I thought my writing buddy’s book “Bamboo Secrets” was about a sojourn to Japan in search of her creative identity. It turned out to be a love story. Read more.
“Bamboo Secrets” — A Love Story in the Shadow of Japan
Barbara’s Riffs on Life
Fifteen Patriotic Holiday Gifts for the Worried Progressives on Your List
I’m giving patriotic holiday gifts this year — donations to groups that can help keep our country sane during the stormy Trump years ahead. Read more.
Christmas Is Big. Bigger Than Christianity — And Donald Trump
Christmas is big. Christianity’s biggest holiday is leaving the religion in the dust with 15 times the Internet mentions of Christianity. Read more.
Oakland’s Ghost Ship — A Vigil
I keep thinking, if only the makeshift stairways of the Ghost Ship warehouse had been closer to the exits. If only there had been fire escapes . . . . Read more.
One Broken Ankle, and Two Lives Grind to a Halt. Or, Why You Should Definitely Stop and Tie That Loose Shoelace
I’m doing my wifey thing. My husband has a broken ankle and I’m taking care of him. That means I’m exhausted. And grumpy. Read more.
The Turkeys at Our House, Dead and Alive
Every year at this time we have a bunch of turkeys at our house. One comes in a shopping bag; the others arrive on their own two feet. Read more.