I taught myself how to be a journalist 22 years ago, before the Internet in a coat closet in my home in Vista, CA.

Since then I've gone on to publish thousands of articles in newspapers all over the country including the New York Times. I've published three books. I never knew back when I was 40 and wondering what my lot in life was going to be. Then, my husband Ralph told me to quit my job, try to become a writer, and if I was published nationally in a year, then I was a writer. If not, maybe I should try something else.

Within six months I was published nationally, I went on to be Brenda Starr, we moved a lot, and had a lot of adventures, most of which I wrote about. He died suddenly in the summer of 2018. I'm still a writer.

That's the short version.

Here is my latest and maybe my last 3000-word article ( that's a different story) for this wonderful publication, the San Diego Reader.

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2020/may/13/feature-vista-has-always-had-my-heart/

Thank you for reading, and thank you to my darling husband.

Driving the Grief Highway

I don't have my motorhome anymore nor do I have my husband, but I took a road trip anyway.

I drove up the California coast, stopped at a winery that we loved and stayed the night down by the ocean near Hearst Castle at a cozy inn.

 It made me happy. I put on his favorite songs and continued my drive the next morning, up and over winding highway 1 through Big Sur. It made me happy.

 I arrived in Monterey to stay with family. It made me happy.

Day three the grief wave hit and the darkness arrived. It made me sad. This is my life now.

Day 14- The Relatives Arrive- (Still the Guest Blogger RTR)

It became a very busy Sunday, as the patio filled up with relatives. 

Only five in all, but besides the Mother- in- law, they are a rowdy bunch. And I don't have a great deal of will- power and always join in the reindeer games. A tad, OK much more than a tad, too much libation.

So tomorrow should be a day of cleansing.  Promises made to yourself  after over- indulging are fine. Really!  Just make sure there is follow through. So a sweaty rock and walk followed by a long bike ride. Remember to hydrate. 

Light Beer is very hydrating and cleansing....

Day 11- Brothers

I visited the big bro today. 

We bonded over the Olympics - watching volleyball.

Sport is a great way to spend time when communication is difficult. We can enjoy just being together without speaking. Except, in Reed fashion, cursing when the outcome is not favorable. 

Last month hanging with the bro- (FYI - the road burn on my face has healed.)

Spoke again with bother Bill, wishing him further B-Day enjoyment. He is planning a visit at the end of the month, so hooray, I will not need to bike to Texas. Looking forward to the forthcoming argument as to who owes whom for past sporting bets.

Of course, a sunset bike to the harbor was in order.

 Beautiful evening with wood smoke in the air...