Slice of Life Challenge

    • Haw flakes and other delights

      Each morning I start the day by reading a few slices. I usually know what I’m going to write, or I’ve already written my own slice the night before. This morning I woke up and I had nothing planned yet. I was uninspired. So when the first three slices I…

    • Writing Reflection

      Today I’m working with a literacy coach and one thing we’re going to study is how to help students reflect on their writing. So I thought I’d take a moment to do some reflecting on my Slice of Life writing so far. I’m a writer who has written poems, lists,…

    • Listen to your mother

      I recently found out my mom never got the news about superbugs and antibacterial cleaners. She looked at me suspiciously when I suggested to her that buying antibacterial soap was probably not a good idea. She called my sister for a second opinion who confirmed this. Why she didn’t believe…

    • Sleep training…the dog

      Our dog Princess, is about 11 years old. We’re not sure because she was a pound pup and SPCA just estimated her age. In the last year or so it’s become increasingly more difficult for her to jump up and down off our bed. (Yeah, we’re those people who let…

    • I’m 50! Fifty years old. Fifty.

      Unlike most of my friends near my age, I looked forward to turning 50. I couldn’t wait to proclaim, like Salley O’Malley: I’m 50! (You might have to be close to 50 to recognize this character.) I wasn’t quite 30 years old when Salley made her first appearance on SNL.…

    • (Not) easy as ABC

      Recently, someone I just met, asked me if I’m Taiwanese. I am. “I could tell,” she said giving me a knowing look, one Taiwanese person to another. I was amused and puzzled at this statement since my own family doesn’t think I’m Taiwanese enough. Like many second generation immigrants, I’ve…

    • 10 things I miss about New York City

      My mother-in-law grew up in Queens, NY and although she’s lived in California for nearly 60 years she’s still a New Yorker at heart. I’m currently sitting in California enjoying a bagel from Zabar’s that she sent us and it’s making me miss New York so much. My first visit…

    • Big aunt vibes

      All my life I’ve known that I didn’t want to have children. I never felt a clock tick. I never looked at an expectant mother’s belly longingly. When I was in my 20’s my mom would say, “You’ll change your mind.” But when I hit 30 and I was still…

    • The allure of older women

      “Have you heard of Frankie Grace?” my 24-year-old stepson asked me.“You mean Grace and Frankie?” I corrected, eyeing him with confusion.“Yeah! Haven’t you heard of it?” He looked at me incredulously.“I have. I love that show. How have you heard of it?”“That sh** is funny as hell!” I shook my…

    • Quiet mornings

      For almost a year now, this has been the view from my working spot. The spot where I sit to plan or Zoom with teachers and kids. Each morning as I start my day, I look out at the sky and appreciate whatever Southern California has to offer. Some mornings…