The holidays are a time for celebrating, but it can be difficult for many for various reasons. Markers of time such as holidays can serve as a reminder to some that they aren’t celebrating such events with loved ones due …
Continue reading
Coping During the Holidays
Bystander Effect
My original plans for today changed last night when my car broke down. Turns out finding an auto repair shop in San Francisco that could fix it today was not as easy as I had hoped. I eventually found a …
Continue reading
Hearts and Stars: A Blessing and a Curse
The first time I saw Jennifer pregnant was five days before Jane was born. It was September 26, 2009, Grandparent’s Day in the UK. That day was the first time I met Ryan, Jane’s father, too. Jennifer was scheduled to …
Continue reading
Hearts and Stars: A Star is Born
In May 2009, I had learned that my grandchild would be a girl and her name would be “Jane Ellen.” I sent the following email to her in July 2009 when my daughter was pregnant. * * * * * …
Continue reading
Hearts and Stars: Denial and Acceptance
I heard my daughter, Jennifer, the first time. And the second time. And the third time. Yet somehow “What?!” was my only response to her over the phone when she told me she was pregnant. I had given notice to …
Continue reading
Reflections on #BookADay 2014
Thanks to Borough Press in the UK for encouraging readers around the world to share their opinions on books: the beloved, unfinished, and disliked to name a few. I learned about #BookADay on May 31, 2014 and thought it would …
Continue reading
#BookADay: A Controversial Book, Series
The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy by EL James has sold 100 million copies worldwide. It’s number eight in the top ten bestselling books of all time. Many heterosexual couples have raved about how it saved their relationship, made it spicier. I’m …
Continue reading
#BookADay: Resource for Travel Writers
The title says it all: Lonely Planet’s Guide To Travel Writing: Expert Advice From The World’s Leading Travel Publisher. Inside is a wealth of information about the mechanics of a good travel article, essay, and story as well as interviews from those …
Continue reading