Roughly Speaking

Abundance of Books

2010-02-05T08:14:00.005-05:00

In case you feel deprived of book recommendations on this blog (ha), I have more to share this morning. My latest article in USA Weekend magazine highlights books that deal with the topic of self image. Check it out in print or on the magazine's newly designed website.

Let Evening Come

2010-02-01T14:36:00.005-05:00

Last month I was in California for a couple days catching up on my compliance hours to keep my law license active (still not ready to let it go). It was the week of the torrential downpours, but California never fails me, and it just so happened that a portion of the conference was cancelled at the exact moment the sun came blazing out. I walked for hours up and down the beach soaking in the rays. Then I stumbled into The One Dollar Bookstore and found a gem. I knew right away it would be my February book pick for this blog.
Let Evening Come by Mary C. Morrison offers her reflections on aging. I love reading books by authors in their 80s and 90s. The writers are at a stage in life where they can offer a unique perspective on a variety of topics. Also, you can't help but walk away with a few lessons.

Lesson #1 ~ No one is ever too old to start writing. Pick up a pen and begin at any age.
Lesson #2 ~ Unlike some professions, writing is a skill you can continue to improve, improve, and improve upon no matter how many grey hairs and wrinkles.
Lesson #3 ~ Our country needs to celebrate the elderly and do a better job of treating them well. I love this Blue Zones video showing how a bar in Sardinia, Italy posts a "Centurion of the Month" calendar on its wall instead of photos of swimsuit models.

Here are some other books to consider:
Somewhere Towards the End by Diana Athill ~ I didn't always agree with her philosophies, but this book, published when Athill was 91, is worth the read.
Rehnquist by Herman J. Obermayer ~ 84-year-old journalist Obermayer recounts his friendship with the late Supreme Court Justice.
Eye of My Heart edited by Barbara Graham ~ in this anthology, 27 women explore the joy and difficulties of being grandmothers.
All of Harry Bernstein's books ~ I love, love, love his stories.

What books do you enjoy that are written by authors in their 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond?

A New Column: Green Scene

2010-01-31T17:24:00.008-05:00

I first got hooked on coffee in law school. I blame Professor Nelson's early morning property class. And those late night study sessions. Also the daily commute, demanding workload and constant stress, stress, stress. Thirteen years later, I'm no longer practicing law, but I'm still addicted to coffee . . . to continue reading this piece, join me over here where I'm the new Green Scene columnist. In my debut column, I talk about my struggle to stay off coffee, and I highlight a number of Earth-friendly coffee spots around D.C. (there are additional locations listed in the print version).

My next topic? Junk mail. As a writer, I wind up on magazine subscriber lists and once that happens, BAM, junk mail galore. How do you deal with the waste that shows up uninvited in your mailbox? Have you tried Green Dimes or Catalog Choice? Do they work? What other tools do you employ to handle your paper mail? I'd love to hear your thoughts, so leave a comment or drop me an e-mail and share your words of wisdom. (I might quote ya. Unless you don't want me to, in which case I won't!)

Food and Fertility

2010-01-22T07:16:00.003-05:00

For awhile I believed food could fix my fertility issues. Then I thought maybe food didn't have much of an impact. There are plenty of women who pop out kids without paying attention to diet. And there are women who eat clean "fertility boosting" foods with no luck. Still, I'm now back in the camp of those who believe food can make a difference. I chatted with a nutritionist at Pulling Down the Moon and shared her thoughts about what foods to seek out when trying to conceive (and some to avoid) in my latest article for USA Weekend magazine.

Online

2010-01-12T17:25:00.002-05:00

Here's the online version of yesterday's article.

My Sunny Personality

2010-01-11T00:43:00.007-05:00

Here's one of the many things I love about writing: I love being at a random event and meeting a random person and learning a random fact and thinking, I HAVE to write about that. That's what happened last summer when I learned of a new website that matches students with colleges based on their personalities (sort of like e-Harmony, but for universities). Turns out there's a whole slew of websites out there that can help students find a good match, so I wrote an article about it for The Washington Post's Express, out today. During my research, I pretended like I was in my junior year of high school and filled out the questionnaire as honestly as I could (based on what I could remember about that time in my life). According to the match, I should've gone to school in . . . drum roll please . . . California.

Over on the Book Blog

2010-01-05T00:27:00.005-05:00

It's winter. The tree outside my window is bare. Without intense sunlight, her veins have closed up and she cannot create vegetation. Her leaves have fallen off and died, even the most stubborn ones that held on through much of December. I think about her a lot in the winter. On the verge of going crazy, when I can't stand one more second of the day's heavy cold, I watch her . . . to continue reading about the book "Lives of the Trees" visit the LIME.com blog.

