The Citizenby Pablo NerudaParis Review Issue no. 57 (Spring 1974) I went into the tool shopsin all innocenceto buy a simple hammeror some vague scissors.I should never have done it.Since then and restlesslyI devote my time to steel,to the most shadowy tools:hoes bring me to my knees,horseshoes enslave me. I am troubled all week,chasing aluminum…
Using Some of the Wisdom of Alanon to Cope with Every Day Trials
I have had the occasion over the past few days to talk to several people who are in pain. In one case, a parent is worried about an adult child who is having serious issues; in another, a friend is worried about another friend who is terminally ill. Worry is the operative word here. Worry…
“Grandma, Aren’t You Too Old For This?”
Recently, Ray and I bought a friend’s Mustang convertible. He wanted to sell it and we tried talking our kids, friends, and even a few relatives into purchasing this decent used car at what was a reasonable price. Finally, when everybody turned it down, Ray and I decided to buy it after Ray learned that…
A Poem: Liminal (or is that COVID) Time
I wrote this poem a while back, but it feels quite appropriate during COVID-time. I thought I’d reshare it with you. Liminal Time I’m operating in liminal time right now Straddling where I’ve been with where I’m going I know where I’ve been; I’m not sure where I’m headed I do know that wherever that…
My Upcoming Story Circle Network Class: “Exploring Prejudice With the Help of Five Acclaimed Black Women Writers”
I will be teaching an online class on prejudice starting Monday (tomorrow) for Story Circle Network, a women’s writing organization that encourages all women to tell their stories. We’ll look at the writings of Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Cade Bombara, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Roxane Gay and explore our thoughts. feelings, and experiences related…
HBO’s Perry Mason with Matthew Rhys!
I just want to give an enthusiastic thumbs up to Perry Mason’s first season on HBO. We watched the finale tonight and it was excellent. I don’t want to give away even a shred of this story, but suffice it to say that the time period (the 1930s) is well portrayed with fantastic set design…
One More Day at the Orange Grove
We are still in Ojai. We decided to stay one more day and night and will be leaving tomorrow around noon. Today Beau Leigh and I had another round of encounters – one in the morning and the other at dusk. Both were definitely better than the previous days, but there was still a fair…
Last Night at the Orange Grove
Another Ojai night. The stars are bright. We were out looking for the Perseid meteor shower, but it’s apparently too early. That means we might miss it. It’s hard to go to bed very late here, probably because we wake up early and are outside the majority of the day. So we were out for…
Beau Leigh and Me, Or How to Survive in a Chicken Pen with a Very Angry Rooster
Today I learned how to deal with an angry rooster, and I do mean that literally, not metaphorically. Beau Leigh is my daughter Liz’s rooster up here in Ojai and he apparently doesn’t take too kindly to anybody but Liz or her husband Ron coming into the chicken pen. Granted, he is protecting 5 hens…
Listening to the Crickets Here in Ojai
Ray and I are up at the orange grove for a few days. I am currently sitting in our Airstream listening to the crickets serenade us outside. The air is cool. The night is dark. Our dogs are out checking the perimeter of our fenced-in compound and hoping to find some rodents to chase. Tomorrow,…
20 Minutes a Day 