When I was in my 30s, an older friend told me that I hadn’t suffered enough to really be compassionate and understanding with someone else. At the time, that comment hurt, but now, decades later, I understand what she meant…

I’m not a patient woman by nature. I’ve never gone slowly and carefully into things but run full bore ahead. One of my mottos is, “If all else fails, read the directions.” When I start something new, I want to go to the last chapter first…

At my favorite Bangkok duck-soup stall, the owner lights up every time I say, “Aroy mak!” letting her know I thought the food was delicious. There’s a momentary connection we wouldn’t have had, had I said, “Delicious!” in English…

My great-aunt Esther, who lived to be 89, often lamented, “If I’d known I was going to live this long, I would have recovered my chairs 20 years ago!” That expression has inspired me to live my dreams now, whether the dream is to get a pedicure, go on a trip, or build a new home. Read More

A man named Randy Scott (not his real name), requested to ‘friend me’ on Facebook. I often get military men, middle-aged and older men, requesting to be friends. I delete them since my rule of thumb is, “Don’t accept friend requests from people I don’t know.” Read More

I’ve always been a passionate person. Passion has filled my life. When I’m interested in something, I go for it, and I’ve been blessed with abundant energy. My 64-year-old partner has a hard time keeping up with me! Read More

The rice paddies that stretch out from the house are flooded now, reflecting the sky with big puff-ball clouds that turn pink, then orange, then white as the morning sun rises. Read More

Galvanized by the Venice Biennale, I have just returned from a 23-day trip to Italy. This every-other-year international art exhibition goes from May to November and always recharges my creative juices…

Cruising along the freeway, my sister, Joan, and I were absorbed in a passionate discussion. Suddenly, time stood still. The car in front of us spun out of control, leaving the driver facing us. Read More

The cloudy twilight sky was an eerie smoky orange. It felt otherworldly and matched my mood. I’ve had a spate of challenges and losses of late. Read More