Last Thursday, Ray and I took the Amtrak train into LA from Ventura to work at the church, clearing out and cleaning the kitchen. The caterer, Scott, who had been renting the kitchen, fell on hard times due to a literal fall, a trip to the hospital, and the contraction of a life-threatening infection while…
Category: Writing
A Few Thoughts on Flash Fiction and Nonfiction
I teach a flash fiction and nonfiction class for Story Circle Network. Right now, I am teaching flash nonfiction. Flash is usually a piece that is limited to a maximum of 1000 words. Here are some thoughts on this type of writing. Flash fiction and flash nonfiction differ clearly in content, but given the conciseness…
Life on the Quirky Side
When my husband is bored or ready to leave or fed up with what someone is saying, he whistles. It is the same tune every time – a series of notes that go up and then go down – and he is not particularly aware that he is sending off this signal. When I comment…
Poem: Exceptions are Everywhere
I wrote this poem a while back and thought it might be nice to be reminded today that life is full of exceptions to our preconceived notions. I find that realization hopeful in this day and time. Happy Saturday. Exceptions are EverywhereEver marvel at how life can surprise you?If not, travel to Panama and visit…
Happy Birthday, Luna Pacheco Beaty!
My darling granddaughter is twelve years old today. Happy birthday, sweet Luna. Luna is smart, sweet, and multi-talented. She has a wicked sense of humor, a way of cutting her eyes to tell me, “Grandma, no!”, and a laugh that makes me laugh just hearing it. I could not be prouder of her and am…
Alan W. Watts: The Secret of Life
This is the real secret of life—to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” -Alan W. Watts. I believe this quote from Alan W. Watts is the absolute truth. The operative words are “engaged,” “here and now,” and “play.”…
The Road to Normal: Worth Repeating
I wrote this piece a while back, but it still rings true. I decided to share it with you tonight. Here’s to normal, however you may define that word in your particular, unique, and wonderful life. Len My husband said to me today, “Thank you for being so normal.” I replied, “Thank you back.” Not…
Pacheco Beaty Visit to the Orange Grove
Today, Sarah brought her kids to the orange grove to visit. They are on spring break. Ethan was thrilled to have his cousins come. All the kids were relaxed and happy to be here. The sky was blue, the air warm in the sun, and the red-tailed hawks were busy gliding on wind currents. I…
The Mirror Between Us
The Mirror Between UsThis morning she peered out at me from the mirror, my sister, dead:but as she had looked in top health, many years before,wearing a silver locket that matched her silver hair(I wonder if she lives in the silver lining of clouds),and I noted again that she was lovely,the same nose I have,…
Congratulations to Spencer Stone!
Spencer Stone, one of my high school writing students, has been named a Gabelli Presidential Scholar at Boston College, where he’ll attend the Carroll School of Management, majoring in finance with a minor in music. This highly competitive, merit-based award is offered to only eighteen students from the top 2% of early action applicants. It…
20 Minutes a Day 