A Breather

Hi all, We are up in Ojai tonight. The night is absolutely lovely with a waxing crescent moon in the western sky with Mars shining brightly nearby and the Milky Way splashing its lively self over much of the rest of the sky. The air is so fresh after the rain that it smells delicious…

Congratulations to Lily Massee, Accepted to Sarah Lawrence!

I am happy to report that my writing student Lily Massee has received her acceptance from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. Lily is a fine writer and photographer and will be a wonderful addition to the Sarah Lawrence student body. I think SLC is perfect for Lily, who will be able to develop…

A Rejection Letter, but Not Without Some Encouraging Words

Hi all, Today I received a rejection letter from The Missouri Review regarding a piece I originally wrote for my blog entitled, “To a Long-Dead Friend.”  While it was a rejection, it was the sweetest kind, especially from a publication that according to Duotrope, “one of the most highly regarded literary magazines in the United…

A Few Old Photos

Rachael and I were organizing yesterday and I came across some old photos that I think some of my family and friends might appreciate. This is a trip down memory lane for a few folks.  Mainly me. If you put your cursor on any photo and click, then the label will tell you who every…

Repost: Elizabeth’s Birth

I just found this piece today.  I wrote it several years back.  I can’t help but want to share the night Elizabeth was born since her birthday was just a little over a week back. Here it is: Today I have been thinking about Liz’s birth back in 1986. How I had gone to the midwife…

Great Birthday

Thanks all for your birthday wishes.  Very sweet of you to take time out of your day to send me kind thoughts.  Much appreciated! The Women’s March in downtown LA was an exceptional experience.  A half a million strong, everyone I encountered all day long was courteous and positive.  There was not one negative or…

Comfort Food Day

  Today was a day that demanded comfort food.  When in doubt, I always feel best heading straight into the kitchen and creating some sense of order in my life by making food that makes the house smell good and is also extra tasty.  That is exactly what I did today with the help of…

Coping Strategies for Today’s World

In light of our changing world as of tomorrow, I offer this repost from a few years back: “This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” -Alan W. Watts I believe…

Babies Here!

Nico and Luna are here spending the night with us tonight.  Luna and I made an agave-sweetened apple raisin pie this evening while Nico played with toys from his toy drawer in the kitchen. The pie was delicious. Then we settled back and watched Zootopia – my second time  – and I must say that…

Organization Day

Today I carved out a little office for myself.  I have had one in the past, but over the last several months, I’ve spent 100% of my work time sitting in a big wingback chair in my den.  That’s so I could see students, who could settle on the couch across from me during our…