Chance Meeting

  On yesterday’s walk, I noticed a young man carefully removing a piece of art from his car. He had close-cropped hair, beard, and stylish business clothes. He held the art like he was holding a newborn. Within the gilded frame glittered…

Writing Equals Healing

    During an interview last week, Doug Blecher, the founder of Autism Personal Coach, asked me: "How has writing helped you deal with trauma in a way that other outlets have not?" If you've ever journaled or kept some kind…

When My Mind Wanders I Need Tissues

  How do we stay young? Clean living, regular exercise and mindfulness all play a part. But what about the less obvious stuff? The things you forget to mention to your therapist. The things that catch your emotions when you least…

A Tale of 2 Horses

A century ago, I would’ve been meandering with my horse through the old bridle trails when no one thought twice about having a stable on their property. If zoning laws allowed it, my Quarter Horse Huck would be at home, saving me bundles…

Pasture Time

For days I’ve been coming up with excuses to not write about retiring my Quarter Horse Huckleberry. A month ago I decided it was time he went to pasture. Wednesday the hauler pulled into the Los Angeles Equestrian Center early. There…

Tail of Two Holiday Dogs

  The other day I stopped for an almond latte and while waiting in line I overheard two 20-somethings at the next table. One guy said, “My family flies in tonight and they asked to stay at my place for two nights.” “How long…

The Poop on poop

Studies show a percentage of pathogens and bacteria found in the ocean, which can cause typhoid fever, bacterial gastroenteritis and Hepatitis A are from dog poop.                                    …

Sizzle Read

Sizzling days and sultry nights heat up my summer Reading List so don’t judge me for seeking smut. I’m no prude, but since reading E. L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey I’ve been hot under the collar, blushing fifty shades of pink. It’s…

Hello Neighbor

We don’t see much of our neighbors. Cruising in or out of the driveway, we exchange smiles or a nod.  If we’re particularly perky, we wave. On our block, the only thing to spark meaningful dialogue is a problem. My next-door-neighbor probably…

Bad Horses

Seated on a horse, you are your true self. Within seconds of settling onto her back, a horse will size you up. Watch her ears. Are they forward, signaling she’s ready to move with you onto your adventure? Are they swiveling toward you,…

Perks of a Library Card

They say you can’t miss what you never had, but I pine for the Royal Library of Alexandria, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Founded in the 3rd century BC, it once was the largest library in the world. Sadly, this wonder of the ancient world…

Microtrash

When you’re a man, the world is your toilet. Anyone who has played 18 holes of golf or gone camping knows this is fact. When a woman answers Nature’s Call, it’s another story.  Skill and strategy are de rigueur. The last thing we need…