… and I played with hats. And filters. No filter Noir Vintage Instant Sepia Sepia
Category: English
Don Steffano – Confessions Of A Romanian Chatterbox
My Fathers “Bomb”
The so-called “bomb” is, in fact, a spherical outdoor wooden stove-slash-grill, a reasonably priced cast-iron contraption my father bought from Walmart. Hence its enduring nickname: Grandpa’s Bomb. Over the years, many movers have raised eyebrows when we assured them, “Don’t worry about the bomb. We know how to dismantle it. We’ll put it in a…… Continue reading My Fathers “Bomb”
Total Wine & More Therapy
A Quiet Toast to the Son We Will Always Carry Another Mother’s Day Without Cosmin … I knew the level of sadness would be off the charts, so I tried to make it a little better, just a little, by buying some of my wife’s favorite beers. I know that drinking isn’t a solution, but…… Continue reading Total Wine & More Therapy
Chaos, Candidates, and Cleavage: Notes from the Diaspora
As Romanians around the world cast their votes in a presidential election that feels more like political improv, this Arizona-based expat reflects on televised debates, family drama, and the unexpected power of agreeing on something, anything, in the age of outrage.
Why Politics Isn’t for Me: A Comedic Reflection
Four or five years ago, a friend of mine told me something along the lines of, “If you ever get into politics, I’d vote for you.” We were both mildly toasted. He was in one of those life chapters where he loved me. (In others, he hated me. I’ve never been entirely sure whether it…… Continue reading Why Politics Isn’t for Me: A Comedic Reflection
Covid – Episode 4
My Covid #4 (April 2025) was like my Covid #2 (2022): sniffles, surprise positive, tested only because she insisted. My wife’s Covid #2 (April 2025) was like my Covid #3 (August 2023): brutal, absolutely wrecking us, with after-effects dragging on for weeks after testing negative. Her mom’s Covid #1 (April 2025) was like my Covid #3 (and…… Continue reading Covid – Episode 4
Physics Of A Bungee Leash
A. The Happening Picture this: a 220-pound man, two 90-pound dogs, and two deceptively innocent 4-foot bungee leashes (stretching to 6 feet under duress). The exact spring mechanisms are unknown and erratic, but trust me, they don’t stretch without a fight. It was a peaceful early morning stroll through a “clean” neighborhood, meaning no rogue…… Continue reading Physics Of A Bungee Leash
T.G.H. Magazine #1
As some of you may know (or not), I wrote and self-printed a very personal, intimate travel magazine. Though, to be fair, calling it “travel” is a bit of a stretch. I tried distributing the PDF file, but it was too large, so it just didn’t work out. And since not everyone was comfortable using…… Continue reading T.G.H. Magazine #1
So Much for a Quiet Evening
Tonight, I was rushed out on an urgent mission for some very specific ladies’ care items. “And nothing else, Stefan, don’t come home with half of the store”. On my way to the checkout, I grabbed a bottle of ice-cold sparkling wine. And, this time, nothing else. With just those two items in my cart,…… Continue reading So Much for a Quiet Evening
Déjà Written: Reflections
Being the considerate, polite, and well-educated guy that I am, I thought about translating the short piece on Barley and Speed Drinking Wine (which some people actually found funny), for my American friends and for my Romanian friends who just want to sharpen their English (or to sharply correct me). But as I flexed my…… Continue reading Déjà Written: Reflections
Multicultural Aspects Of Work Avoidance
Took me only twenty-five years in corporate America to finally make some of my colleagues understand the difference between an American Out of Office and a European one. Americans on vacation are basically just working from a sunnier location – “Call me anytime if you need me!” – while their European counterparts slap on an…… Continue reading Multicultural Aspects Of Work Avoidance
Chicken Run
Last evening, as I returned from my errands, I stumbled upon a full-blown commotion on my street. Two rugged men, armed with brooms and wearing work gloves, were in hot pursuit of a white chicken. It was dusk, the worst time for a chicken, since they don’t see well in low light, and the poor…… Continue reading Chicken Run
Snapshots
One There was a French guy from Vendée selling his baguettes and pastries – the best of the best, not only at the Farmer’s Market, but also in the Valley of the Sun. The line was so long that he was asked to move his booth near one of the exits so it could extend…… Continue reading Snapshots
Lost in translation III
Since before the New Year, I’ve been hearing about January Dry. Or Dry January. Or something like that. I didn’t pay much attention until January 7th approached: Saint John’s Day (Sfântul Ioan), a very important religious observation and celebration in Romania. So important, in fact, that Romanians typically are encouraged to take time off work…… Continue reading Lost in translation III
A Failed Christmas Facebook Experiment…
… and other considerations What’s a Grieving Parent to Do During the Holidays? With the holidays closing in, I pulled out my old Christmas uniform, a plaid Henley and a Santa hat. Remarkably, they still fit, though my spirit felt two sizes too small. Dressed for the occasion, I made my daily trip to visit…… Continue reading A Failed Christmas Facebook Experiment…
A Non-Hallmark Christmas Story
Cosmin didn’t like Christmas. He had enjoyed it a long time ago, back when he was younger and his beloved Grandma was still with us. They even attempted caroling at one point, but being Popescus, they quickly realized their limitations and ended up simply reading the words—plenty of feeling, but no singing. Last Christmas with…… Continue reading A Non-Hallmark Christmas Story
The End of An Era
Loving Memory of Bill The late October air was soft that year, the kind of days you find only in Arizona. At the St. Francis festival, Franciscan monks gathered to bless pets that people had brought to be consecrated. For those without a pet, there was no issue: you could adopt one right on the…… Continue reading The End of An Era
Living with Dogs – episode 122
At 5:56 AM, Baloo woke me with a gentle nose nudge and a firm shake of his head.By 5:57, I was out of bed.At 5:58, Baloo was in my spot, snoring like a lumberjack. Dog owner mystery of the universe: Why does a 100-pound dog feel like an antique dresser when he’s asleep on your…… Continue reading Living with Dogs – episode 122
Chicken Soup For …
Four or five days ago, we rummaged through the freezer to grab a few things and see what else was in there, a sort of mini-inventory. With practiced efficiency, we quickly eliminated what needed to be disposed of and went happily about the rest of our day. Two days later, A Dog Named Gicu (also known as The Little Prince of Mesa), was chewing on something near…… Continue reading Chicken Soup For …
Lost in Translation – II
It wasn’t until my second visit to The Perch – five years later – that I finally understood why we had to wait an hour for our food, and why, when it arrived, it tasted a bit off. I was wearing this shirt, and it turns out that The Perch is not only a brewery,…… Continue reading Lost in Translation – II
Nea Fane - Un Biet Român Pripășit în America / A Hapless Romanian Stuck in The US 