What would the child I once was think about the adult I have become? I think she would be happy with much of my life. She would love the orange grove, my children, their partners, and my grandchildren, Luna, Nico, Lyla, and Ethan. Plus, she would think Ray is funny. She would be pleased that I…
Flash Memoir: Afternoons with Mr. Morgan
I’ve posted this piece before. It’s one of my happiest memories of growing up. I decided this evening was a good time to revisit the kind and loving Mr. Morgan of my youth. Mr. Morgan was a retired Episcopal priest who lived a few houses up from my family on East 9th Street in my…
Perfect Holiday Dessert: Chocolate Eclair Cake
This is one of those recipes that deserves a repost. Here it is. Let me know if you try it. I would love to hear how it worked for you. This recipe comes from America’s Test Kitchen, and even after I modified it to use agave syrup rather than refined sugar, it is still fantastic….
Flash Fiction: The Power of “Almost”
As Mary leaned down to check on her baby daughter sleeping peacefully in her cradle, she realized she could never leave her husband, George, now that this child had been born. She would have to give him partial custody, and that would mean being separated from this precious gift, this miracle, who had come so…
A Poem that Suits Today: The Irony of Flaws
We all have flaws, yes?Those pesky parts that demonstrateOur humannessThe parts that make usCrimson with shameWhen we realize they have been revealed to othersOur thoughtlessnessOur ego-driven self-centerednessOur inability to be charitable, kind, considerate, empatheticOn a day when we’re overloaded, overwhelmedOver everything and everybody Who is looking at us withA needy eyeYes, flaws are an element…
Memory: Sarah’s Wedding Day + A Photo of Sarah and Gregorio Today
I wrote this entry on November 30, 2013. I am posting this today in honor of Sarah and Gregorio’s 11th anniversary. They have built a wonderful life together with three beautiful children. I love them both very much and am so happy for them. Today is my daughter Sarah’s wedding day. So much preparation culminates…
A Few Photos of Today
We’re in Ojai with our daughters, their husbands/partners, and grandkids for the weekend. It’s been lots of fun, starting with picking oranges for juice and ending with a soak in our wood-burning heated jacuzzi for some and TV for others. A lovely, easy day surrounded by people I love. A true thanksgiving. Sarah and Lyla
Thanksgiving Weekend at the Orange Grove
Our three daughters, their husbands/partners (except Gregorio), and all the grandkids are at the orange grove until Sunday. Gregorio will arrive tomorrow to join the festivities. We had lots of leftovers from the Betty Thanksgiving, plus Rachael and Andrew brought leftovers from the Pineda Thanksgiving. Thanks to the mothers, Cindy and Martha, for your tasty…
Thanksgiving Happiness
We had a lovely Thanksgiving at Cindy Betty’s home today. Lots of excellent food and a houseful of family and friends. Thank you, Cindy! It was also quite a treat for me to have all four of my grandkids together. They are a lively bunch who make me happy just looking at them. I am…
Our Thanksgiving Plans
Over the next few days, I will spend lots of time with my family. Tomorrow, we’ll celebrate at my son-in-law Ron’s mother’s house in LA, Cindy is a great cook and a lovely person, so I look forward to sharing Thanksgiving Day with her. Family and friends will be there, making for a festive, happy…
20 Minutes a Day 