Summertime here in LA. It was over 100 degrees today and people all over the city were out in shops and malls and movie theaters in an attempt to escape the heat. Even driving in the car was cooler than being at home since most Angelinos don’t have air-conditioned homes. After all, most of the…
Category: Writing
A Must-See: Searching for Sugar Man
If you haven’t seen this documentary, I suggest you figure out how to make that happen as soon as you can. You will be better for it. Rodriguez is a man transcendent. He has worked as a laborer all of his adult life, except for a period in the early ’70’s when he recorded two…
An Evening of Rock and Roll Photos and Stories
Tonight we went to the Annenberg Space for Photography and listened to a presentation by Guy Webster, the famous rock and roll photographer. He photographed Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Judy Collins, the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones and on and on and on, and he told stories of meeting these people and spending time with…
Back to Wearing a Step Counter for Better Health
One of the best ways that I’ve found to remind myself to get up and start moving is to wear a step counter. This little device attached to my waistband can serve as a great motivator to get up and outside or even simply move more around the house. The simplest measure the number of…
Better Day Thanks to the Hollywood Bowl
Today was much better. I was up and out this morning to Pasadena and then after students this afternoon, we went with friends and family to the Hollywood Bowl. The Bowl is a must-see if you are in LA. No matter where you sit – and we were in the cheap seats in the back…
Not So Good Day
I am feeling anxious this morning. First of all, I hadn’t expected that my student numbers would be down this year. At this point, I have three parents who have asked if their children can come every other week instead of every week, the first time in my thirteen years of doing this type of…
An Afternoon with Friends and a Recipe for Chicken Vegetable Kebobs
Today we had friends over for a late lunch and I made grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs. I followed the recipe below and they were delicious. We had a fun-filled afternoon, telling stories, swapping jokes, and laughing. Always great to have friends with whom you can be open and real. I hope you’ll try the…
2O Minutes of Pure Fatigue
I am sitting here dropping off to sleep while I type. Not the best sign, I suppose. We were up at 5:45 am so we could go to the St. Thomas homeless breakfast to volunteer. The rest of the day has been busy as well. This is going to be a short, short post since…
LA County Museum of Art and Friday Night Jazz
Tonight we went to hear jazz down at the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA). Every Friday night, people come from all around to have picnics on the lawn and listen to free music. It was a happy and attentive crowd, who had brought lawn chairs, food, kids, and dogs out for the evening. They…
Roget’s Thesaurus: A Hard Copy Must-Have
Roget’s Thesaurus. Ah, heaven. I try my best to educate my students on the necessity of having a hard copy of this three-inch thick book around if they are truly interested in writing. After all, when we’re stumped for just the right word, they see me stand up and head to my bookcase. “It’s time…
20 Minutes a Day 