A New Year, An Evolving Blog

2010-01-04T09:59:00.002-05:00

Each year I reevaluate my blog. It could use a little more structure. A bit more focus. I have a couple tweaks in store for 2010, but I like its flexibility. One tradition I'm going to keep is dedicating one day a month to a book pick. Last year it was the 4th day of each month. This year it'll be the first Monday of each month (and how fitting that today happens to be the 4th). So on that note . . .
If you haven't read Baby Catcher by Peggy Vincent, you must. She is a hoot. She writes about a series of homebirths told by her perspective as a midwife. Mixed in with the births is Peggy's story of how she became a midwife in the first place and how the law and the insurance companies eventually stopped her work. Homebirths sound amazing. Families gather together and when the baby arrives, they throw a big party. Still, I'm not sure I could pull it off. When I gave "birth" to a weeks old fetus during my miscarriage, I remember thinking, I want painkillers! Maybe if someone like Peggy was my midwife I'd reconsider. Anyway, the book came out in 2002, so it's not a new release, but can be easily ordered online.

A Writer's Midnight Snack

2010-01-04T00:27:00.003-05:00

A writer's midnight snack:

Two black olives
Handful of blueberries
Dr. Kracker's seeded spelt crackers topped with organic cream cheese, cucumber, garlic powder and sea salt
Organic ruby red chai tea

Okay, back to work...

Year of Exploration

2009-12-31T10:14:00.004-05:00

2010 is almost here. What do you think people will call it?

Two thousand and ten?

Twenty ten?

O Ten?

Ten?

Two K Ten?

Ron and I are calling it the Year of Exploration. Our lives have unfolded in unexpected ways -- we both presumed we'd be living in a house (of our own) with 2.5 kids by now, but it appears the typical American lifestyle is not our path. So we're putting on our hiking boots, grabbing our flashlights, and heading down some unfamiliar roads. It should be an adventuresome year.

Happy 2010! Wishing you peace, joy, and love.

I'm Not the Only Writer in the Family

2009-12-29T08:57:00.006-05:00

This year my family picked names for a gift exchange. My dad got Ron. One item on Ron's Christmas list? Boxer shorts. Instead of buying the guy underwear, my dad wrote him a poem:

This certificate is good for three boxers, not briefs
The problem is too many choices -- good grief.

There are boxers in silk and boxers in cotton
There are boxers in wool, but that would be rotten.

There are boxers in briefs and boxers that are slim
There are boxers so loose they come up to your chin.

There are boxers in green and red, white and blue
I looked at the selection and could not decide what to do.

Then I decided it was a mistake for me to pick
It is not up to me how you wrap up your ----
Lower neck.

For alas and woe with so many a choice
Pick our your own and your boys will rejoice!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T08:58:00.005-05:00

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God -- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

~John 1:1-14

4th Sunday of Advent

2009-12-20T20:11:00.004-05:00

I guess the colors of my Advent candles are technically supposed to be pink and purple with white in the middle. And I don't have a real wreath surrounding them. And I'm picking the readings based on what speaks to me instead of following some sort of church teaching or schedule. But I like my personal variations. It helps me dig deeper inside.

Advent's 4th Sunday ~ Angel's candle symbolizing peace

Luke 1:26-38 ~ In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.

And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"

And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy -- the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God."

And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-19T15:50:00.008-05:00

Happy Christmas

Welcome snow! I'm so grateful for a white Christmas.

My California dog, Callie, lovin' a romp in the flakes.

Love.

Will Brave Cold for Writing Assignments

2009-12-17T00:44:00.007-05:00

Winter can be a tough time of year for me (I thrive on warmth, sunshine, and more sunshine). Usually the holidays are festive enough to bring me through January 1, but from January 2 to April 30 I want to huddle under a sleeping bag and cry. Anyway, as 2009 winds down, I've taken inventory of the year and begun mapping out assignments and goals for 2010. I realized I have a number of writing assignments for January and February that are forcing me to bundle up and head to the Great Outdoors. And for a writing assignment, I'm willing to brave the cold. I've got my fuzzy boots, my poofy coat, and my mittens (waaaay warmer than gloves). I look like I'm about to embark on an Everest expedition each time I leave the house. Bring it on!

3rd Sunday of Advent

2009-12-13T19:35:00.009-05:00

I like to think if I was born in Biblical times I would've been a shepherdess. Wandering the wilderness, tending my flock. Seeking and finding grass and water in a stony desert land. Pitching a tent and star-gazing. I can only imagine what it would've been like out in the field the night of Jesus' birth. To witness the angel and multitude of the heavenly host.

