to the word "conventional." Or, worse yet, "traditional." They immediately sense the bonds …
Continue Reading about 8 things you’ve never heard about medieval Russian princes
7 Things You’ve Never Heard about Russian Weddings
Recently, my darling wife and I celebrated our third anniversary. In the midst of writing long swathes of my second novel about …
Continue Reading about 7 Things You’ve Never Heard about Russian Weddings
How to Train a War Elephant
Right now, I’m basking in the productive atmosphere of the Oregon Coast Writers’ Retreat, and I’m getting close to a place in my …
Five Myths about Russian Cuisine
Yesterday, I got back from an amazing trip to Saratov, Russia, where I was one of 41 men recording sacred music for a men’s choir …