Posts Tagged: postaweek2011
goodbye & thanks to 2011
Ugh. *yAWn* {insert sound of creaking bones here} The holidays are over and I’m left with glut, bloat, and lingering guilt. Is this what January feels like? It’s been so long since I wrote I don’t know what to do
goodbye & thanks to 2011
Ugh. *yAWn* {insert sound of creaking bones here} The holidays are over and I’m left with glut, bloat, and lingering guilt. Is this what January feels like? It’s been so long since I wrote I don’t know what to do
he needs me (chapter 27, part 1)
It was Isabelle’s turn in writing group this week. She brought the final scene of her epic Greek erotic adventure in which all the characters come together for a final glorious orgy in the underworld, the penultimate happy ending. But
he needs me (chapter 27, part 1)
It was Isabelle’s turn in writing group this week. She brought the final scene of her epic Greek erotic adventure in which all the characters come together for a final glorious orgy in the underworld, the penultimate happy ending. But
yes (chapter 26, part 2)
When Lang opens the bedroom door, Eleanor is asleep with a smile on her face. Eleanor’s face with a man and a smile. Lang stands there gripping the doorknob, registering the small details that construct a larger impression:
yes (chapter 26, part 2)
When Lang opens the bedroom door, Eleanor is asleep with a smile on her face. Eleanor’s face with a man and a smile. Lang stands there gripping the doorknob, registering the small details that construct a larger impression:
Enormous Tree
Every year, the Christmas tree gets bigger. When our first daughter was born we got our first tree, a small one we decorated with jewelry and other shiny household whatnots since we didn’t own any ornaments. We didn’t even know
Enormous Tree
Every year, the Christmas tree gets bigger. When our first daughter was born we got our first tree, a small one we decorated with jewelry and other shiny household whatnots since we didn’t own any ornaments. We didn’t even know
Retrograde
* I’m stuck at 7:37; my watch battery croaked. One of the damn burners on the stove won’t light. When I (finally!) put the pumpkins in the compost, it knocked the shut-off valve for the gas line to the house
Retrograde
* I’m stuck at 7:37; my watch battery croaked. One of the damn burners on the stove won’t light. When I (finally!) put the pumpkins in the compost, it knocked the shut-off valve for the gas line to the house
The Big, Easy Surrender (the Thing About New Orleans)
I am a Northern Californian. Berkeley is in my bones. I like fecund, overgrown gardens and fog slinking under the Golden Gate. I like funky cafes, musty bookstores, and trails under redwood trees. I like people who care enough to
The Big, Easy Surrender (the Thing About New Orleans)
I am a Northern Californian. Berkeley is in my bones. I like fecund, overgrown gardens and fog slinking under the Golden Gate. I like funky cafes, musty bookstores, and trails under redwood trees. I like people who care enough to
hide and seek (chapter 26, part 1)
* It was the quietest part of the night, when even the insects had succumbed to silence. The long black silk robe Eleanor wore brushed each step as she descended the grand curving staircase toward the front door. Robin watched
hide and seek (chapter 26, part 1)
* It was the quietest part of the night, when even the insects had succumbed to silence. The long black silk robe Eleanor wore brushed each step as she descended the grand curving staircase toward the front door. Robin watched
thankful for music
Greetings and happy turkey day to you from the Big Easy! I’m out here for the holiday, stumbling from one spectacle to the next, eating like crazy and getting down (and trying to get back up again). No time to
thankful for music
Greetings and happy turkey day to you from the Big Easy! I’m out here for the holiday, stumbling from one spectacle to the next, eating like crazy and getting down (and trying to get back up again). No time to
one is the oneliest number (chapter 25, part 2)
… Lang makes notes to draw this out for a few more moments in order to fully underscore their physical and psychological distance. The music bridges over to the next montage that begins with Edna sitting on the patio in
one is the oneliest number (chapter 25, part 2)
… Lang makes notes to draw this out for a few more moments in order to fully underscore their physical and psychological distance. The music bridges over to the next montage that begins with Edna sitting on the patio in
how to make a grown woman cry (happy birthday, Jose Saramago)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * With adoration and gratitude for Jose Saramago (November16, 1922-June 18, 2010), on his birthday: Sometimes, when I’m reading a really,
how to make a grown woman cry (happy birthday, Jose Saramago)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * With adoration and gratitude for Jose Saramago (November16, 1922-June 18, 2010), on his birthday: Sometimes, when I’m reading a really,
