(story jumps ahead) The airplane rises up through the clouds and away from the darkest green jungle. The plane has settled into a smooth ascent but Amelia can't stop shaking. She holds her body still, arms wrapped across her chest,…

I needed to be her hero in that moment on the hill. And, frankly, it is only in the Future that the Truth is actually known, so, I offer: It’s nighttime, standing on a high place, TwinPeaks, A view of…

In her deepest moments of self-doubt about the monumental decisions related to having her parents. John and Linda, in assisted living, Katie Hussa chose me to call. She is an only child and said she had no one to talk…

Are you saying that somehow you want to have my thoughts in your dreams? MY thoughts in YOUR dreams? As if! I so seldom remember my thoughts or my dreams. Do you remember yours? I mean, last night i got…

It is a wet morning in the large city, as the #104 bus opened its doors to the small waiting crowd ,all of whom were as wet as a catch of mackerels….among the fish was Simon, an unassuming dentist on…

Our friend Amanda said, “Come for dinner while there is still light in the sky.” On the way there, my husband Kenji and I had to call, "We haven’t been to your house in so long, we forgot the address!"…

[fiction. A story about a grad student and her wild proposal for her thesis: track down real instances of magical realism in Latin America.] Amelia sat before her advisor without an answer about what would be her point. She did…

I get into my car and drive my body down the coast To see my old friend. Kathe. I bring pot, and music, Gifts for her caretaker, Chocolate for her In the car I sing, I cry, I listen. I…

Nothing confines me except the chains that I forge for myself, link by link.

Happiness isn't all I asked for. I asked for love. I asked for hope. I asked for enough money to survive. I asked for faith. I asked for health. I asked for these things for everyone, not just for me.…