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...]
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...]
Christmas Karma and the Toilet Paper Trail
December 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
All I know is karma’s a bitch. And never cop an attitude with an usher when you’re dragging a toilet paper trail. Last year, my mother braved Midwest blizzards, traffic and the airport to visit my family of four for Christmas in California. Our fun-filled week consisted of spiked eggnog, story telling, old movies and the mandatory trip to San Francisco. A commercial break during “A Christmas Story” advertised Riverdance, the popular Irish stepdancing group. Redheaded lads and lassies clicked across the stage. “Forget about seeing the Christmas Carol or the Nutcracker, can we see Riverdance?” asked my mom. I wanted to make her visit as memorable as possible and sprung for the good … [Read more...]
Mom’s Thanksgiving Day Plea
November 25, 2013 By 8 Comments
Happy Thanksgiving Day! By now, like Sleeping Beauty, my family is waking from a deep slumber, wiping the crust from their eyes as they stumble into the kitchen in search of coffee. I bet it’s about 10:00 a.m. and they’re starting to wonder, “Where’s Mom?” Well, surprise, I have three words, “At the movies.” I have decided to take the day off. I’m exhausted by the thought of another Thanksgiving Day, spent in the scullery, sweating it out like Bikram Yoga. Enough with hot ovens, boiling pots and disgusting turkey giblets already. I’m Getting My Movie On, sitting in a comfy chair, hogging a whole box of popcorn and a large Diet Coke. Ha ha! Now don’t get me wrong, I love each and … [Read more...]
Warning! Don’t Dress Like a Mom
September 25, 2013 By 14 Comments
“Mom, it wouldn’t hurt for you to dress up a little before you drop us off at school,” says my 13-year-old daughter. Don't Dress Like a Mom And by “a little” she means stiletto heels, coiffed hair, and full makeup. Her fashion icon is a friend’s mother who has the audacity to be cool and put together by eight a.m. She wears trendy pumps, coordinated jewelry and designer sunglasses--a true fashion aficionado. Heck, I’m lucky to swing that on a long weekend. What kind of mother wears three-inch heels to walk the kids to school? Not to be excluded from the conversation, my 10-year-old son chimes in, “Seriously, Mom. It’s embarrassing. Try to look better.” Who's he kidding? Five … [Read more...]
How to Send Your Daughter Off to College
September 9, 2013 By 2 Comments
Sending my daughter to college for the first time was as confusing as the mysteries of the teenage mind. Ashley is our first-born and my husband and I had documented all her firsts: first steps, first words, first day of kindergarten, first car and now, first child to attend college. We recognized that everything we had done up to this point was practice. Throughout the summer, we shopped together for college essentials like toiletries, colorful bedding, laundry baskets, eating utensils, and power cords. She selected her college courses on-line and searched for a roommate through the school’s Facebook page. She was ready to begin a new adventure and had marked off the boxes on the … [Read more...]
AVAILABLE NOW!
Follow Us!