tweaking (chapter 25, part 1)
If this seems confusing, maybe it’s because you haven’t read what came before. This is the 25th chapter of What Would Water Do, a novel. To begin at the start, click here. I also write short stories, personal essays, and
tweaking (chapter 25, part 1)
If this seems confusing, maybe it’s because you haven’t read what came before. This is the 25th chapter of What Would Water Do, a novel. To begin at the start, click here. I also write short stories, personal essays, and
swimming in light (chapter 24)
This is the 24th chapter of What Would Water Do, a novel. To begin at the start, click here. * Mae meets Drew at the front door and pulls her down the hall to the living room where the painting
swimming in light (chapter 24)
This is the 24th chapter of What Would Water Do, a novel. To begin at the start, click here. * Mae meets Drew at the front door and pulls her down the hall to the living room where the painting
Ten Things About Crows
It’s been a year since I began trying to make friends with the crows in my neighborhood and I think I’ve finally done it. So, for this 10th installment of my foray into the world of crows, I’ve written an
Ten Things About Crows
It’s been a year since I began trying to make friends with the crows in my neighborhood and I think I’ve finally done it. So, for this 10th installment of my foray into the world of crows, I’ve written an
know it all (chapter 23, part 3)
* They turn left on Esplanade Avenue. Behind a high wall, through a patio thick with banana trees and yellow blossoms he ushers her into the little iron door and up the stairs to the room where the lady sits
know it all (chapter 23, part 3)
* They turn left on Esplanade Avenue. Behind a high wall, through a patio thick with banana trees and yellow blossoms he ushers her into the little iron door and up the stairs to the room where the lady sits
freedom house
To celebrate Halloween, I’d like to share this story again. There’s nothing like a haunted house. Have you ever seen a real ghost? It wasn’t so scary after you’d lived there for awhile. It was a mammoth Victorian, dingy white,
freedom house
To celebrate Halloween, I’d like to share this story again. There’s nothing like a haunted house. Have you ever seen a real ghost? It wasn’t so scary after you’d lived there for awhile. It was a mammoth Victorian, dingy white,
Down River
(For Susan) “How long’ll you be staying?” The campsite host pressed his palms on either side of her mother’s window. His eyes moseyed around the interior of the car, from the sleeping bags and boxes of food to Aster in
Down River
(For Susan) “How long’ll you be staying?” The campsite host pressed his palms on either side of her mother’s window. His eyes moseyed around the interior of the car, from the sleeping bags and boxes of food to Aster in
It’s My Blog’s Birthday & You’re Invited!
It has been exactly one year since I started this blog. Wow! A whole year; how did that happen? If my blog was my baby, I would expect her to be walking and talking by now, and she is—in fact,
It’s My Blog’s Birthday & You’re Invited!
It has been exactly one year since I started this blog. Wow! A whole year; how did that happen? If my blog was my baby, I would expect her to be walking and talking by now, and she is—in fact,
safe to smile at strangers (chapter 23, part 2)
She’s outside kicking the wrought iron fence with her silver high tops when Robin walks up behind her. “Good morning, mamselle. Did we wake up on the wrong side this morning or did that fence try to sneak up on
safe to smile at strangers (chapter 23, part 2)
She’s outside kicking the wrought iron fence with her silver high tops when Robin walks up behind her. “Good morning, mamselle. Did we wake up on the wrong side this morning or did that fence try to sneak up on
the levee (chapter 23, part 1)
Eleanor knows the house is empty before she opens her eyes. The air in her bedroom is so humid she thinks the world outside must be covered with water. The levee must have burst. The waves snuck in while she
the levee (chapter 23, part 1)
Eleanor knows the house is empty before she opens her eyes. The air in her bedroom is so humid she thinks the world outside must be covered with water. The levee must have burst. The waves snuck in while she
Guest Blog! Playing (with Cindy Sherman)
I am so happy and grateful to be a guest blogger on Satsumabug’s Blog! (<—Click here, mom!) For those who don’t know her already, Lisa is a fabulous “writist and an arter” with a real knack for creating online community and
Guest Blog! Playing (with Cindy Sherman)
I am so happy and grateful to be a guest blogger on Satsumabug’s Blog! (<—Click here, mom!) For those who don’t know her already, Lisa is a fabulous “writist and an arter” with a real knack for creating online community and
Résumé (Because These Days, Who Can Afford A Wife?)
