My cousin Hannah, another of Aunt Ada's daughters, and I were raised like sisters. During our early years we were collaborators and co-conspirators, inventing wonderful games and even "bathtub" productions such as one named the "Suze Mermaid Show," where we created characters from floating toys and washcloths to entertain my and her mothers who formed our sole audience. 
Here we are - the University of Maastricht Masters of European Public Affairs (EPA) Graduating Class 2005. Luckily, one of the students snapped this cherished class portrait on the steps of the European Parliament in Brussels during our class trip in February 2005, (because no one took a full portrait of us when we actually graduated in June 2005). Twenty-eight students from 17 countries were my colleagues for this intensive 10-month dip into the background and machinations of the integration process of the European Union that, appropriately, began officially right here in Maastricht. The founding nations were Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Italy in 1958. Later Britain, Denmark and Ireland signed on, followed in a 2nd stage by Greece, 3rd by Spain and Portugal, and 4th by Austria, Finland and Sweden. Those stages ended with the Treaty on the European Union, also called the Maastricht Treaty, signed here in 1992. 
My father, Jack Schaefer, installment collector, gunslinger, Jewish tough-guy, was almost fifty when I was born. He was simply the best. No human on earth could touch the tips of his two-toned wingtips. Somewhere along the way, he met my mother, Emma, a full-figured, robust woman. I was told she was vivacious by the standards of the forties and her photos reveal a warmth and sensuality that sizzle. I grew up in a neighborhood called Stawberry Mansion in Philadelphia, moving at age 7 to Mt. Airy. Childhood was truly a mixed blessing. My mom suffered what was then undiagnosed post-partum depression, leaving her virtually unprepared to deal with the most simple tasks in life. This was not easy for a small child to comprehend, so home life was often fraught with pain and anxiety for me. But my father did his best to shield both me and my mother from her illnesses. And outside the home, growing up in Philadelphia's crowded neighborhoods, meant a childhood filled with friends and their protective parents. We spent much time visiting my father's large family and many, many hours with Aunt Ada and my cousin, Hannah. In reality, I had a network of parents and an extended family of friends. My childhood, in fact, was remarkable.
Yin was born on a farm in Minnesota and was my constant companion for 16 years. When Martijn joined our family, Yin chose him as his primary human. Whenever we were in our home, they were inseparable. Yin was our alpha guy, a warrior spirit with a wonderful sense of play. He was a lover, too, prone to warm whomever's lap was nearby. A definite equal opportunity purrer. Yin passed on at the end of 2005 and his spirit still sends protection and affection.
Yangy, Yin's litter mate, was a bit more grounded. He was kind of my summa wrestler guy, shy by nature, but deeply affectionate, he nevertheless was a fine hunter and could hold his own in any situation. Always dressed formally in his cute tuxedo outfit, Yangy lived a life of meditation and mediation. Yangy left us almost a year before Yin.
Miz Snoepje, a royal dame. Part Norwegian Forrest cat, part Empress of the Universe, "Snoop-yea" was our love child. Discovered in Pappa John Pizzeria, she made our cat and human family complete. When we relocated to the Netherlands, she and the Yin found a final home with a true cat worshipper, Stephanie Cunningham. Snoepje now lives the life of a regal princess in Plymouth, Minnesota.
This is Sally Eves. She lives inside me, but also in the mountains of Pennsylvania where she works as a professional angel. I've known Sal for many lifetimes, so yes, I really believe there are multiple beginnings.
I grew up in Philadelphia where we "tawk wid a 'Rocky' twang." Barbara Craig has been a soul sister since I was a teenager. Actually, it was because she moved to London back in the swinging 70s that I first came to Europe. Nana Odaka who is dressing the tree with Barb was my exchange daughter for a year and now has a cute as a button little boy back home in Japan. 
David Meyers, here with wife Roberta and the two of us, represents the beginning of my life outside the home of my parents. When he was a med student at our mutual alma mater, Temple University, we shared a Philly style old brick row home with five other students for a few years. Now I consider his family to be a second family.
Cindy Serano and her partner Vince live on a lovely canal in Pompano Beach just a short walk from the ocean. They have hosted us many times. Cindy and I also go back to hippie days in Philly.
Martijn and I spent a magical night high in the hills above Florence, Italy at the MidSummer Ball of the European University Institute in Fiesole. We met in Amsterdam in 1995, and this photo was taken almost to the day of our 1st meeting. Now, married ten years, we're still beginners, still learning about each other, still loving our life.
Martijn's family hails from Maastricht. Our immediate family is: Mother, Geri, her friend, Marcel, sister Elly, husband, Paul, daughters Merel, Jolijke and son, Jonny, brother Noel, wife, Leah.
Here's brother Janus, wife Irma, and sons, Theu and Lieven.
Here are my cousin, Sarae with husband, Stan and her daughter, April with husband, Chris, who live in Florida.
I dedicate this site to the memory of my Aunt Ada who drank life like every day was a frothy cappucino. This shot was taken just a year ago at my dear friend Cindy Serano's house in Pompano Beach Florida, near where Ada lived. Cindy was yet one more of her fans. Aunt Ada passed away at age 91 on March 5, 2006, just a few days after Martijn and I had a rare opportunity to spend some of her final days together. It was an honor to be in her company. Her life reminds me that we all need to drink up every day and fill someone else's cup with love. Ada lived well and died about as gracefully as one can. She remembered a lot about what was but always looked forward to what would be. Even to that unknown place we will go.