Advent's 3rd Sunday ~ Shepherd's candle symbolizing the Joy of Jesus' birth

Luke 2:8-20 ~ And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased."* When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning the child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

*I simply cannot read that passage without hearing Linus' cute voice from Charlie Brown.

5 Unique Books

2009-12-11T14:04:00.005-05:00

I'm not throwing a holiday party this year. December sneaked up on me before I had the chance to plan. I can't remember the last time I didn't host a gathering during the Christmas season, so I'm thinking of making up for it with a book party in early 2010 (...cuz is there anything more exciting than books?). In the meantime, my latest article on books in USA Weekend magazine profiles five memoirs written in an unusual style. Have a great weekend.

Day Off

2009-12-09T21:57:00.008-05:00

Ron took the day off work. I took the day off work. We braved the cold and rain and headed to the malls for Christmas shopping. It's one of my favorite "dates" of the year. I copied this idea from an old boss of mine, and even though I blog about it every December, I can't help mentioning it again. No crowds in the stores. Leisurely lunch. Spotting the perfect gift for a family member. All while carrying on fun conversation with my wonderful hubs. Good times.

Advent Season

2009-12-06T21:12:00.006-05:00

Been busy with writing assignments (and hosting my two wonderful families for Thanksgiving). For weeks I've been completing one task, then turning to the next, the next, the next. I love the Advent season, yet I sense I'm missing it. Today, I SLOWED down to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. We lit the first two Advent candles.
Advent's 1st Sunday ~ Prophet's candle symbolizing Hope that Jesus is coming

Isaiah 7:14 ~ Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:18-25 ~ Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying: "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Advent's 2nd Sunday ~ Bethlehem candle symbolizing Faith of Mary & Joseph

Micah 5:2-5 ~ But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace.

Matthew 2:1-12 ~ Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?" For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: "And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel." Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Two New Articles

2009-11-30T15:20:00.004-05:00

The December/January issue of Whole Life Times has hit the Internet (and presumably the Los Angeles newsstands). Two fun articles to share this issue:
First, read about how to Add a Little Spice to Your Life (pages 20-21).

And then sign up for an Adventure Yoga Retreat (pages 42, 44). I wish I could go to all of them!

Write for Good Health

2009-11-27T07:55:00.007-05:00

This past fall, I taught a class on writing for publication. This spring, I'm putting together a workshop for those who want to explore writing about infertility and miscarriage. Studies show keeping life's traumas bottled up can increase illness. Writing is one outlet that can help. My most recent article in USA Weekend magazine shares four books that offer guidance in keeping a writing practice.

A Psalm for Giving Thanks

2009-11-26T12:15:00.006-05:00

Make a joyful noise to the
Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come into his presence with
singing.

Know that the Lord, he is God.
It is he who made us, and we
are his;
we are his people, and the
sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his
name.

For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures
forever,
and his faithfulness to all
generations.

-Psalm 100

Breakdown

2009-11-22T19:02:00.004-05:00

I'm cracking. Been holding off for years, but can't resist any longer. I want to check my e-mail on the go. I'm promising myself I won't turn into one of those crazy people who texts while jogging on bike paths, peeing in public restrooms, and eating with friends at restaurants. But it would be great to have one for travel. The BIG debate? BlackBerry or iPhone? I think I want an actual keyboard vs. a virtual keyboard, so I'm leaning toward the BlackBerry Curve. Yet everyone I know who has an iPhone loves it. What's your preference? And why?

Love Food?

2009-11-13T10:02:00.001-05:00

Welcome my friend Michele to the blogosphere. Her site is www.hyphenatedchef.com. She's the type of person that makes her own cheese from scratch. And when you go to a restaurant with her, she orders "whatever wine the chef recommends." Also, she's an awesome writer. And guess where she is right now? Napa Valley. BUT, I'm not going to let myself go there. Nope, not going to think about California's gorgeous sunny days, setting blankets outside at vineyards, picnicking on wine and sandwiches. Noooooo way. I'm going to embrace the rain and cloud cover. And spread a blanket out on my couch. And eat leftovers by a cozy fire. So there.

Welcome Back

2009-11-12T11:34:00.006-05:00

Weather in Northern Virginia.

Weather in Northern Egypt.

Clearly, I live in the wrong Alexandria. Anyway, I flew Virgin America back home and loved it. It's my new favorite airline for biz trips to and from LA. Instead of dragging the cart up and down the aisle 10,000 times, there's a touch screen. Coffee? Push a virtual button and a stewardess rushes over with a cup. Chicken wrap? Same thing. Internet connection at 35,000 feet. And plenty of movies to choose from (Julie & Julia for me).