Amber McClain Shaw

Perfectionism does sometimes work out.

Impressions of Santa Fe and Taos New Mexico; the rez dogs, the murals, the doors and the aliens.

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

Inspired in part by Jenny Holzer's artwork titled Inflammatory Essays, 1979-82, offset posters on colored paper, located at The Broad, Los Angeles

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.

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.

The time I sat next to someone famous for six hours but never figured out who he was.

Walking West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz inspires poems of indigo, tattoos and ink

I went to Chicago to start on my book and got more inspiration than I could have hoped for from a stranger.

Collaborative art, the eclipse, the best bar in the country, and a Moth Story Slam. The Erma magic followed me all the way home!

Essential take-aways from my second Erma Bombeck Writer's Workshop in Dayton, Ohio.

I thought it would be fun. It's not. OK, it's not that bad.

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.
 

My word of the year for 2023 was Yes. It didn't always work out.

I Know People Who Buy Art

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.

A series of notes on and after Life is A Verb Camp, 2023 hosted by Patti Digh. My notes include stories, poems, math, and what it's like to re-enter the real world after such an intense creative experience.

From childhood play to artistic endeavors and unconventional decorations, Barbie has been a constant thread in my life, a source of inspiration that continues to spark joy and creativity. Even if you are not a fan of Barbie (I know there are lots of you), read on, maybe I can convince you she's pretty great. And if you have old Barbies lying around, save them for me!

Join me on a fact-finding tour of senior living facilities through a series of informational tours. Though I have no immediate need to move myself or my loved ones into senior living, I want to be prepared for the future. As I toured a few of these communities, I encountered eccentric tour guides, quirky amenities, and some surprises that senior living has to offer. These tours also had me pondering what kind of community I'd want (and someday I do plan to live in some kind of community). Definitely more touring necessary, but this was a good start.