I am looking at a pile of papers in stacks on the table around me. This is unusual because I tend to keep my workspace tidy –too much clutter usually makes me jittery – but I am forcing myself to take note of this paperwork that demands my attention. I have bills to pay, calls…
Tag: writing discipline
Music, Travel and Musings
We have just returned from an evening with Sarah, Gregorio and Luna where we went to Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena and heard a band from Austin named Whiskey Shivers. The park was crowded with families and other residents of the city, and the night was cool. Everyone either brought lawn chairs or spread blankets out…
First Mice, then Baby Luna
We have just arrived home from a workday in Ojai at the orange grove, then a stop-in at Sarah and Gregorio’s for turkey tacos. I literally might have to use my hand to keep my eyelids open. I am so tired. In Ojai, I tackled the bi-yearly job of cleaning out our old Spartan trailer…
Twenty Reasons I Write Fiction
1. It makes me happy. 2. It gives me something positive to think about (those imaginary worlds). 3. It is fun. 4. It is creative. 5. It connects me to other people who enjoy being creative. 6. It makes me more aware of the world around me (so I can better describe people, places and…
Flash Fiction: Fire and Luck
I put tulips under all the pillows and then I set fire to the house. I know that sounds crazy, but it really wasn’t because it was an old house – my grandmother’s – and it was out in the country where nobody ever came and it was a week after Grandma died and squatters…
Yes to the film “The Spectacular Now”
Today I saw the movie “The Spectacular Now,” and though it is billed as a comedy, it is actually more serious than that label would suggest. It is a coming-of-age film about a boy who is moving quickly from high school “party boy” to teen alcoholic, and whose life changes over a few short months…
“Tis a Gift to Be Simple”
This was an organizational day, where I tackled projects that required attention to detail. I love these kinds of days because I not only get loose ends tied up, but I also feel a certain level of calmness as I methodically deal with paying bills or editing work or creating lesson plans for online classes….
Visitors, the Bar, and a Little Good News
1) My niece, Katie, and her two friends, Noel and John, arrived from Texas today for a visit. I am happy to see these three, who will be staying for a few days just to have fun in LA. 2) Liz and Ron finished the bar exam today. I’m sure they are dead-tired, but I…
A Luna Visit plus a Text from Liz
Today we went out to Sarah and Gregorio’s to visit. Here is Grandpa with Luna. Here is Luna playing in her bouncy toy: We had a happy visit and even got to see Gregorio who arrived home early from work. That was an extra treat. Sarah made us all lunch and we sat and chatted,…
Food, Spirits and a No to “The Conjuring”
Yesterday, I cooked chicken enchiladas and hot buttered rice for lunch followed by homemade chocolate cupcakes with a honey-sweetened peach compote for dessert. Yum. Everything was delicious, and, best of all, the cupcakes and peach sauce were fat-free. (I wish I could say the same for the enchiladas and the rice, but cheese and butter…
20 Minutes a Day 