exploring life and love with pictures and words
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 →
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 →
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 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 →
My grandson Luca sings along to Twenty One Pilots’ Stressed Out as I drive. I pick him up after school every Tuesday, giving his mom a break from the south county--north county roundtrip commute. Living with his dad half time in Huntington Beach, Luca has attended school here since he was a little guy in... Continue Reading →
I warm my hands on the doubled up paper cup of steeping tea, and people watch. Two young men discuss yesterday’s surf over coffee. The bearded one catches my eye and lowers his voice. I hear a whisper of a woman's name and look away, pretending I was not eavesdropping. In the center of the... Continue Reading →
It’s his birthday. He passed away a few weeks ago, still I peruse his Facebook page to read the birthday wishes. His childhood friends, family, and others who have followed his difficult ten year journey express missing him and wish him a heavenly birthday. I smile knowing he is finally at peace. I read on... Continue Reading →
Bare Naked in Public 