Seven-year-old granddaughter Luna had a lot of fun today “shocking” Grandma by using the word “fart” in several variations in her story today. She giggled several times and even said at one point, “I can’t believe we’re writing about Fartsburg,” but I decided to just enjoy the writing process with her. As it turned out,…

I have been on a bender – no, not a drinking bender – a spray paint bender. I have been up at our orange grove and have spent the past two days spray-painting yard furniture and funny little decorative items. These have been pieces that have been on the “never-never,” meaning Ray and I had…

During this time of Covid-19, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. I found these lists I made a couple of years ago and discovered that just reading them made me feel better. I invite you to make similar lists if you need a little picker-upper. You are welcome to share them in the comment section…

It’s 10:23 pm and I am sitting in our Airstream up at the orange grove. Ray has gone back to LA for the night and I’ll be returning with Liz and Ron in the morning. They are over in their snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug little house an acre and a few hundred orange trees away. The night is…

Today, daughter Elizabeth cut my hair. No, she doesn’t know how to cut hair, but two YouTube videos gave her a few tips. I helped by urging her to make that first three inch cut. “It’s really short!” she said. “No problem,” I replied. “Anything you do will be better than this helmet I currently…

My youngest daughter Rachael has just learned that she has been accepted into the MA program in English Literature at Loyola Marymount University here in Los Angeles. LMU has an excellent English program, which means that Rachael will have the chance to work with an array of English scholars with a wide range of interests….

I started teaching a new class yesterday for Story Circle Network called, “20 Minutes a Day of Writing for 30 Days.” I have 14 students, which is more than I’ve ever had at SCN since we pride ourselves on small classes and because online teaching can be intense, especially when giving detailed critique. But this…

My dad was fifty when I was born. I was the lucky recipient of an adoring father who never wavered in his constant love and attention.  I know I am very fortunate to have had that kind of dad; one who treated me with kindness, respect, and as though I was someone special. I have…

I wrote this piece back in 2014 right after Gregorio and Sarah got married at the courthouse in June before their “real” wedding in November at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, Hollywood. Three kids later, I had to laugh when I read this. Nothing like a little stress on your wedding day. Sarah and…

This is a repost. However, the Jacaranda trees are in full bloom right now and I saw an episode of Huell Howser yesterday so this feels quite current. I love Huell’s ability to observe with such glee and ask just the right questions. The Jacaranda trees are blooming all over the city and I wanted…