Life Without a Snow Shovel
Kris Downey writes about a 40-foot motorhome, a poodle named Rigby, and her husband’s vow never to move to California. Spoiler: he’s now happily retired in SoCal — kale boycott still in place.
When Staying Feels Harder Than Leaving

What happens when comfort starts to feel like confinement? Mary Matlack’s reflections on letting go of a longtime home — and finding joy in the freedom that follows.
Trading Train Noise for Trail Bliss
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After 16 years in the Bay Area, Kristine TenBrink and her husband decided to trade train horns for trailheads — and learn the fine art of “the purge.” Her advice for anyone considering a move: stop buying new stuff now.
I Couldn't Stand Being Bad At Things

Perfectionism does sometimes work out.
Santa Fe and Taos New Mexico

Impressions of Santa Fe and Taos New Mexico; the rez dogs, the murals, the doors and the aliens.
Hello, Dr. Shaw!
There is a doctor in the house.
We haven't ever had a doctor in our family. We haven't had a data scientist or a supply chain manager either, until recently. Firsts seem to run in the family.
Crossing the Border: A Glimpse into the Other Side. What Divides Us Isn't What You Think.

Crossing the Border: A Glimpse into the Other Side
What Divides Us Isn’t What You Think
Inspired in part by Jenny Holzer's artwork titled Inflammatory Essays, 1979-82, offset posters on colored paper, located at The Broad, Los Angeles
Signs of Evolution

I'm not getting older; I'm evolving. Well, ok, we are all getting older, but it's much more enjoyable if you are also evolving.
Front Page News: A Small-Town Teen Travels to France

The first and only time I've been featured on the front page of a newspaper, and I totally embarrassed myself by mentioning what I missed about home.
Who Is This Guy?
The time I sat next to someone famous for six hours but never figured out who he was.
Indigo, Tattoo, Ink
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Walking West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz inspires poems of indigo, tattoos and ink
I Started My Book In A Coffee Shop: Highly Recommend!

I went to Chicago to start on my book and got more inspiration than I could have hoped for from a stranger.
From Dayton to Home: Extra Delights!

Collaborative art, the eclipse, the best bar in the country, and a Moth Story Slam. The Erma magic followed me all the way home!
After the Erma Workshop: Insights, Laughter and Lessons Learned

Essential take-aways from my second Erma Bombeck Writer's Workshop in Dayton, Ohio.
Confessions of a Reluctant Recipe Tester

I thought it would be fun. It's not. OK, it's not that bad.
The Gifts of Moving
Murder in the Neighborhood

I have a neighbor who rides his bike every day past my house. It’s not your usual daily ride. There is something rather magical and murderous about it.
2024's Word of the Year Is . . .
My word of the year for 2023 was Yes. It didn't always work out.
Come With Me

Come with me to a winter session of beach yoga. Don't mind the weather or that guy over there rolling around in the water. He's not in your class.