From me to The Honorable Jimmy Carter: Dear Mr. Carter, Over several months during my 8th grade year, a friend and I retreated on our lunch period to a far corner of the junior high school campus (overlooking the graveyard across the street). There I would explain – in exacting detail, like a Faulknerian narrator … Continue reading Letters With Jimmy
Personal Note
Survive-aversary Party!
Eleven years ago today I found myself undergoing emergency surgery. "Elective surgery," I might add, considering the surgeon gave me two choices: have the surgery and possibly die, OR don't have the surgery and possibly die. I chose: Surgery, and to Live. (More of that story here.) From that day on, I joyfully observed my, … Continue reading Survive-aversary Party!
I COVID You Not
Everyone handles stress differently. My default — after I rant for "a while," way too long according to some — is humor. What I'm appreciating most in these crazy times is hearing the "nugget of sanity" that I notice everyone either seems to be looking for or has already found. A nugget of sanity … Continue reading I COVID You Not
Muppet Test
My co-workers were adamant I take the "Which Muppet Are You?" online survey. They thought I would be Beaker. Here are my results: You got: Beaker You're the strong silent type. You're easily stressed and you're a bit clumsy, but you take your work very seriously. Translation: "Meep meep meep meep meep. Meep meep meep … Continue reading Muppet Test
Keep Campfire Tales Weird!
"Why did so many people call you weird?" my mother asked, having read the comments written in my 8th Grade yearbook. Um... because I was? Especially during the 8th Grade. I'll spare you a full re-creation of the conversation(s) that followed, as it/they went on for weeks, and as I never managed to supply my … Continue reading Keep Campfire Tales Weird!
Silver Lining
The weather forecast for Los Angeles has been promising rain this past week. "Promising?" Not "predicting?" Exactly. We've endured fires and heat for what seems like forever. Everyone I know is eagerly anticipating Wednesday's showers. I set out to write a "rain dance" post, which led me to research the archives for this golden oldie. … Continue reading Silver Lining
Woes-Colored Glasses
During my two-hour commute to work on Tuesday (45 minutes longer than normal, thanks to... an accident? After 90 minutes of bumper-to-bumper traffic, the road suddenly cleared up with no explanation) I called a few friends usually available at that hour, hoping one of them would talk me through a particularly tedious stretch, when it … Continue reading Woes-Colored Glasses
Fall Guy
I woke up this morning to the sound of rain on the roof. "Uh-oh!" I thought. "Better hurry and post those leaf photos. I can't get TWO seasons behind!" Speaking of "Falling," I've traded in my wristband. I'm still a Fall Guy, but not in "that way." Not that my hikes are worry free, but … Continue reading Fall Guy
The Shape of Your Heart
Joy: Do you ever look at someone and wonder, what is going on inside their head? ~ Inside Out, written by Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley, Pete Doctor Ever since researching the post Petroglyph National Monument, I've been meditating on the idea of "inverted relief." Inverted Relief refers to landscape features that have reversed their elevation … Continue reading The Shape of Your Heart
What the Dickens?!
Have you ever started to say something, realized what a mistake you were making, and then successfully finished the sentence in another direction? Yeah, me neither. I mean, I've tried, but even when I've stuttered my way through a semi-coherent replacement sentence, there's always that feeling that the person listening can see right through me. … Continue reading What the Dickens?!
Campfire Tales 