When I was 18, I spent Christmas with my aunt and uncle in San Francisco. I’d just dropped out of college after one semester, and a few days before the holiday I flew across the country with the intention of staying in their basement for a while. Eventually I’d end up working in few restaurants,…
ginger cookies
A few weeks ago, I got my hands on a ginger cookie that made a lasting impression. It was thick and chewy, and so spicy that it almost hurt. Sadie had one too, and she diligently struggled through the heft of of it, chewing until the ginger was just too much. She popped the last…
grapefruit campari ice
First of all, I want to thank you for all your nice words about that book that came in the mail the other day. Yes, I have been carrying it around like a baby. I’ll admit it. The girls have been through it several times, and they have both identified their favorite photos of themselves….
stone fruit tea cake
Yes! The girls are back in school, and it won’t stop raining, and it is possible that I’ve never seen as many beautiful peaches as I have seen in the last few weeks. Seen? Let me be more precise, caressed, admired, adored, EATEN. Things all feel a little buzzed this week in a good way,…
chocolate birthday cake
Six years ago, the snowiest coldest night. Our midwife, Kathy, came down from her house on top of the mountain, and we waited. And the snow stopped, and at four in the morning, Joey and I went out for a walk. It was just a yard walk, and the next day, we would see the…
Occasionally I teach workshops, and I have one coming up this fall. Join me and stellar novelist 