*Below is my response to a ten-minute writing exercise from our February meeting. The prompt: Describe “That Moment.” My friend Charlene shared hers first. She inspired me to share mine, too. — We were at brunch, just the three of us, a special treat, for sure. I probably had an...
What Happens in Writing Group Stays in Writing Group Except When it Doesn’t
A Hill to Live On
My home sits near the top of a hill. A big hill. Half a mile up, and pretty steep. We moved here in 2001 after I stumbled upon the house on Mother’s Day. Our kids were not quite two and four, and I’d been getting them ready for brunch...
Notes from the Library Monitor
If you follow me on any social media platform, you know I got a job working for the city of Thousand Oaks in its two library branches. (If you don’t follow me, YOU SHOULD FOLLOW ME! Up on the right, click those icons below Keep up to date… Now you...
Begin Again
On November 3, 2015, I shared this post announcing that I was beginning to run again after months of not running. I did this partly for accountability, but also because I wanted everyone else to join me in pursuing a deferred dream. Let’s do this, I said. TOGETHER, I said....
The Old Christmas Poem I Didn’t Publish (Until Now)
Yet Another Gardner Christmas Poem (whether you want it or not…) ‘Twas one week before Christmas in 2010; I’m sorry our cards will be late once again. With so much to do and an absence of time, I’ve just settled down now to write this year’s rhyme. To update...
Stop Quitting: An Oxymoron
My sister-in-law Linda started a business transforming reclaimed wood into home decor. Reklaimed Designs is hard work, but Linda loves it. Last week I told her, “I could never do what you do. I’m not artsy at all.” This morning I remembered something. I took years of oil painting...
Book Launch: LILY BY ANY OTHER NAME!
LILY IS HERE! LILY IS HERE! LILY IS HERE! Yes, my Young Adult book baby (that older-ish adults will enjoy, too) has officially launched! And I might be thrilled to share the news! LILY BY ANY OTHER NAME is a story of love and friendship, of heartbreak and hope. It’s...
The Thing About Dreams
You know what’s weird? Of course you do. You know about a lot of weird things. Like platypuses. Black licorice. The success of Air Supply and The Big Bang Theory. But today I’m asking you to suspend your familiarity with weirdness and play along. So. You know what’s weird?...
The Launch: A College Drop-off Story
I wake up extra early the morning my babies move to Oregon. It’s a big day. The biggest. Jack’s car waits in the garage with all of his things and all of Karly’s things (and a gap for visibility in the back window). They plan to hit the road...
Book Giveaway! SPINNING: Choreography for Coming Home
When Tarja Parssinen of Moxie Road Productions asked if I’d be interested in an Advance Reader Copy of Janine Kovac’s debut, I jumped at the chance. Memoir is among my favorite genres, and I wanted to share this one with you. Before I began reading, however, I couldn’t help...