Sea Lion Love

Sea Lion Love

Monterey Bay, Monterey, California    As streams of dawn light glimpsed through the broken cloud cover, I rolled up next to Fisherman’s Wharf on my bike. Thompson was sitting on the stone wall in his camouflage jacket with his backpack next to him. We...
Moths in Silhouette

Moths in Silhouette

Big Sur, California   Oaktree moths fly through the evening sun, setting them aglow like fireflies, while a simmering pot of rice clatters away, and the sweet smell drifts out an open door. I close my eyes to the scene and let the feeling sink into my bones....
Last Rays of the Afternoon Sun

Last Rays of the Afternoon Sun

Del Monte Forest, Monterey, California My walk took me further than I expected. That often happens when I’m upset, and try to duck thoughts of the day’s events. When will I learn my lesson and avoid the news? But sometimes, it’s unavoidable. I wound...
Hidden Value

Hidden Value

Euterpe Farms, Ojai, California      I have an old, chipped porcelain cup, probably WWII war surplus. My mom used it to scoop powdered laundry detergent from a box. I can trace that cup back as far as I can remember. I also have the family shoeshine brush made...
The Truth About Mothers

The Truth About Mothers

Monterey State Beach, Sand City, California   I’ve been thinking about my mother as we all have the last few days, and an old story flashed into my mind. When I was in my accident-prone phase, I built a ramp in the backyard out of a sawhorse and plywood and tried...
Beyond all Reason

Beyond all Reason

Canter’s Restaurant, Hollywood, California   Canter’s is undoubtedly one of my favorite restaurants. It has been around for ninety some years. The stylish ‘50s decor is the exact same decor they had in the stylish 50s. What other restaurant can you go to at...