(The following is what happened when I sat down to write my résumé.) * Experience (See, Go Through, Undergo, Feel): You will have to come to my house to see evidence of what I have done since I quit my
Résumé (Because These Days, Who Can Afford A Wife?)
(The following is what happened when I sat down to write my résumé.) * Experience (See, Go Through, Undergo, Feel): You will have to come to my house to see evidence of what I have done since I quit my
I Am Not Your Baby; I Ate Your Baby!
(For Kenyon, on her 11th birthday) When my first daughter Kenyon was born eleven years ago, I knew I was in trouble. Or I should have known, if I’d read the signs. When the nurse took her over to the
I Am Not Your Baby; I Ate Your Baby!
(For Kenyon, on her 11th birthday) When my first daughter Kenyon was born eleven years ago, I knew I was in trouble. Or I should have known, if I’d read the signs. When the nurse took her over to the
the actor (chapter 21, part 3)
Wayne has a strict protocol for seeing a movie in the theater: First, you must go on Monday or Tuesday night to avoid a crowd. Maybe Wednesday but never, ever on the weekend. Weekends are for amateurs. Second, arrive exactly
the actor (chapter 21, part 3)
Wayne has a strict protocol for seeing a movie in the theater: First, you must go on Monday or Tuesday night to avoid a crowd. Maybe Wednesday but never, ever on the weekend. Weekends are for amateurs. Second, arrive exactly
take my breath away
(a la Betsy Lerner, because reading her blog always makes me feel better) Lately, every time I come across this word, my heart does a little herky-jerk: Submission. As in the thing a writer has to do if she ever
take my breath away
(a la Betsy Lerner, because reading her blog always makes me feel better) Lately, every time I come across this word, my heart does a little herky-jerk: Submission. As in the thing a writer has to do if she ever
comfort food (chapter 21, part 2)
They go to the beach, they go shopping. One night, Victor cooks dinner. Wayne doesn’t want to ask where the kid got the money to buy the food because he looks so damn proud of himself standing there with his
comfort food (chapter 21, part 2)
They go to the beach, they go shopping. One night, Victor cooks dinner. Wayne doesn’t want to ask where the kid got the money to buy the food because he looks so damn proud of himself standing there with his
the fourth dimension (chapter 21, part 1)
Wayne stops in the hallway outside his apartment with one ear pressed against the door. He listens hungrily, savoring his imminent arrival into the vibration, into the hum and bump on the other side of the door. It’s unlocked. Victor
the fourth dimension (chapter 21, part 1)
Wayne stops in the hallway outside his apartment with one ear pressed against the door. He listens hungrily, savoring his imminent arrival into the vibration, into the hum and bump on the other side of the door. It’s unlocked. Victor
Written All Over Your Face
Every time I read a book, I do it. I know I shouldn’t, but I do. I can usually only resist for a couple pages before I flip to the back to check out the picture of the author. That
Written All Over Your Face
Every time I read a book, I do it. I know I shouldn’t, but I do. I can usually only resist for a couple pages before I flip to the back to check out the picture of the author. That
beating back the elements (the 9th installment of my attempts to make friends with crows)
wilderness=a place not looked after. We went for our annual vacation to a cabin on the Russian River, a moss green trickle that seems less like a river and more like a very long pond. If I didn’t have kids,
beating back the elements (the 9th installment of my attempts to make friends with crows)
wilderness=a place not looked after. We went for our annual vacation to a cabin on the Russian River, a moss green trickle that seems less like a river and more like a very long pond. If I didn’t have kids,
a delicate exoskeleton (chapter 20, part 2)
After Lauren came Kitty and Madeline wearing white smocks, wheeling a cartful of delicate metal tools. Mae walks straight from the shower to the sofa where for nearly two hours they knead and slather and rinse and pluck and pinch
a delicate exoskeleton (chapter 20, part 2)
After Lauren came Kitty and Madeline wearing white smocks, wheeling a cartful of delicate metal tools. Mae walks straight from the shower to the sofa where for nearly two hours they knead and slather and rinse and pluck and pinch
glass balls tied in a rope; a found poem
I have just returned from an extended vacation with my family. It feels like some crazy mommy hijacked my body and took me for a joy ride. They finally found it abandoned by the side of the road and brought
glass balls tied in a rope; a found poem
I have just returned from an extended vacation with my family. It feels like some crazy mommy hijacked my body and took me for a joy ride. They finally found it abandoned by the side of the road and brought
maybe if someone pushed me (chapter 20, part 1)
Ants crawling all over a delicious morsel. That’s what they were like: the trainer, the cosmetologist (or whatever you call the person who fiddles with your skin), the masseuse, the seamstress, the housecleaners, the various assistants and, it would be
maybe if someone pushed me (chapter 20, part 1)
Ants crawling all over a delicious morsel. That’s what they were like: the trainer, the cosmetologist (or whatever you call the person who fiddles with your skin), the masseuse, the seamstress, the housecleaners, the various assistants and, it would be
train of thought
i. Especially on warm nights with the window cracked, I hear the trains. That long moan pulls me out into the sultry, rippling air, over the city to jump onboard an empty boxcar, lean back, and let myself be taken.
