An odd thing happened to me yesterday. First, a journalism lesson: I’ve always taught my students that they need to make connections with readers. Most readers absorb stories while subconsciously thinking of reasons why that particular topic doesn’t directly affect them, or why they could never be victims of the crime being described. For example, Read More
It has been nearly three weeks since my mother’s visit, and I’m happy to report that, in accordance with her rules, I have maintained order in my house. Amount of piled-up laundry? NONE. Number of cluttered countertops? ZERO. Number of teaspoons? ZERO. Wait. That’s another story. And get this: I LOVE DOING MY CHORES EVERY Read More
The questions in this occasional column come from actual people. Dear Savvy Sister, What the heck do I get my husband of almost 20 years for Christmas? Every present (except the Kindle I got him last year) from the past five Christmases is still in a box on the floor of his closet. Grilling equipment, Read More
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 I didn’t want to go to school the next day, but I went anyway because Hawk said I had no reason to feel ashamed. But I wasn’t the only one there with a black eye. Manning Vanderwart sported a shiner that rivaled mine for size and color. “I told Read More
The Tyrant is an adorable child from every angle. Except behaviorally. Duh, that’s why we call her the Tyrant. But just to look at her? Holy Turkey Legs, those almond eyes could melt a frozen margarita. That dimple is going to break someone’s heart one day. And you should hear her burp! And you can Read More
The Attachment Chronicles Part I Part II Part III I have never found a shark’s tooth at the beach. Can you believe it? The Diva found, like, five the first time she ever looked. Hot Firefighter Husband practically impales himself on them; they seem to materialize underneath his feet. Not me. I’ve spent entire minutes Read More
The questions in this occasional column come from actual people. Dear Savvy Sister, I’m ready to change careers – any advice on how to make money on the west coast without selling my soul? Any contacts with any large foundations in CA? Sincerely, Floundering Attorney Dear Flounder, In my short adult life – because really, Read More
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 That spring, my twelfth year, found me straddling the limbo between a blissful childhood and the dawning knowledge that the world wouldn’t be so kind to a grown-up me. I had friends in elementary school, or at least playmates who engaged me enough so that I felt included. I loved school Read More
When I was a child, I wanted to be a cowgirl. I really wanted to be like Roy Rogers, and I watched his show every day. I DID NOT want to be like Dale Evans. I dreamed of having a horse like Trigger and a dog like Bullet. Dale Evans’ horse’s name was Buttermilk. Blah. Read More
The great journalist Susan Orlean once wrote a piece called The American Man, Age 10. It’s a profile of a little boy named Colin, and in it, Colin’s father describes his son like this: It’s like living with a native of Mars who happens to know some English. When I first read that line over Read More
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