Getty Museum Challenge Beats Quarantine Boredom

The Getty Museum called for people to recreate works of art while in quarantine – and they did not disappoint. They asked its followers on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to remake famous pieces from its collection. “We challenge you to recreate a work of art with objects (and people) in your home,” the museum wrote. Choose your favorite artwork Find three things lying around your house⠀ Recreate the artwork with those items https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo1FnmKh4_E The Getty Museum challenged you to dig into Getty's online collections and re-create artworks with objects at home, inspired by the Instagram account @tussenkunstenquarantaine aka "Between Art and Quarantine," … [Read more...]

Introducing Author Dorothy Rosby, Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked Off About

I’d like to introduce Dorothy Rosby, speaker and syndicated humor columnist whose work appears regularly in publications in the West and Midwest. We met at an Erma Bombeck workshop and instantly clicked. Her friendly personality, cheerful attitude and wiliness to help cemented a friendship. I’m pleased to promote her upcoming book, Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time. The pandemic created an interesting challenge for a book release. Here’s the story behind the title of her new book, Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time.   The Book Formerly Known as Ewww If … [Read more...]

Authors Tell Stories by Six Feet Apart Productions

When opportunity knocks, answer the door! I’m thrilled to be included in this week’s lineup, Six Feet Apart Productions presents Sunday Night Stories, Authors Tell Stories. Five amazing authors will be sharing their stories on this Sunday's show, including Alia Volz whose memoir Home Baked - My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco has been optioned by JJ Abrams!                   Each author will be giving away one signed copy of their fabulous book too! Plus 50% of proceeds to struggling independent bookstores Alley Cat and Dog Eared Books in San Francisco. Tickets by donation on a pay-what-you-can … [Read more...]

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Interview

Last month, I received a request for an interview from Dolores Fox Ciardelli, Tri Valley Life Editor at the Pleasanton Weekly. She received a press release about my contributions to the Chicken Soup for the Soul: Laughter Is the Best Medicine. And she wanted to talk about laughter in general, especially during Covid. Humor is my favorite subject so of course I said, “YES!” Then asked me to reschedule. “I hate to do this, but could we possibly make our talk a little later? I was able to schedule an Insta-Cart order delivery between 11 and 1 tomorrow so I took the slot.” This is our new normal so of course I said fine, what else did I have to do? I understand how difficult it’s been to … [Read more...]

Chicken Soup for the Soul Books Provide Humor During Covid

Months ago, I submitted two stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Laughter Is the Best Medicine: 101 Feel Good Stories. I was overjoyed to learn they accepted both of my humorous stories. If you would have told me a year ago that I would be published in a book series that has sold more than 110 million copies in the U.S. and Canada, sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, and has been translated into 43 languages, I would have told you that you were crazy. Here’s their email as proof! Dear Stacey,  Your story “Money Talks” has made it to the final selection round for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Laughter Is the Best Medicine. We are so appreciative of your participation and … [Read more...]

Totally Serious Quarantine Food Swaps

If you’re like me, it’s been more difficult to buy some the supplies you need to make your favorite and not so favorite meals. Flour? Fuhgeddaboudit. Butter? That’s a big maybe. Eggs? Nearly as scarce as toilet paper but still, good luck. So I’m here to help with a few simple substitutions. Inside your pantry or vegetable bin are the correct items to complete recipes in a pinch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiQY4DV5AzM Quarantine Food Swaps - Baking Supplies Did you know that applesauce or pureed avocado could replace butter? Or an equal amount of maple syrup can be exchanged for vanilla extract? And you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream? Baking Powder 1 teaspoon … [Read more...]

How Can I Help Others During a Pandemic?

Looking out my window, the world looks unchanged. The sun rises. Birds soar across the sky. I hear the sound of trash collectors scooping up the recyclables, hitting the gas and chugging up the street. At first glance, it seems like an ordinary day, but nothing is the same. I drive downtown to get an idea of my community’s reaction to shelter in place. My little town feels like the day after Christmas, empty and quiet. Closed restaurants bear signs of “We Do Take-Out” or “Look Us Up Online.” Our local coffee shop, once my refuge, a place to regroup and refuel, stands closed and silent. I feel very isolated and detached. And I wonder how can I help during a global pandemic? Could I be a … [Read more...]

My Weird Quarantine Diary – 36 Days

If you’re like me, you’ve been holed in your home for what feels like months. With my newfound time, I started a daily quarantine diary to remind me of the weird, quirky, and funny things that have happened along the way. Here’s what I noted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cicvuEljfnE   Quarantine Diary - Week 1 Day 1 - Our grandparents were called to war. We’re being called to sit on our couch. Together we can do this. Day 2 – The dog refuses to eat dry kibble so I feed him chicken and rice, which he gobbles down. Due to shortage of chicken I’m faced with a new dilemma. If the dog starts eating chicken, then are we going to have to consider eating the dog? Day 3 –Didn’t … [Read more...]