Writer's Digest • 21st July 2021

5-Minute Memoir: Anonymous Fame

"William Shatner Appalled" I stared at the headline on my computer screen, my face flush with embarrassment. It was still dark outside in the predawn of March 29, 2013, the day when my dreams of becoming a well-known writer came true. Indeed, by the time the sun came up, my work had reached millions. And I couldn't stop crying.

O.C. Writers • 23rd August 2021

WORDS FROM THE WRITING CAVE: Desperately Seeking Likes, Laughs, and Loves – O.C. Writers

Donny Osmond ruined me—or at least my story about crushing on him did.

Orange Coast Magazine • 5th August 2021

Even New Rules for a Post-Pandemic Disneyland Couldn't Dim the Magic

Tickets were set to go on sale April 15 at 8 a.m. By 7:45, we had two laptops and two cellphones fired up and ready to rock. My husband, Michael, was the designated Disney.com driver, my Han Solo at the controls. Ten minutes earlier, he’d thought to go make his oatmeal, but I forbade it.

O.C. Writers • 26th July 2021

WORDS FROM THE WRITING CAVE: Deadlines as Foreplay – O.C. Writers

Silly me, I thought retirement meant taking my own sweet writing time. Like sex on the big screen, there’d be no breaks in the action, just one long writing romp, no ticking clock in the background to break the mood.

Orange Coast Magazine • 8th March 2021

Navigating Beauty Routines During a Pandemic

Desperate to feel attractive while wearing a mask, I made a decision. With my smile hidden, I figured that left only my eyes and hair to make a lasting impression. I considered fake eyelashes, but worried they’d cause my sensitive eyes to turn red, completing the Hannibal Lecter effect.

Boston Globe Magazine • 4th December 2020

I gripped a hunky guy’s bicep at Disneyland. He was not my husband.

I stood in front of the deserted turnstiles at the currently closed Disneyland and smiled sadly. So many memories.

ABILITY Magazine • 19th November 2020

A Sign Language Interpreter Walks Into a Comedy Club

My friend wanted to know why she wasn’t seeing me on TV. Seemed like everyone from the president on down had a signer “on hand” (apologies) for televised news conferences ...

Orange Coast Magazine • 30th July 2020

A Midlife Crisis Causes This Writer to Become Unspooled

I didn’t get my midlife crisis car the traditional way: No race to the car dealership before the clock struck midnight on my 50th birthday or other rite of passage.

AARP • 21st March 2020

The Morning After

I woke up to a half dozen or so beautiful people staring at me from the foot of my bed. Not as exciting as you might think.

Orange Coast Magazine • 1st February 2019

Desperately Seeking Donny

In the category of crushes, I go old school, preferring to moon over the iconic Puppy Lover himself: Donny Osmond.

Orange Coast Magazine • 10th October 2019

A Spirited Adventure: Facing My Fear of Ghosts Led to a Revelation

You should do it,” said my husband, Michael. “It” was a fun thing turned scary: a tour of old San Juan Capistrano with a close encounter of the ghost kind.

Orange Coast Magazine • 1st July 2018

Left Holding the Baby

Sometimes I think my husband and I are the last “double income no kids” couple in Orange County, an anomaly living in the land that birthed Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Orange Coast • 9th March 2017

How Destiny Got Her Groove Back

It began innocently enough: a dinner out with friends.

Orange Coast • 1st November 2016

My OC: Can you read my doubting mind?

I was on my way to see a psychic. First time for everything.

Orange Coast • 2nd July 2015

Anna Chinowth - Legally Blondie

For belting out ’80s tunes while wearing tulle and leg warmers in public, this Orange County deputy district attorney is guilty as charged.

The Atlantic.com • 1st February 2015

Complaining, for Your Health

In his 1964 book Games People Play, psychiatrist Eric Berne describes what he calls the “Yes, but” communication pattern...