Mother’s Day was always big bust and I was too exhausted to endure it again. This year I came up with a brilliant idea. Two days before the big event, I prepared my answer to the question, “What do you want for Mother’s Day?” “Nothing,” I said. “Come on, we have to get you something. What do you want?” “Nothing. I want a day filled with nothing. No fighting. No laundry. No cooking. No TV,” I said. “You’re just saying that. You’d be mad if we don’t get you a gift.” “Nope. This is what I really want.” “No way. That’s too hard. Just let us get you a gift.” I Want Nothing for Mother's Day I stood my ground and reminded my family that I had been asking for nothing for … [Read more...]
Top 11 Advice for High School Graduates
May 14, 2014 By 15 Comments
Most parents believe graduation is their last opportunity to impart good advice or words of wisdom to their graduate. This is the list I made for my daughter when she graduated based on what I believe leads to a happy life. Take some time after your child’s graduation to discuss the important stuff. Talk over this list and add ones that are relevant to your family. You might be surprised that “Solve world hunger” ranks higher on their list than “Play more video games.” Advice for High School Graduates Say thank you to waiters, waitresses, housekeepers, and hostesses. Always tip in cash at least 17%. Their job is demanding. You never know, that could be you. Laughter is the best … [Read more...]
I’m Featured on Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop
March 25, 2014 By 2 Comments
It's a great privilege to be featured on Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop this week. In addition to showcasing different humorous authors, this site provides advice for writers, author interviews, markets and contests. One of my favorite sections is called, "Erma Says." “Do you know what depression is? It's sitting in your doctor's examination room. In a paper dress. On a cold table. And it's the high spot of your week.” (from "Dumpy Paper Dress--March 31, 1977," which appears in Forever Erma) Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop will be held at the University of Dayton on April 10-12. Guess who's going? That's right! I was one of the first 350 to snag a … [Read more...]
To the Woman Who Fondled My Breast
March 18, 2014 By 16 Comments
Today a strange woman fondled my breast. She trapped me in an awkward position, manhandled my boobs, and called me cruel names. And for a while I tolerated her poor treatment. Breast Exam I was getting a breast exam. If you’re like me, you postpone getting an annual mammogram for as long as possible. It hurts. But that little voice in your head keeps nagging, “Get it over with. It won’t be so bad this time.” At Mercy Healthcare, an assistant carrying a clipboard led me into the changing area and instructed me to strip to the waist, put on a flimsy gown and wait for the technician. Moments later, a stocky lady with mousey brown hair yelled, “Next.” That’s me. Torture … [Read more...]
I Auditioned Listen To Your Mother Show San Francisco
March 2, 2014 By 1 Comment
I was invited to audition for “Listen to Your Mother” show on Saturday, March 1 at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco based on my writing and storytelling. At the audition, I read “A Training Opportunity,” a humorous short story about my daughter growing up and purchasing her first AAA training bra. Listen To Your Mother Website Listen to Your Mother (LTYM) is a national series of original live readings shared locally on stages in 32 cities and globally via social media aimed to support motherhood creatively through artistic expression. The mission of each LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER production is to take the audience on a well-crafted journey that celebrates and validates mothering … [Read more...]
Written Across the Genres Anthology Released East Bay Feb 25
February 27, 2014 By 2 Comments
I am thrilled to be published in Written Across the Genres, a new anthology edited by Julaina Kleist-Corwin, local creative writing instructor. On February 25, contributing authors read from the anthology that includes works from published writers, adult students, and even a local rapper. Poetry, prose, and excerpts from longer works in a variety of genres were presented at Towne Center Books in Pleasanton. Endorsed by Barbara Santos, San Francisco Writers Conference Marketing Director, “Written Across the Genres is a great book to curl up with and, like any good anthology, it is filled with bite-sized gems your can read anywhere when you have a few quite moments.” Join in the fun … [Read more...]
I Want Sister Wives for Valentine’s Day
February 12, 2014 By 7 Comments
Sister Wives for Valentine's Day What do I want for Valentine’s Day? Sister Wives! If you’re like me, you need Sister Wives to help out around the house, relieve stress, do the shopping. I’m a big fan of Sister Wives, a reality show in its fourth season on TLC. It snuck up and shocked viewers despite the lack of bad language, sex and fighting. It’s about the Brown Family, Kody and his four wives: Meri, Janelle, Christine and Robyn. They’re Fundamentalist Mormons: one husband, four wives and 17 children living in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Brown’s are fascinating http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/sister-wives/photos/brown-family-pictures.htm After watching for a year, I realized the perfect gift … [Read more...]
Here’s a Quick Way to Catch a Raccoon
February 6, 2014 By 8 Comments
To catch a raccoon became my mission. Each night, it ambushed our lawn, flattened leafy plants and ripped the grass to shreds. Chunks of sod rolled over. At this rate, we’d be down to topsoil and tree roots by the end of the month. I called Carl’s Critter Control and explained our problem. Help was on the way. The next day, he examined our yard and said, “Yep, you got raccoons. Best to kill what they eat. I’ll treat for grubs.” Raccoon Escargot What the heck do they eat? Turns out cream colored coiled grubs and beetles burrowed in our lawn, the raccoon’s version of escargot. He injected the lawn with chemicals to kill the meal. For about two weeks, the treatment worked and we … [Read more...]
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