This is a wonderful piece written by Phillip Lopate, who is one of the premier essayist in the United States. It is very informative to anyone who writes memoir because Lopate encourages the writer to not only include scenes which showcase the child’s perspective of the world (or the less mature perspective), but also to…
Category: Writing as a Discipline
Mother’s Day Gifts
I am looking at the white orchids that my children gave me yesterday for Mother’s Day. I love orchids. I find their simplicity compelling. I remember going into the home of one of my students here in Beverly Hills when I first started working with children (and before I insisted they come to my home)….
Mother’s Day in Pictures
Here is my day in pictures: 7:15 am St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Hollywood 2nd View 2 pm Walt Disney Concert Hall 3 pm Garden of Walt Disney Concert Hall 4:30 Time with my Beautiful Family This photo was taken for Rachael’s birthday in mid-April, but since I forgot to take pictures at our Mother’s…
A Few of My Favorite Things about My Mother
I was thinking about my mother today and the secret things I loved about her. For example, I loved her smell, which was a combination of Oleg Cassini perfume, vo5 hair conditioner, and CoverGirl face powder. Also, I loved her “look.” She always wore slacks, a top, and a jacket no matter if it were…
Procrastination Over a Health Issue
I have a chronic backache. I think it’s time I make a plan to do something about it. I went to the doctor because I thought it was my hip, but after having me move my leg all round, my doctor said she thinks it’s sciatica. She gave me exercises to do to stretch my…
Jacaranda Trees, Huell Howser and a Few Photos
The Jacaranda trees are blooming all over the city and I wanted to share my own pictures of them that I took on the street directly behind our house here in Beverly Hills. To augment my photos, I have included a video clip from Huell Howser’s Jacaranda episode. For those of you who don’t know…
Cynthia Williams, Rest in Peace
Today is a sad day for all of us at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, Hollywood. Our beloved Cynthia Williams died this morning after being diagnosed several months ago with cancer. While there is relief in knowing that she will no longer suffer any pain, we will miss her ready smile, deep-throated laughter and…
My Day in Photos
We are up at the orange grove in Ojai and I have limited internet reception. Therefore, I am sending you pictures of my day on a trip up to Santa Barbara, which is 25 miles northwest of Ojai. Nothing great here, just a way to stay in touch and let you see the beautiful Pacific Ocean,…
Ted Talk: Play is More Than Just Fun
Tonight I went to a Dodgers game, courtesy of my beloved son-in-law Gregorio. We had great seats and it was an exciting game. I had lots of fun with Sarah, Luna, Gregorio and Ray. No worries, no work, just pure play. Here is a video that explores the benefits of play. I thought it might…
Mother Bodies
I used to have a flat stomach. I remember having one at least. I also remember having breasts that were a normal size, not the jugs I have now, which seem to be the result, at least in part, of seven years of nursing three little girls. Yes, seven. Two, two and three for the…
20 Minutes a Day 