This collection of essays-both introspective and amusing-documents and examines life's memorable moments small and large, some of which could only be fully understood long after they occurred. Taken together, they are an attempt (essai) at finding patterns and meaning, tugging on threads of memory, and looking at life as a work in progress. The cast of characters in these pages includes family members, friends, and co-workers; but also butter, baseball, birds, and assorted articles of clothing. The essays, which range from short reflections to narratives that span many years, are complemented by artwork created by the author's mother.