Love is More Than Candy Hearts

February 14, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

Earlier in the week, it was parties and conversation hearts. Heart-shaped cookies and treats for teachers. Our day began with heart-shaped pancakes, homemade cards. We will open a nice bottle later today. Perhaps a Barberesco (stay tuned). That is enough for us. It is our 15th Valentine’s Day together. Our love has changed, our family has […]

Cobwebs and Clutter

January 11, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Crrreeeeeaaakkkkk…. “Hello?” With great trepidation, I enter. Gesticulations begin, wiping madly at the webs, the dust clouds. It is easier to just keep the door shut, or to open it briefly only to tuck away another box. It is much harder to enter. To really evaluate what is in there, tucked behind the boxes large […]

A Rainbow and Remembering-9/11/01

September 11, 2015.Reading time 11 minutes.

A rainbow appeared over Manhattan yesterday. The headline that circulated noted that it was the eve of the 14th anniversary, adding to the wonder and sentiment. Between reminders to floss and the last-minute comedy routines, I found myself wondering, what was he doing fourteen years ago tonight? Was it like any other Monday or did […]

Sweet Freedom!

August 24, 2015.Reading time 4 minutes.

I’m free! I’m free! I’m free! After 7 1/2 years, over 8 if you count gestation, I am no longer beholden 24 hours a day. I can write without interruption. I can make a lunch date and stick to it. I can go to the bathroom without mediation. I’m free! Ok, so I know some […]

Top 9 Reasons I’m Over Top 10 Lists

June 19, 2015.Reading time 3 minutes.

9) Why does it have to be 10? Who decided that 10 is the magic number for a list? And how can I write a “Top 10” if that is what I’m ranting about? That would make me a hypocrite. 8) There was a time when I would have put Richard Marx on my Top 10. Is this list […]

Gifts that Matter on Mother’s Day

May 9, 2015.Reading time 4 minutes.

My favorites gifts have always been those which cannot be wrapped. They are gifts that say, “I see you. I am listening.” They may or may not come on any appointed day, but their value is intrinsic and enduring. I have been in several stores this week and, everywhere you look, there are marketing sections centered around Mother’s Day. […]

Training for #WBC14

July 9, 2014.Reading time 1 minute.

Tomorrow is the day! I’m so excited to be heading out to Santa Barbara county to meet and learn from some of the top wine writers. But, I’ve got to say, I’ve been feeling a little out of my league. So what is a girl to do? Well, some training, of course. And how does […]

“Congratulations, You’ve Been…”

May 28, 2014.Reading time 4 minutes.

This morning I heard the news that we lost a woman of incredible valor. I’ve absorbed her words, envied her confidence, and admired the grace with which she conducted herself. I had intended to share some news today, but it somehow felt inappropriate. And then I read this quote shared on Oprah Winfrey’s site. She […]

I Blinked and She’s Gone

August 29, 2013.Reading time 5 minutes.

I sent my baby to Kindergarten on Monday. I sent my little girl to Kindergarten. I sent THIS little bundle of love to Kindergarten. How is that possible? It was a blink ago, I promise. It’s not that she is really “gone,” obviously, but it is the first of many steps in letting go. […]