The Perfect Punch in the Face

I remember everything about that first punch in the face.  I can clearly see the fist heading toward my right eye, as if someone hit the slow motion button.  I could make out individual hairs on his arm, saw a bead of sweat fall from the edge of his wrist wrap then...

Embrace the Chaos

My husband and I spent this Summer putting out fires.  Illness, injury, cancelled vacations, unexpected bumps and bruises, a death, disappointment in some relationships and clarity on many things that truly matter.   All of this made for a Summer we'll be glad to kiss...

The Death Cafe

When you bake a cake there is usually a celebration to come.  Cake is the universal food of life milestones.  Birthdays, weddings and baby showers are all marked by a cake of some kind and whether elaborate or simple, the act of baking one for someone else is an act...

Originally Published in 1859 Magazine

Your trip planner for a small, coastal town in Oregon. Cannon beach in the winter offers new ways to experience a classic Oregon Coast destination. Thousands of visitors from around the world travel to Cannon Beach for views of the iconic haystack rock, its fresh...

Courage and Hope

For a few years I have had the happy job of moderating the Sacramento Speakers Series which is a monthly lecture series that runs from September to April, featuring international superstars of politics, science, entertainment and sports.  It is a nice gig. I escort...

Terra Incognita

When was the last time you were in an unexplored place?  These days you can't hike a national park without a satellite being able to see if your dandruff shampoo is working, but early cartographers with neither satellites nor drones had to use phrases like Terra...

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