One of the recommended “cures” for loneliness is writing your memoir. Writing about yourself in a journal or in a memoir writing class will soften feelings of isolation by putting the focus on you, according to AARP Magazine.  Befriending yourself and appreciating your feelings and accomplishments is an affirmation of your life.  That’s important.  Once…

I’m reading memoirs this holiday.  Starting with one by my father.  I read it years ago, but it means so much more as I age.  As I prepare for my “Writing your Story” class in January at Sausalito Books by the Bay, I’m also gobbling up memoirs by famous authors. And, to my surprise, I…

After returning a week ago from the visiting the visual splendor of Japan in the Fall, I’m now immersing myself in autobiographies and books about memoir in preparation for presenting a new class called Write your Story: A Memoir Class.  Thinking about memory while sharing stories with long-time friends over the Thanksgiving holiday, I remembered…

Here in Marin County I’m overwhelmed by the beauty of the changing foliage and waterways.  But, it’s also a confusing time.  Suddenly there’s so much to do – Fleet Week, the Symphony, bonfires at the beach, classes to teach – and, yet, as the days grow colder and shorter, I want to quietly hibernate and…

If you live in California, I recommend reading The Dreamt Land: Chasing Water and Dust Across California by Mark Arax.  But be ready to be disheartened as we are reminded that many people still think like the Gold Rush miners. Their focus was on profit, with no regard for the future, especially when it came…

A few weeks ago, I woke up with a sharp pain down my right leg.  The pain, which disappeared in a few days, was sciatica.  My girlfriend, who has also suffered from sciatica, has been traveling a lot lately.  She’s concerned that she’ll have more aches and pains as she ages, and that it could…

Years ago, I wrote a book called, Road to Fulfillment, about men and women who made meaningful mid-life changes.  After the age of 50 they fulfilled their dreams.  I was reminded of the book when I read a June 9, 2019 article in The Washington Post called, “Changing Channels: Millions of women wait years to…

I struggle with when and how to speak up, especially when it comes to politics.  I have a friend who practically rants about our national political situation.  I agree with much of what he says, but I can only take his anger in small doses.  On my recent trip to New Zealand, many locals wanted…