Blog Posts
Signs of Evolution
![Signs of Evolution Signs of Evolution](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/birds_w140_h140/birds_08291215.jpeg)
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
![Front Page News: A Small-Town Teen Travels to France Front Page News: A Small-Town Teen Travels to France](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/IMG_7061_w140_h140/IMG_7061_08231137.jpeg)
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
![Indigo, Tattoo, Ink Indigo, Tattoo, Ink](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/IMG_5850(2)_w140_h140/IMG_5850(2)_05011231.jpeg)
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 Started My Book In A Coffee Shop: Highly Recommend! I Started My Book In A Coffee Shop: Highly Recommend!](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/IMG_5736_w140_h140/IMG_5736_04251047.jpeg)
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!
![From Dayton to Home: Extra Delights! From Dayton to Home: Extra Delights!](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/IMG_5783_w140_h140/IMG_5783_04211011.jpeg)
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
![After the Erma Workshop: Insights, Laughter and Lessons Learned After the Erma Workshop: Insights, Laughter and Lessons Learned](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/FullSizeRender.heic_w140_h140/FullSizeRender.heic_04180735.jpeg)
Essential take-aways from my second Erma Bombeck Writer's Workshop in Dayton, Ohio.
Confessions of a Reluctant Recipe Tester
![Confessions of a Reluctant Recipe Tester Confessions of a Reluctant Recipe Tester](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/IMG_4201_w140_h140/IMG_4201_01231212.jpeg)
I thought it would be fun. It's not. OK, it's not that bad.
The Gifts of Moving
Murder in the Neighborhood
![Murder in the Neighborhood Murder in the Neighborhood](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/IMG_4154_w140_h140/IMG_4154_01140343.jpeg)
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 Come With Me](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/IMG_3394_w140_h140/IMG_3394_12080107.jpg)
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.
Notes on Camp
![Notes on Camp Notes on Camp](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/November-5_w140_h140/November-5_11170441.jpg)
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.
Hey Barbie! She's So Cool, All Dolled Up
![Hey Barbie! She's So Cool, All Dolled Up Hey Barbie! She's So Cool, All Dolled Up](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/IMG_1042_2_w140_h140/IMG_1042_2_07270903.jpg)
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!
Cookie Crumbs, Booty Lifts and Unexpected Encounters: A Tour of Senior Living Facilities
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.
Where Are My People At?
![Where Are My People At? Where Are My People At?](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/WhereMyPeopleAt_w140_h140/WhereMyPeopleAt_11080911.jpg)
I Have Not Loved a Car for 26 Years. Until Now.
![I Have Not Loved a Car for 26 Years. Until Now. I Have Not Loved a Car for 26 Years. Until Now.](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/p_v12ahuu2bk40477_w140_h140/p_v12ahuu2bk40477_01241232.jpg)
How to Eat Cereal
![How to Eat Cereal How to Eat Cereal](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/Mini%20Wheats-2_w140_h140/Mini%20Wheats-2_11120131.jpg)
I don’t consider myself a particularly fussy person, but Frosted Mini Wheats bring out an intense desire for order, organization and doing things the RIGHT WAY.
Connection Was My Word of 2022: How It Went, And Why Social Media Got In the Way
![Connection Was My Word of 2022: How It Went, And Why Social Media Got In the Way Connection Was My Word of 2022: How It Went, And Why Social Media Got In the Way](images/ambershawauthor/cache/images/ambershawauthor/proportion/Connection_w140_h140/Connection_12070749.jpg)