“The Jungle” on Sawtelle near Missouri in West LA. Lots of goodies and many are on sale. Beautiful colors and condition. See what I mean? I guess not all cactus… What a beauty! Lots of variety. And more inside… An orchids. Beautiful. And more orchids… Just in case you need more incentive… Carlos runs the…
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Congratulations to Daughter Rachael
Tonight is the last night that my daughter, Rachael Beaty, has to study for a final exam as an undergraduate. Tomorrow at noon after one last final, Rachael will officially be finished with her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in American Literature. I am very proud of this youngest daughter of mine who has…
Preparations For My Role as Birth Coach
Today I am thinking of my preparation as a birth coach to my daughter, Sarah, who is officially due April 5th, but may be having her baby sooner. She is already experiencing some early signs of labor and, who knows, this baby may decide to come early and not on time or late. Whenever the…
The Joys of Teaching Writing: Online and Off
I am sitting here in my living room – night outside – and I am ready to finish up my work for today. I have been busy all day, as usual, but not crazy busy. My “Flash Fiction/Memoir” online class started on Monday through Story Circle Network, so I’ve been occupied responding to students’ comments…
Ray’s Birthday and Chai Cupcakes: Yum
Today we had Ray’s birthday celebration. It was just the family: Ray, Sarah, Gregorio, Liz, Ron, Rachael, and me. I cooked Ray’s favorite meal: baked chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli, salad, homemade bread (from Sarah) and two kinds of cakes: chocolate with butter cream frosting and chai. We had lots of fun and ate and ate…
4 Star Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Monday is Ray’s birthday, but since our children are all busy on a weekday, we’ll have our family celebration tomorrow. This afternoon I am making a chocolate cake with buttercream frosting per Ray’s request and I thought I’d share the recipe. This is from Rose Levy Beranbaum’s The Cake Bible, a book I would highly…
Mock Trial at Southwestern Law School
Today Ray and I went with Liz and her boyfriend, Ron, to Southwestern Law School near downtown where we played the role of two characters in a mock trial that they were participating in. This was the culmination of their class, and Liz and Ron were the defense team for a man played by Ray…
Our Evening Out
We made it to the Beverly Hills Purim Ball tonight to honor our friend, Dr. Elisa Newman White. I did find a tailor to make the necessary alterations, and I also attended to all of those needed elements to look halfway civilized. Here is a picture of Ray and me just before we left: We…
Happy News Today
Today, one of my students who is now a junior at Boston University called out of the blue, told me he was on spring break, and made a request that brightened my heart: “Could I come over and write with you this week?” My answer: “Well, of course you can.” Shaun is a boy who…
Liz: Almost There!
Here is my daughter, Elizabeth Beaty, who finishes her last final at Southwestern Law School on Monday and then starts a 2-month externship before graduating on May 12, 2013. This sweet middle girl of mine is about to complete law school in an accelerated two year program, which is called SCALE. Southwestern has one of…
20 Minutes a Day 