Lessons learned from an amazing neighbor — A little over a year ago after we moved into our new rental home, my husband and I looked out the big front window to take in the view. Across the street, we saw this adorable little house with a big round window in the front door. “It’s a Hobbit…

Or, learning that I don’t have to be the good girl anymore. — The silliest thing happened to me on a recent airplane flight. After I thought about the whole thing for way too long, I realized with clarity that I was the villain in another person’s story. Owing to a strict and quite Catholic upbringing, I’ve spent so much of my life…

Tuesday Night Trash Night — Mariella sobbed as she wheeled three trash bins out to the curb. It was Tuesday night about 11pm, and she cried alone in the dark. Just ten minutes ago she had remembered that trash day was tomorrow and the trash cans had to be wheeled out the curb. …

Super useful doesn’t always mean high tech — I have a confession to make: I’m no Luddite, but sometimes I get exhausted by all of the high-tech devices that run the world. The marketing for every electronic gadget swears that this is the thing to make our lives easier. Each declares to be the latest “can’t-live-without-it game changer.” …

Three lessons learned from meditating 500 days in a row — Yes, I too have heard the buzz and read the many stories telling us over and over that mindfulness is good for stress and anxiety. Mindfulness is good for focus and productivity. Mindfulness will help you sleep. All you have to do is meditate every single dingle day. …

History Doesn’t Have to Repeat Itself — There is one important thing that my best friend and I disagree about. Like, total opposite ends of the spectrum disagree, which is odd because there are very few things we have ever disagreed about. We met each other in 1988, and after 35 years of living, loving, making mistakes…

A list to share with your mom who wants you to make some friends already — Sure, the Pandemic made us take a different look at the concept of being alone. And being locked up in our homes. And also breathing. But that’s all behind us now. Mostly. What remains is rampant introversion, widespread social awkwardness, and large pockets of agoraphobia. I’m here to ask: Is…

Onion Scented Inspiration — When historic levels of rain and snow came through California this past winter, phrases like “atmospheric rivers” and “bomb cyclones” became just another Tuesday for those of us living in the Bay Area. After each crazy storm ended, I would put on my muddin’ boots and find my way out…

A Story of Confidence Found and Lost — Ava startled when the doorbell rang. She wasn’t expecting a delivery and she certainly wasn’t expecting a visitor. The sound of the bell caused her to freeze in place, lock eyes with her tuxedo cat named Birdy, and hunker down. After several minutes she heard footsteps walk away, so she…