A Cherry Pie Birthday

Cherry Pie.  A Sister CelebrationOne week ago my sister Elaine celebrated her birthday; it comes exactly one week after mine. When we were children, our parents made it a point to mark each occasion separately (except for the year we each chose one special friend and went to Knott’s Berry Farm). As adults, though, when […]


Under That Red Velvet Dress

My Daughter Elaine and Me. 1990. No Place to Hide “Let me zip your dress,” I said to my daughter as we wriggled into our velvet dresses in the photographer’s dressing room. As I ran the zipper up its tracks I marveled at the soft, perfect texture of her seven-year-old skin. Such a beautiful child… […]


Under That Red Velvet Dress

My Daughter Elaine and Me. 1990. No Place to Hide “Let me zip your dress,” I said to my daughter as we wriggled into our velvet dresses in the photographer’s dressing room. As I ran the zipper up its tracks I marveled at the soft, perfect texture of her seven-year-old skin. Such a beautiful child… […]


The Christmas that Won’t Go Away

Ornament Boxes. January 2, 2012 Christmas Won’t Fit in the BoxA photo essay in honor of my friend Nancy Owen Franson, who loves Christmas more than anyone I know. The day after New Year’s Day is a good day to undress the tree, box up Christmas, hide it away until next year. But this year, […]


The Christmas that Won’t Go Away

Ornament Boxes. January 2, 2012 Christmas Won’t Fit in the BoxA photo essay in honor of my friend Nancy Owen Franson, who loves Christmas more than anyone I know. The day after New Year’s Day is a good day to undress the tree, box up Christmas, hide it away until next year. But this year, […]