Sometimes a poem says is best. A Brave and Startling Truth by Maya Angelou We, this people, on a small and lonely planetTraveling through casual spacePast aloof stars, across the way of indifferent sunsTo a destination where all signs tell usIt is possible and imperative that we learnA brave and startling truth And when we…
Category: Writing
Time for the Great British Baking Show, Season 11
Ray and I stumbled upon this reality show a couple of years ago. What is lovely about it is that everyone on the show is so kind to one other. No undercutting among the contestants, no tackiness from the judges, just an, “Oh, dear, this cake isn’t quite as good as you could have done,…
Finally, New Glasses!
I am sitting in the Vision Essentials waiting room here in LA, waiting to pick up my new glasses. I am significantly near-sighted and glasses have been a vital part of my life since 3rd grade. I was due to get new glasses way back in March, but Covid took that possibility away. After three…
My New Favorite Comfort Food Appliance
I have recently discovered the joys of a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. I have a 5 quart size and can literally make delectable ice cream ready to be frozen in about 10 minutes. I have also discovered a special ingredient that makes the finished product creamy. What is that? Guar gum. What is guar gum?…
Where I’ve Been
Hi Friends, I know I’ve been gone, off the page, not writing my 20 minutes a day. For the few of you that have noticed, I thought I’d give you a thumbnail sketch of what’s been going on. First, I have wrestled with burnout for a while and this was another of those moments. But…
A Poem for Our Times: Curled Up
Curled Up I feel disconnected Far away Closed down Remote Protective of my inner self Untrusting of the outside world Shocked by the cruelty I see The rudeness The lack of respect The anger The lies I want to be trusting Open Willing to share Unafraid Open-armed But I am not Not now Not when…
Repost: “Out of the Dark,” a Flash Fiction Story
Mary Theresa was tired. Tired of feeling out of control; tired of feeling lost. She went out to the porch of her house on the lake and stared at the dark night. She couldn’t help but wonder why she had been put on this earth, particularly now that she was out of a job, out…
Maya Angelou’s 10 Rules For Success Are a Wonderful Reminder on What’s Important in This Life
This is not only informative, but also so up-lifting. Here are the ten: 1_ Just do right! 2) Be courageous 3) Love 4) Laugh 5) Be a blessing to somebody 6) Turn struggles into triumphs 7) You are talented 8) Learn to say no 9) Always do your best 10) Keep rising (You have to…
“A Change Is Gonna Come” – A Little Hope from Sam Cooke Written in 1964
Sam wrote this song in solidarity with the Civil Rights Movement in 1964. He also wrote it out of outrage when he, his wife and brother were turned away from an All-White motel when they were touring in Louisiana in 1963. Also, he said he was inspired by Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind,” and…
Life in Covid-Time: Working Hard to Quiet My Cantankerous Voice
I have noted lately that I have to be careful which voice I listen to in my head. Over the last little while (Covid-19 might be to blame), I’ve heard an awful lot from that cantankerous, opinionated person in my head who makes lots of negative pronouncements. For example, I actually found myself thinking the…
20 Minutes a Day 