Published in The DIY Diaries·PinnedMember-onlyI’ve Got Deep Pockets, and You Can TooHow to DIY better pockets on pants — Before I get to the good part and tell you how to change your pockets for the better, I’m going to rant for a minute. Hang in there and hear me out, because I think my rant will motivate you to join me in the crusade for deep pockets. If…Lifehacks5 min readLifehacks5 min read
Published in Age of Empathy·PinnedMember-onlySometimes I Treat My Laptop Like a DumpsterAnd my best writing comes from diving into that big sloppy mess. — One of the first truths of writing that I had to learn (and I’m still learning, actually) is that first drafts include a whole lot of garbage, especially if the topic is something near and dear to my heart. When I open my computer to start something new — a…Writing4 min readWriting4 min read
Published in Age of Empathy·PinnedMember-onlyEstablishing boundaries: A parenting storyWhere’s the instruction manual that includes middle schoolers? — Step One: Place the radio signal transmitter in a dry, well-ventilated area (i.e. garage or shed). Secure to wall using a mounting template and appropriate mounting hardware, not included. Be sure the boundary wire is not pinched, as this can damage radio fence performance. “Dad? I’m going to the bike…Motherhood4 min readMotherhood4 min read
Published in The Memoirist·PinnedMember-onlyMeasuring Up: A Breast Cancer StoryA survivor looks beyond the brassiere — How do I measure up? Here I am, by the numbers: Height: five foot eight. Weight: 155 on a good day. Feet: size 8 1/2. Vision: 20/30. Volume of breasts: 570cc, each. Any woman can tell you her bra size, but a woman who knows her breast volume is like…Breast Cancer5 min readBreast Cancer5 min read
Published in Age of Empathy·PinnedMember-onlyEmbracing the MinivanThe Trojan Horse of Parenting — There is a moment in every child’s life when he first recognizes that his parents have had a life unrelated to his being. This epiphany first came to my son Will at age six, when I mentioned that my first car was a Mustang. He corrected me: “Not a Mustang…Motherhood4 min readMotherhood4 min read
Published in The Haven·Jan 21Member-onlyCan’t fall asleep? Try these two books.Not because they are dull— quite the opposite! — Got insomnia? You’re not alone. I’d tell you to call me when you can’t sleep because the odds are good I’d be awake and up for a chat. But instead, I’m going to share my two favorite books for drifting off on a pillow of excellent prose. Before I dive…Book Recommendations4 min readBook Recommendations4 min read
Published in The Haven·Dec 30, 2022Member-onlyNo More New Year’s Resolutions. Just Intentions.Unless they are like Woody Guthrie’s. — Take a good long look at the image above: Woody Guthrie’s New Year Rulin’s, jotted in his well-worn notebook in 1943. Have you ever seen a better list of life advice? In the eighty years since this list was written, life has changed in many ways. …Humor3 min readHumor3 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION-Curated·Dec 4, 2022Member-onlyFifty stories published, five lessons learned.Habits, tools, stats and rewards. — My most recent story published mattered to me for two reasons. First, because it was my first submission to one of my favorite publications, The Haven. I appreciate the Haven especially for it’s philosophy that a writer can be funny without being a jerk. …Writing5 min readWriting5 min read
Published in The Haven·Nov 26, 2022Member-onlyDear Santa: A Business Proposal to Save WinterMother Nature’s got hot flashes and Santa’s feeling grim — To: Kris Kringle, North Pole From: Mother Nature, Cloud Nine Dear Santa, I know you’re busy sorting letters and wish-lists, but I hope to catch your attention before you start packing the sleigh. …Creative Non Fiction4 min readCreative Non Fiction4 min read
Published in Age of Empathy·Nov 5, 2022Member-onlyThe Unsung Heroes of Democracy: Voters’ PamphletsNo drama and no frills, but loads of critical information — I moved to Oregon 18 years ago, the year that George W. Bush and Dick Cheney ran against John Kerry and John Edwards. Honestly, I hardly remember that election — I had to look up who the potential VPs were that year in order to start writing this story. Although…Politics3 min readPolitics3 min read
