Category Archives: Uncategorized

Tonight at dinner, my husband lifted his glass, smiled at me and said, “Here’s to forgiveness.” I swallowed hard. Remembered that it’s Christmastime. Tried to find it. Couldn’t. Here’s what happened earlier today. A package that I had been waiting … Continue reading →

Fifteen years ago when I was hired to teach Language Arts at the local middle school, I didn’t have a classroom to call my own. Instead, I was the “roving” teacher, pushing an overflowing cartful of books from classroom to … Continue reading →

The Napping House, written and illustrated by the husband-wife team of Audrey and Don Wood was published more than 30 years ago. It was based on a real life experience, and conveys a sense of warmth and comfort and belonging … Continue reading →

Last month I heard writer Adam Johnson (The Orphan Master’s Son; Fortune Smiles) speak about his writing with San Francisco Chronicle book critic John McMurtrie. Listening to Johnson, an extraordinary storyteller, the thought occurred to me that maybe there was … Continue reading →

When I got into this teaching profession, I had stars in my eyes. I thought that I could make everyone excited about learning. But then Jimmy walked into my class – angry and sad. “Is this special to you?” he … Continue reading →

I’ve been really into hawks lately. A convergence of coincidences I guess. First I read a review of a book about hawks – or so I thought. It’s really about loss and memory and love and resilience. H is for … Continue reading →

I woke to the smell of coffee And the realization Again That you are not of this world No longer of this world I write down memories I say your name I study birds in the morning sky In the … Continue reading →

Good afternoon and welcome back. This has been such an extraordinary day so far, and I am thrilled to be here with you all on this momentous occasion. So much dedication and commitment and brain-power under one roof certainly bodes … Continue reading →

But now my father had died. Hold tight. Hold tight. The words on the page stung. Something far away was too familiar. Suddenly This memoir in my hands – Love and bereavement tangled, laid open, raw and bare. A late … Continue reading →