Category Archives: Lessons

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 →

   When I was 20 I entered Camp Pendleton with Lisa. According to Marine records, we never left. We were visiting her mother in Laguna Beach that summer week, and we were avoiding her conversation that evening. Lisa borrowed the … Continue reading →

   When I was 15 it seemed like all I wanted to do was walk around outside. Especially in winter, when the streets were less crowded, especially at night when the scene was more inspiring. My parents objected. It wasn’t about … Continue reading →

 When I was 39, Loma Prieta quaked and stopped the World Series. There were far more tragic consequences, and at the time we heard rumors about roads collapsing, but it was that bit, about the World Series, that made me … Continue reading →

   When I was 41, Katie was between 14 and 15. She had her own social life and she was allowed to go out at night. We agreed on a curfew time and with one memorable exception (I was expected … Continue reading →

When I was 12, we finally managed a good fort. In case you haven’t noticed or don’t remember, kids want forts. I’m sure they appreciate the bedroom provided by parents, or they would if they thought about it and imagined … Continue reading →

   When I was 12 I wore my most ambitious Halloween costume, and it took no great skill to create. It was the October 31 of 7th grade, and my friend Gwennie Cebulski and I went as a pair of … Continue reading →

When I was 11 or maybe 12, at a family dinner that was probably Thanksgiving, I engaged in a dangerous act of safety. It creeps me out to this day, just like imagining that the bannister down which I’m sliding … Continue reading →