Swagger & Ink
Stories that traverse the landscapes of womanhood, aging, and the American West—where grit meets grace.
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A Wise Woman and Her Loving Husband
One day his wife’s dishwasher broke. Being married to a man of considerable reparative talent, she naturally expected him to fix it.
Teaching Confessions
I hate teaching, and this year I’m celebrating a quarter century of not doing it. It’s time to come clean.
More on Iowa
I dreamed of studying at the Writers Workshop for years. The dream seemed to feed on my dissatisfaction.
I Want a Mohawk
Mary’s Beauty Shop had a door with little bells that tinkled when you walked in. It smelled of perfume and bleach.
Going Home
Larry says I came back from Iowa with a twang.
From a Grave Stone in Pompei
May the earth rest lightly upon he
Gift Horses and Rings
He decided to give me a ring, and he asked what I wanted it to look like.
Dreaming of Weddings and Babies
My children must never know how desperately I worry about them when they are away.
What's in a Name?
My pilates teacher calls me "Angela.”
What didn't Happen
I just wanted some peace.
At Last Some Answers for Struggling Writers
Becoming a Writer (Penguin Putnam) tackles the fundamental challenges confronted by struggling writers.
Envy is Ignorance
The waiter's tattoo said, “envy is ignorance.” I replied, “No, it’s a deadly sin.”
What Makes us Happy?
The cover of the June ’09 Atlantic Month features a radiantly happy young man and the promise of lessons on happiness from “an amazing 72-year study.”
My Body My Home: Confessions of a recovering neurotic
Meandering through my home and compiling a list of summer projects I'm struck by the notion that I treat my house the same way I treat my 50-something body.
Desert Survival Rules - July
If you are awake at 6AM – go outside and do something. It may be your last chance for a long time.
Upside Down Immigration Blues
You don’t want to be caught overseas with an expired RR visa …
Truth and Stories
Stories are essential to our personal and collective development …
Desert Rain
Wandering in the hills behind our house I was startled when a drop of rain landed beneath my eye.
Michelle's Frown
The frown that nobody seems to have photographed made an indelible mark on my memory.
A Holiday Rant
Before you realize what you’re doing she realizes you are staring at her. What do you say?
“Breathe Deeply, Read Widely.”