Book Club @ Drake's Dealership in Oakland: a brewery with great fast food, pizzas, space, drinks, and chatter! The read this month was Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. As always with this Bay Area group of child-free women, the discussion and authentic reactions to this grueling, historical fiction FILLED. MY. SOUL. Just before heading out to Sunday Book Club (on a day when cuddling up inside in front of a warm fire might have been even better!) It never ceases to amaze me how books a

In-person is so much better for me and I am willing to go the extra mile for even a moment of quality time. I use public speaking as a means to visit friends, acquaintances I wish to turn into friends, and family along the way. Lots and lots of miles. I’m not a great road-tripper and it’s been a while since I took a multi-hour ride solo. What choice did I have? I was carrying a massive quantity of books for the conference and last-minute packing left me with bags of all shape

I've been feeling a lot of the effects of my allergies lately, because everything in the neighborhood is coming into full bloom. My nose is congested. 🥺 I can't breathe as deeply. 😮‍💨 Things appear just a tad blurry. 😦 While it smells delightful (think star jasmine) and is a vibrant color shock to the system (yellow daffodils, pink tulips, purple irises, white roses) I am still suffering a bit. I've been cooking a lot more lately... Soups and stews that I can freeze easil