June 14, 2019
First Lines
In April, I began an on-line writing course with Natalie Goldberg, whose intensive writing retreats have changed my life. I … Read More “First Lines”
Category: Memoir
June 5, 2019
On Turning 66
Today I turn 66 which is meaningful for two reasons: one, I am now eligible for full Social Security benefits. More … Read More “On Turning 66”
May 31, 2019
Ignite 5/31/19
“Flannery O’Connor said that anyone who has survived childhood has enough material to write for the rest of his or … Read More “Ignite 5/31/19”
May 29, 2019
My First Boyfriend
My first boyfriend died on May 15. Jack Boyer was 66 years old. He gave me what my mother labeled, … Read More “My First Boyfriend”
September 18, 2018
You Should Be Worried, Paul
I had forgotten all the details of the seven-plus times I had been physically and verbally assaulted by men during … Read More “You Should Be Worried, Paul”
August 8, 2018
One-Note Draft
What is memoir? What isn’t memoir? Sometimes (and in my case, more often than not), the memoirist can’t tell until … Read More “One-Note Draft”
July 18, 2018
Sisters Showing Up
“We are each other’s reference point at our turning points.” This quote from Elizabeth Fishel’s book, Sisters: Shared Histories, Lifelong … Read More “Sisters Showing Up”
July 10, 2018
Showing Up — Part Two
My mother died the way she lived — stubbornly and privately. Two weeks earlier she had suffered a catastrophic stroke … Read More “Showing Up — Part Two”
June 25, 2018
Without Donald Hall
Donald Hall, one of my favorite poets and the husband of another of my favorite poets — Jane Kenyon — … Read More “Without Donald Hall”
June 20, 2018
Welcome to Spark and Spitfire
“She’s a spitfire!” That’s how my latest financial advisor referred to me the first time he met with my life … Read More “Welcome to Spark and Spitfire”