I have held that terrible time against youand against myself for many years now.I felt shame that I found myself in sucha vulnerable situation,embarrassed that I didn’t seewhat must have been obvious—or not,since you were (are) quite adeptat disguising that abusive part of who you are. I have carried that time in my body,shrinking back…
The “Someday” List in Progress
I have a secret dream of becoming a yoga master. Never mind that I’m not currently doing yoga. Is that a requirement for the dream? I’d also like to learn Spanish, travel to Africa, and figure out how to scuba dive. And then there’s sailing—I’d love to learn how to sail and have a place…
Tommy Wizzims and the Kindness of One Boy
I saw Jana Williams, Tommy’s sister, at the recent Bonhi reunion. I wanted to repost this piece in memory of Tommy. Today, I was cleaning out a closet and came across a large envelope filled with clippings and photos from my mother’s house—items I’d received after she died. I unfolded a yellowed newspaper tucked inside…
Crisp & Crunchy Grain-Free Granola Recipe
I visited a friend today who had just made the granola detailed below. It was absolutely delicious. Here is the recipe via my friend. Enjoy! Crunchy Grain-Free Granola 1/2 cup organic hulled sunflower seeds1/2 cup organic hulled pumpkin seeds1/2 cup organic unsweetened desiccated coconut2 oz (1/4 cup) honey (or other liquid sweetener for vegan diets – maple syrup…
An Honored Role at High Mass
Today I had the privilege of serving as Liturgical Deacon during High Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Hollywood. While this doesn’t make me an official deacon, it allowed me to step into that sacred role for the liturgy—a true honor. It’s the highest position a layperson can hold during the service,…
To My Son-in-Law, Gregorio Pacheco Ambriz, on His Birthday
Dear Gregorio, It’s hard to believe that it’s been sixteen years since you and Sarah met back in 2009, and thirteen since you two got married. That has been an eventful sixteen years, marked by the addition of your three beautiful children and the life you two have created for yourselves and them. You can…
Flash Fiction: The Fall of Adam Burlingham
“This isn’t the way it was supposed to be.” That’s all Adam Burlingham could say as City of London police, acting on orders from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, shut down his brokerage. “Be careful, you oafs,” he shouted as two officers grabbed the antique stock ticker—his father’s gift, still nestled in its walnut base…
Flash Fiction: The Legacy of the Dance
To my brother George, who gave me a similar statue before he died of cancer back in 2004. Mary Lou Holder sank down next to her brother, the one who was dying of cancer, and started tugging at the bright red bow of the gift he had just handed her. “This is sweet, Jake, that…
Flash Memoir: A Buick, an Embankment, and Grace
This is a story that happened a few years back right around this time of year. I would say this is the very closest I’ve ever come to facing my dying moment – and killing poor Ray in the process. Thank God for a little Divine intervention when we both really needed it. I have…
Be Bold, Be Steady: What My Teachers Have Taught Me
I’ve been thinking lately about the writers who shaped me. My writing path has been a long one—starting with essays, moving into novels, and then finding a home for a while in flash: flash fiction, flash memoir, and flash essay. After my two brothers died of AIDS, I began a memoir that eventually evolved into…
20 Minutes a Day 