I’m having serious feelings of unpopularity which harken back to my junior high school days. It’s one week before Christmas and I have...

Haven’t ironed a man’s shirt in over five years. I found the task surprisingly pleasant one day recently. “Why is he wearing a polo...

It began around the campfire at Song Dog one year. It was enhanced by the Wild Turkey. And then it became a tradition. My four best buds...

Prize-winning, international best-selling author Ann Patchett may well be the most beloved book person in America — not just for her...

Another delightful country-city contrast this first week in November... Persimmons from Henry's (Lazy H) grove in Pauma Valley free for...

My alarm these days is a low-throated, drawn out rumble. I arrive from the land of nod to the state of consciousness each morning at...

Seasons past when I was part of a magical winemaking adventure, the autumn was the most special time of the year. Harvesting fully...

My writing mentor cautions that there are two things impossible to do any kind of justice to or to describe eloquently and accurately in...

A floating feeling of lightheaded euphoria comes over me when I open the linen closet and find it stocked with toilet paper. Plump,...

In the next few days, I will labor. Appropriately, it’s September and Labor Day weekend. Some will barbeque. Many will shop trumpeted...

I am a brand-loyal consumer. However, I recently made a change. Having a small dinner party, I went to the store for wine and along with...

Since finishing The Overstory, Richard Powers Pulitzer Prize winning book, I have been obsessed with growing a chestnut tree from seed. I...

“Your brother, Mark, is the highest functioning schizophrenic patient I treat,” the psychiatrist commented. Following the death of my...

I have been trying to get a better understanding of the Virgin Mary. Not being a Catholic, it’s difficult. My exposure to Catholicism is...

Thanksgiving with turkey and gravy and the 4th of July’s star-spangled burgers and dogs celebrations were the hardest as a...

I’m a fervent advocate of buying art when you travel. A small bowl from the night market in Bangkok sits on my coffee table, a print from...

Proud to be included with the stellar writers of stirring stories in this latest San Diego Writer's Ink anthology. Stunning job as editor...

Another in my series of ongoing citywide vs. countryfied conflicts. My friend, Ruth, says, “I’m a country girl living in the city.” Me,...

“I’m afraid we’re a bit spoiled,” I said to Sue in a stage whisper as the houselights dimmed. She and I had just returned from New York...

Four years after her emerald search came up fruitless, Maddie eight at this time, sat with her siblings and cousins and their parents-my...