train of thought
i. Especially on warm nights with the window cracked, I hear the trains. That long moan pulls me out into the sultry, rippling air, over the city to jump onboard an empty boxcar, lean back, and let myself be taken.
pardon me, but that looks like a good book you’ve got there (chapter 19, part 2)
Robin drops Elle off by 5:00 in the afternoon, which leaves a couple of hours to do homework and read until Lang comes home. When she’s in her room, she turns on the television. Sometimes she sits in a rocker
pardon me, but that looks like a good book you’ve got there (chapter 19, part 2)
Robin drops Elle off by 5:00 in the afternoon, which leaves a couple of hours to do homework and read until Lang comes home. When she’s in her room, she turns on the television. Sometimes she sits in a rocker
indefinitely (chapter 19, part 1)
It isn’t the first time her moms stopped talking to each other. It doesn’t happen all the time but when it does it’s slow torture, like listening to Barney the purple dinosaur sing his stupid “I love you, you love
indefinitely (chapter 19, part 1)
It isn’t the first time her moms stopped talking to each other. It doesn’t happen all the time but when it does it’s slow torture, like listening to Barney the purple dinosaur sing his stupid “I love you, you love
vow of silence
The machine could answer as well as she. Always chipper and polite, it always had time, and callers didn’t care one way or the other; in fact, they were quite expansive and put on a little show with chuckles and
vow of silence
The machine could answer as well as she. Always chipper and polite, it always had time, and callers didn’t care one way or the other; in fact, they were quite expansive and put on a little show with chuckles and
love poem
* * The woman in the window flutters and burns like a dripping heart. He appraises from below; his eyes tug at her hair. “Hello!” He calls, “Here I am!” She smiles and waves. It is her job to sit
love poem
* * The woman in the window flutters and burns like a dripping heart. He appraises from below; his eyes tug at her hair. “Hello!” He calls, “Here I am!” She smiles and waves. It is her job to sit
nowhere (chapter 18, part 2)
Wayne awakes around noon, fully clothed and sweating under the Lilien’s down comforter with a mouthful of the straight-up residue of bourbon, rum, vodka and gin (there was nothing to mix it with) and some port to top it all
nowhere (chapter 18, part 2)
Wayne awakes around noon, fully clothed and sweating under the Lilien’s down comforter with a mouthful of the straight-up residue of bourbon, rum, vodka and gin (there was nothing to mix it with) and some port to top it all
Help! Summer is here!
(Shhh…) Help! My children have hijacked my life. It happens every year in June and lasts until September. They have duct-taped my laptop shut and cavort half-naked around it, brandishing plastic baseball bats and gardening tools and chomping the air
Help! Summer is here!
(Shhh…) Help! My children have hijacked my life. It happens every year in June and lasts until September. They have duct-taped my laptop shut and cavort half-naked around it, brandishing plastic baseball bats and gardening tools and chomping the air
you should have seen me (chapter 18, part 1)
“He knew I was somebody, but he couldn’t pin it down.” Wayne and Drew are in the Lilien’s vast fluffy bed. Wayne leans against her shoulder and says, “He kept ogling me when he thought I wasn’t looking and he
you should have seen me (chapter 18, part 1)
“He knew I was somebody, but he couldn’t pin it down.” Wayne and Drew are in the Lilien’s vast fluffy bed. Wayne leans against her shoulder and says, “He kept ogling me when he thought I wasn’t looking and he
Gimee, gimee, gimee! (8th installment of making friends with crows.)
I’d know that noise anywhere. Somebody wants something and they’re going to beg, beg, beg until they get it. Never mind that this somebody is not one of my own kids, never mind this somebody is, in fact, a bird:
Gimee, gimee, gimee! (8th installment of making friends with crows.)
