St. James, South Pasadena where Lyla goes to pre-school Kids singing in front of the congregation. Lyla in her pretty pink floral dress. (Yes, she is only 4 and one of the tallest kids in her grade.) Supporters in the back during church and the performance L-R: Luna, Nico, Ethan, Liz, and Sarah 7-Year-Old Nico…
A Poem: Woven Beauty
When I was young, life was simple and slow All I knew was land, sky, and flow Dew on the grass and pink morning light A world of beauty in every sight A woman tended our home with love and care Her wisdom taught me the sacred there Not separate from the things…
5-Star Honey-Sweetened Apple Pie Recipe
I made this pie today for dinner with Liz, Ron, and Ethan. Ron, who said he doesn’t usually like apple pie, said that he actually really liked this one. Liz had two pieces, which would suggest she liked it too. Ethan nodded approvingly that Grandma had brought pie but preferred nursing instead. The key to…
An Exceptional Role Model
When we first moved to Beverly Hills in 1994, we enrolled all three of our daughters at Hawthorne Elementary (K-8), where Dick Douglas was the principal. We walked in that first day and were greeted by Mr. Douglas, who had a wide-open smile and bright blue eyes. He made sure that each of our daughters…
A Poem: Let Your Heart Be Broken
Let Your Heart Be Broken Walk into life Full-hearted Open Willing Don’t hold back Out of fear Insecurity Ego Be brazen In love Passion Engagement Know your heart Will be broken But don’t be afraid Brokenness produces New opportunities for Love Passion Joy We are all shards Of the same broken vessel With the potential…
My Mother’s Positive Reaction to My Risktaking
When I was 19, I decided I needed to travel to Europe alone. I look at that now and marvel at how brave I was. Off I went with my backpack and my Eurail pass from Italy to Switzerland then onto Germany, France and then to England. I was shaky through the first part of…
Coming to California and Remaining Here
I am sitting here in my living room. It is dark outside and there is a chill coming from the open back door, which leads to our back patio. A helicopter just passed overhead, the drone of its engine slowly fading into the distance. Cordelia, the corgi, is walking around the living room looking for…
Quirks of Some of the People I Love
When my husband is bored or ready to leave or fed up with what someone is saying, he whistles. It is the same tune every time – a series of notes that go up and then go down – and he is not particularly aware that he is sending off this signal. When I comment…
Robert McClucky Waugh, My Scottish Grandfather
I never met my grandfather, but my mother’s description of him has brought him to life for me. He was a small man, not quite 5’8”, and very slim. He wore round spectacles and had bright eyes that shone when he saw his only daughter, Helen Marie. He called my mother his “little gurl,” since…
A Delicious Recipe for Honey Cake w/ Carmelized Pears
Looking for a cake for a special occasion? This will serve you well. Honey Cake with Carmelized Pears from Delish.com INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS Carmelized Pears INGREDIENTS Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sugar; cook, stirring, until almost dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Add pears; cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and just golden,…
20 Minutes a Day 