I am happy to report that my writing student Lily Massee has received her acceptance from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. Lily is a fine writer and photographer and will be a wonderful addition to the Sarah Lawrence student body. I think SLC is perfect for Lily, who will be able to develop…

Hi all, Today I received a rejection letter from The Missouri Review regarding a piece I originally wrote for my blog entitled, “To a Long-Dead Friend.”  While it was a rejection, it was the sweetest kind, especially from a publication that according to Duotrope, “one of the most highly regarded literary magazines in the United…

Rachael and I were organizing yesterday and I came across some old photos that I think some of my family and friends might appreciate. This is a trip down memory lane for a few folks.  Mainly me. If you put your cursor on any photo and click, then the label will tell you who every…

I just found this piece today.  I wrote it several years back.  I can’t help but want to share the night Elizabeth was born since her birthday was just a little over a week back. Here it is: Today I have been thinking about Liz’s birth back in 1986. How I had gone to the midwife…

Thanks all for your birthday wishes.  Very sweet of you to take time out of your day to send me kind thoughts.  Much appreciated! The Women’s March in downtown LA was an exceptional experience.  A half a million strong, everyone I encountered all day long was courteous and positive.  There was not one negative or…

  Today was a day that demanded comfort food.  When in doubt, I always feel best heading straight into the kitchen and creating some sense of order in my life by making food that makes the house smell good and is also extra tasty.  That is exactly what I did today with the help of…

In light of our changing world as of tomorrow, I offer this repost from a few years back: “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…

Nico and Luna are here spending the night with us tonight.  Luna and I made an agave-sweetened apple raisin pie this evening while Nico played with toys from his toy drawer in the kitchen. The pie was delicious. Then we settled back and watched Zootopia – my second time  – and I must say that…

Today I carved out a little office for myself.  I have had one in the past, but over the last several months, I’ve spent 100% of my work time sitting in a big wingback chair in my den.  That’s so I could see students, who could settle on the couch across from me during our…

  Thirty-one years ago today, I gave birth to my beloved second child, Elizabeth, in the master bedroom of our home in Denison, Texas.  I had the help of two midwives; Ray; my best friend, Patricia Butler; and my 3 1/2 year-old daughter, Sarah, over that long night. Sarah had the calmest demeanor in the…