Monthly Archives: December 2010

Muni Ride

   When I was 23 I lived and worked in San Francisco, and I commuted on the Muni bus. I rode popular lines at popular times so I didn’t always get a seat. I’ll never forget the rainy Wednesday I … Continue reading

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Reward

    When I was 42 or so, I happened to board the home-going bus behind two chatting people. The woman was first, and she half-turned to her male companion as they entered the vehicle, announcing that she’d finally done it. “It” … Continue reading

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Tell

   When I was 4 or 5 years old, I heard the story of the Sleeping Beauty. The first time was charming, but always after that, even when I read the beautiful version in the Shirley Temple Storybook, it frustrated … Continue reading

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Ginnette

   When I was 5 years old, my favorite toy was a Ginnette doll. She didn’t look exactly like this picture, and I didn’t know till I searched for the illustration whether her name had one “n” or two, but … Continue reading

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The Kindness of Strangers

     When I was 34 I think, I had a little breakdown. It was the holiday season, and I’m sure I was under shopping pressure (I don’t like to shop), and things had not been going well. I was probably … Continue reading

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Unhumbug

When I was 48 or so, I dropped the grumpiness about Christmas season. It was December and I was falling into annual complaint mode – you know: critical about how soon the commercial decorations went up, how bombarding the ads … Continue reading

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The Napple Muses

 When I was around 11 years old, Andy was a handful. He was an outgoing toddler with an active curiosity and the soul of an explorer. Everywhere he went, he asked questions and made friends. And he tried to go … Continue reading

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Bookkeeping

When I was 13 I ran for the school office of bookkeeper. I was unopposed, and I only ran at the suggestion of some teacher or counselor; she told me the job needed doing and she said I was capable. … Continue reading

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For Your Consideration

  When I was 55 I began to lose my mind. It wasn’t anything to worry about, and I’m still functioning well enough years later, but some small items became slippery. For example, I shampoo my hair every other day. That’s … Continue reading

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No Show

When I was 9 or 10 years old, the tooth fairy failed to visit. Before I went to sleep I placed my tissue-wrapped tooth under my pillow. When I awoke I sent my hand right there, ready to grasp a … Continue reading

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