I’d know that noise anywhere. Somebody wants something and they’re going to beg, beg, beg until they get it. Never mind that this somebody is not one of my own kids, never mind this somebody is, in fact, a bird:
In the First Person
I never lied to anyone. Not about anything important, that is. What some might call deceit I like to think of as artistic embellishment, an essential component of my quest toward self-realization. Everyone should get a turn in the sun.
In the First Person
I never lied to anyone. Not about anything important, that is. What some might call deceit I like to think of as artistic embellishment, an essential component of my quest toward self-realization. Everyone should get a turn in the sun.
watching yourself cry (chapter 17, part 2)
The first time they separated was when Eleanor was one, still putting everything in her mouth and needing to be carried. Elle had been a curious child and it took at least two people to make sure she didn’t grab
watching yourself cry (chapter 17, part 2)
The first time they separated was when Eleanor was one, still putting everything in her mouth and needing to be carried. Elle had been a curious child and it took at least two people to make sure she didn’t grab
Fathers’ Day
This story is a token of love and appreciation for J on Fathers’ Day, and for all fathers (and breadwinners) who get the job done. * At first he didn’t mind the commute, even looked forward to having a little
Fathers’ Day
This story is a token of love and appreciation for J on Fathers’ Day, and for all fathers (and breadwinners) who get the job done. * At first he didn’t mind the commute, even looked forward to having a little
Mothers Group (or Euphenasia)
Setting: Every Wednesday at ten o’clock they meet at Tot Land, a busy kiddy park packed with tricycles, play tables, and a huge mess of discarded plastic toys. Characters: Prudy (a red-headed Brit who hasn’t slept for more than four
Mothers Group (or Euphenasia)
Setting: Every Wednesday at ten o’clock they meet at Tot Land, a busy kiddy park packed with tricycles, play tables, and a huge mess of discarded plastic toys. Characters: Prudy (a red-headed Brit who hasn’t slept for more than four
poor me: a brief dip in the pool of self pity
I’ve never entered a writing contest before, mostly because usually they charge a fee (which makes the whole thing seem like a racket) but also because I am a really, really lousy loser. My husband won’t play pool with me
poor me: a brief dip in the pool of self pity
I’ve never entered a writing contest before, mostly because usually they charge a fee (which makes the whole thing seem like a racket) but also because I am a really, really lousy loser. My husband won’t play pool with me
Welcome to the Big Easy (part 1 of chapter 17)
Lang forgot to bring Elle a souvenir. As Lang’s car moves away from Grand Isle and toward New Orleans, her thoughts grow hard edges. She hasn’t seen her daughter for three weeks, which means she had more than twenty days
Welcome to the Big Easy (part 1 of chapter 17)
Lang forgot to bring Elle a souvenir. As Lang’s car moves away from Grand Isle and toward New Orleans, her thoughts grow hard edges. She hasn’t seen her daughter for three weeks, which means she had more than twenty days
liking crows (7th installment of my attempts to make friends with crows)
Nobody seems to like crows. The other day, a woman came by to pick up her girl from a play-date. When she heard I was interested in crows, she launched a tirade about how crows were murderers of songbirds and
liking crows (7th installment of my attempts to make friends with crows)
Nobody seems to like crows. The other day, a woman came by to pick up her girl from a play-date. When she heard I was interested in crows, she launched a tirade about how crows were murderers of songbirds and
who does she think she is (chapter 16, part 2)
She has never met a fellow pedestrian along this stretch of sidewalk where the lawns are as stiff and green as Astroturf and studded with perpetual cheery blossoms, topiary with surgical edges, and fountains gushing nowhere, forever. The heat of
who does she think she is (chapter 16, part 2)
She has never met a fellow pedestrian along this stretch of sidewalk where the lawns are as stiff and green as Astroturf and studded with perpetual cheery blossoms, topiary with surgical edges, and fountains gushing nowhere, forever. The heat of
dirty parts
He doesn’t like to get his hands dirty. He’s more of a perma-press kind of guy with plastic in his collar and
dirty parts
He doesn’t like to get his hands dirty. He’s more of a perma-press kind of guy with plastic in his collar and
hold the phone
The other day I took my husband to see David Sedaris. We don’t get out much, so I was very excited. The huge theater was packed full of people with snazzy duds and sharp haircuts. It was a smart-looking crowd
hold the phone
The other day I took my husband to see David Sedaris. We don’t get out much, so I was very excited. The huge theater was packed full of people with snazzy duds and sharp haircuts. It was a smart-looking crowd
