‘How porcupines make love’: Because why not?
The first time I walked past, I was sure I’d misread the title. The hallway filled with between class bodies, and I …
When your imagination wears you out
I heard the back door click the way it does when I’m trying to leave it ajar so when I carry the …
All the feels
Anger. Irritation. Sadness. Engagement. Chagrin. Satisfaction. Pride. Possibility. As a researcher, I’m interested in how emotion influences communication. When I’m angry, how …
Helping things grow
Sometimes, it’s literal–cultivating veggies and flowers. Often, it’s educational–helping students learn and expand their thinking. Frequently, it’s personal–generating ideas and new skills. …
To selfie or not to selfie
They’re supposedly related to narcissism and insecurity. I’ve read about people taking selfies at funerals*, during sex, with a zebra, while crashing a …
Don’t borrow trouble
I don’t remember too many Bible verses from my church school days (horrible, because those days really numbered in years). But one …
Childhood dreams
We made them crowd into the shed, sweltering in the Sacramento summer. It was our “classroom.” And by golly, we had signed …
It’s not Easter without lamb cake
“Old fashioned lamb cake… Just like you remember.” Old fashioned lamb cake, definitely the funniest dessert I’ve ever seen. It reminded me …
Fly Girl in Training: Finding my feet in the Decathlon
We were at 3,000 feet practicing steep turns, stalls, and slow flight, me knocking six months of rust off when I remarked …
The color and texture of spring
Although I’m feeling trepidation at another painful drought year, I’m relishing the color and texture of early spring in Sacramento. …