Did you ever laugh so hard for so long that the next day your abs hurt? I have, and I miss it. Belly laughs seem to be in shorter supply these days. I don’t know if it’s the times or me that’s changed, but I’m... Continue
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Sometimes, a time past, a memory, sinks to the bottom, is forgotten. Then something happens. It breaks free, floats to the surface and brings back pain, long forgotten. In 1979, I left Minnesota for Los Angeles. Everything I owned was crammed in a camper shell... Continue
I ran into a woman who said she wanted me to write about relationship conflict, and since it’s Valentine's season, here goes. I try to make it simple for folks because when we're in an angry, uptight catfight, it's not easy. You’re probably not going... Continue
Set aside for a moment, if you can, issues of Democratic and Republican politics, homeland security, official language, national identity – all the real but ephemeral concerns around which we organize our national debate on immigration reform, and think for a moment about tides. Humans... Continue
Picazo Café reopens The Chavez family just announced that they are now able to serve customers inside Picazo in a warm and cozy atmosphere free of smoke and smoky smells. Since a very sad fire last August 15, father Salvador, “Don Chava,” has been barbecuing... Continue
What is to become of us? Or rather, what is to become of those of us in modern civilization? This is an essential question, but it’s not being asked seriously as the rush into a world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) gathers increasing momentum. Some have... Continue
Hilary Campbell is a New Yorker magazine cartoonist who just happened to grow up in Sonoma. Her work now appears regularly in the Sonoma Valley Sun. Continue
“The quality of mercy is not strained…it is twice blest. It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” — Portia in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice The subject of mercy is in the news lately, not the least of which because Episcopal Bishop Mariann... Continue
Wildlife cameras set out in open spaces to capture images of mountain lions, bears, birds, and whatever else happens to amble by, have helped researchers, naturalists and the rest of us learn more about wildlife. Who knew that multiple mountain lions ventured from the Mayacamas... Continue
2008, Brooke and Matt had their second child, a girl. Not long after my son and his family moved to Vancouver, Canada. They not only had the nerve to move, they took my grandchildren with them—and this is their first time back. Brooke and the... Continue