exploring life and love with pictures and words
I was sitting on the patio, enjoying the company of friends, my hands wildly emphasizing my words. I don’t remember what I was saying, only that I had just finished my sentence when I glanced toward the sidewalk and caught his eye. He quickly looked away, spooned ice cream into his mouth, and walked on... Continue Reading →
Last week I recorded my audiobook. I read my memoir from beginning to end, while the talented Mary Catherine listened carefully to every word. She caught the ones I swallowed, skipped or mispronounced. If my voice was too loud, or too soft, or if my intonation was wrong, she coached me until I got it... Continue Reading →
The recent passing of a friend, and then a friend’s mother, had me revisiting loss and my relationship with grief. I am always surprised by its low blow, its unfairness. I had hoped that life experience would build a protective armor around my heart. I’d be stronger; I wouldn’t cry so easily; I’d be less... Continue Reading →
Auld Lang Syne . . . “Nothing. I’m not doing anything. I hate New Year’s Eve.” This is my response to a friend when he innocently asks about my plans for ringing in the new year. I regret the words as soon as they hit the air space between us. Poor guy, he asks a... Continue Reading →
The wine bar is unusually crowded. I spot the only free stool at the end of the bar and ask the guy sitting next to it if it's available. He gives an affirmative nod, and makes room for me. I order a glass of wine and we strike up a conversation. Before long, he mentions... Continue Reading →
When I moved to Italy, I traveled light, selective about the contents I’d be carrying in only two suitcases. Yet, a small glass dish, the kind that holds jewelry or coins, made the cut. I couldn’t resist the call of the six-words that covered its surface. WHY NOT HAVE A BIG LIFE? Safely sandwiched... Continue Reading →
When you are loved by a writer eventually, she is going to write about you. It could be in a book or a blog post, or a journal entry in a tattered notebook. I’m guilty of doing all three. I have even typed notes into my phone, capturing a moment before it slips from my... Continue Reading →
I receive an email from my publicist, Jori. She has attached the back cover copy for my upcoming memoir. I recognize the words; I had written most of them. But whittling down my three-hundred-page story to an enticing paragraph was difficult. My effort was bland, and kind of boring. I knew Jori would make the... Continue Reading →
There is a lot happening over here at Bare Naked in Public. If you are a long-time follower, you know I’ve spent the last six years writing a memoir, also called Bare Naked in Public. Like my blog, I tell it like it is, vulnerable and real. My memoir will be published this July, preorder information... Continue Reading →
There was a time when airplanes, elevators and crowded places caused my anxiety to flare. I opted out of air travel, took the stairs, and steered clear of claustrophobic spaces. If I avoided these situations, I was mostly fine. But then anxiety upped the ante. Impending doom arrived at first light, lingered all day, and... Continue Reading →
Bare Naked in Public 