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This writing was accepted for publication in the 108-page perfect-bound ISSN#/ISBN# issue/paperback book “Moving Forward” cc&d, v329 (the January 2023 issue) Order the 6"x9" paperback book: 
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Order this writing in the book a Mural of a Forest the cc&d Jan.-April 2023 magazine issues collection book |
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get the 426 page Jan.-April 2023 cc&d magazine 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book: 
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The Gorgeous Jam Jars of Armenia Brian Daly The day after the invasion we stopped in to Aleksey’s Russian Market on Thompson Lane to buy anything. See, Aleksey’s Russian Market is owned by Ukrainians. The storefront window where, on a visit five/ten years ago, the Russian flag hung side by side with the Ukrainian, today stands half empty. We bought salami from Ukraine, kielbasa from Poland and Gouda cheese made in-house by Aleksey, who smiled when I asked him to slice me half a loaf of khleb. On the way to the cashier I snagged a jar of raspberry preserves from a metal shelf. Then we headed home to our Ukrainian picnic. Hey, don’t get me wrong, I love Smucker’s as much as the next guy. But this jam Aleksey sells is boss! “Produced by Tamara Fruit, Republic of Armenia” reads the label. “No preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.” To top it off, the jar is a sculpture— a gorgeous glass globe flanked by small ridges like handles you can support it with if you want to. The jam jar’s nearly empty now and when it is we plan to rinse it out and use it as a vase— not sure for what, maybe just an empty vase for hope. If you ever find yourself in Aleksey’s Russian Market, cruise down the aisle of the republics and grab yourself a jar of Tamara’s fruit preserves before they’re gone. When the trucks roll by outside on Thompson Lane, hark!—you’ll hear them start to rattle on the shelf. |
