I’m thankful for a window. It’s small but it opens onto everything: a tree. A bird. A squirrel. Not much. But in fact everything. Read more.
Barbara’s Riffs on Life
Can This Garden Be Saved? My California Natives Are Looking Bleak
Could this garden be saved? My California natives were looking bleak. A trip to the local native plant nurseries was in order. Read more.
Widowed: My Husband Is the Hero of My Next Book
My husband is the hero of my next book. I wanted it all — family and career. And Jon made it possible. Read more.
Widowed: Do I Still Miss Him?
Widowed: Do I still miss him? Not really. Missing Jon is not the shape my grief takes. Most days. Read more.
I’m a Grammar Geek: I Don’t Get Nauseous. I’ve Never Received a Kudo. And I Never, Ever Lay on My Yoga Mat
I’m a grammar geek and I’m old: I don’t get nauseous. I’ve never received a kudo. And I never, ever lay on my yoga mat. Read more.
Instead of My Toys, They Played With Peanut Shells
Instead of playing with my toys, the visiting grandchildren played with a bag of peanut shells — and made tiny peanut people. Read more.





