Today is my oldest daughter Sarah’s 34th birthday. We went out to her new apartment in Sierra Madre for a birthday celebration. Her two sisters, Liz and Rachael, came plus their boyfriends, Ron and Ariel. Of course, Sarah’s husband, Gregorio, and her two kids, Luna and Nico, were there. Plus, Sarah’s nanny, Bri, and her…
Category: Family
Ramblings from the Orange Grove
It is 7 pm and I am sitting in our Airstream in Ojai. Ray is still out somewhere in the orange grove. Luna is not with us this week because she has been sick. (Nico is not quite ready to be away from mom long enough for us to keep him overnight.) Anyway, we are…
One of Those Days
This has been one of those days. Up by 6 am to meet a student at 6:30 down in my den for 6 hours of work to finish her Senior Honors Thesis for her Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies. I have learned a lot about the history and current status of reproductive rights for women…
First Painting Class Ever at the Barnsdall Art Center
Liz, Ray and I went to our art classes tonight at the Barnsdall Art Center in Hollywood. Ray is back in ceramics class and Liz and I are taking acrylic painting. This is quite a stretch for me since I have never painted anything in my life beyond elementary school art class where I don’t…
When Life Presses In
I have been playing catch up all evening, communicating with the Story Circle Network online teachers about the upcoming term and responding to reading comments and writing submissions from my current online flash fiction/flash memoir class. This week has been a whirlwind of activity centered around students, family and church. I had two solid days…
Happy Birthday, Rachael!
Dear Rachael, Twenty-five years ago today I delivered all 7 pounds of you on a sleeping bag spread out on the floor of Daddy’s and my bedroom in our Victorian on Grand Avenue in Sherman, Texas. Daddy and Patricia – dressed in their matching green hospital sweats they’d managed to procure just for this occasion…
The Close of the Conference and the Celebration of a Birthday
The Story Circle Conference ended today and was absolutely wonderful. It was an opportunity to see old friends, make new ones and learn a lot about writing. I was sad to leave but happy to come and see my family, who had gathered for a barbecue. Here are some pictures of the gang. Great Niece…
My Austin Family
I have been up since early morning so this is going to be a short entry. I am here at my Cousin Lee’s house in Austin, all settled in for the night. We had a wonderful family dinner together tonight at the home of my nieces, Leslie and Hayley. I saw six of my nieces,…
A Doggie Problem: Advice Appreciated
My dogs are here in the den with me. Frankie on the stool at my feet and Cordelia on the couch across the room. She was giving me a long look just a minute ago but now has tucked her head and gone to sleep. Tough life these two have. We are having a disturbing…
Luna’s Birthday Bash
Luna’s 3rd birthday party was held today in a park near her home in Highland Park. There was a bounce house, birthday cake, pizza and a pinata. These pictures capture much of the afternoon activities; however, I now realize that most of the photos center on the pinata. At least it’s possible to get a…
20 Minutes a Day 