My daughter Sarah gave me a tube of Trader Joe’s sunscreen for Christmas. She said it has the same formula as a much more expensive sunscreen but at Trader Joe’s prices. I was skeptical about why this particular product would be “so much better” until I opened the tube and applied some on my face….

An homage to Lucille Clifton’s yellow coat. today, I grieve my long red dress.my chili pepper.my red sister.my cardinal with long sleeves.my peel.Today she ripped like a cicada shell,unforgiving of my hipsfor getting biggerfor being worn outfor trying on otherv-necks and flowing skirts.She split like a melon andtore right open.my critical companion to the last;damn…

I am a popcorn fiend. I love the crunch, the flavor, and the simplicity of popcorn. I have a special microwave popcorn popper that requires no oil. I don’t even put salt or butter on the finished product. Just plain ole popcorn is quintessential comfort food for me. Imagine my surprise recently when my son-in-law…

I am reposting this story after revising it this evening. A student of mine wrote a story with a similar theme, and her story inspired me to go back and take one more look at mine. Thanks, Joy. Mary Louise awoke at three am to the distinct smell of bacon frying. For just one moment, she wondered…

Surrender and acceptance. I actively work on these acts of faith pretty much daily. I would love to report that I have evolved to a point where I am no longer bothered by “earthly” concerns, but that would be far from the truth. I have strong opinions, a quick temper, and resist “rising above it,”…

At the end of July, I’ll be teaching a 5-week online class for Story Circle Network entitled “Food and Memoir, A Delectable Combination.” I’ve taught this class before, and it’s one of my favorites since food is such a great catalyst for memoir writing. After all, many memories are tied to food, such as my…

Once a year in the summer, the alpacas have a day when the shearer comes to remove their heavy coats, trim their teeth, and cut their nails. They also get wormed and checked for parasites. Last Saturday was that day. LeRoy, Buttercup, and Finn had their beauty treatment and now they look significantly smaller than…

Today is my son-in-law Gregorio’s birthday. He and my daughter Sarah have been together since 2009 and were married in 2013. They have three beautiful children and have created a happy and healthy life for themselves and their kids. Gregorio is open, honest, hardworking, and a devoted husband and father. He has a wealth of…

Growing up, life settled into rituals and routinesGet up, wash face, brush teethCereal for breakfast except for Saturdays whenDaddy made eggs, bacon, biscuits, and gravySunday dinner was roast beef or ham with green beans and potatoesWeekday meals were steak, pork chops, chicken, or meatloafFriday meant fish sticks or tuna casseroleSaturday was leftover day or toasted…

For the past several days, I have been organizing our storage bins for part of every day. This means equal parts, putting things away, and tossing what is no longer needed. I like this activity. I like to get things straight. I am one of those people who can walk into a completely chaotic space,…