Greetings!


"Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


As I begin writing this month's newsletter, I find myself pausing, as I often do, to notice small celebrations woven into the days ahead. August offers a few delights.


The first notable one is August 3rd—National Watermelon Day. A sweet invitation to remember sun-warmed afternoons, childhood laughter, and the simple joy of something shared. Perhaps we can each savor a slice, letting it carry us back, if only for a moment.


Later in the month on August 26th, we celebrate International Dog Day—a day devoted to our loyal furry friends.


We have two dogs. Truthfully, we celebrate them every day, but we will still mark the occasion with extra affection. Pepper is our seven-year-old black mini poodle, and Rumi, the poet, is our amber-colored mini poodle; he just had his third birthday last week. We love going on walks in the forest together. Rumi is very social and wants to be everyone's friend. He has brought such light into my life.


Poodles are so smart, and unlike some humans, they are very empathetic!


I hope you're having a lovely summer, and that somewhere within it, you have found—or will find—a place that feels like a small dream come true.


Sending good vibes your way!



  • Write a poem about a childhood memory associated with watermelon.
  • What are you reading this summer?
  • Write about your favorite summer holiday.
  • Write about how you feel when you are in nature.


"Watermelon Sugar" (haibun) The Shallot. Vol. 5. No. 1. (2026).


"You Are Here." (poem). Black Coffee Review. Spring 2026.


"Remembering the Summer of 1969." (article) Sixty and Me. July 19, 2026.


"Dealing With Grief as We Age." (article). Psychology Today. July 20, 2026.


"Remembering the Summer of 1969." (article) The Good Men Project. July 28, 2026.

August 9, 2026

7:00 p.m.


"Women in a Golden State"

poetry reading

Library Girl

Ruskin Theater

Santa Monica, CA


Click HERE for tickets


*****


August 22, 2026

Loving Without Losing Yourself: How Wise Women Set Boundaries


*****


September 19, 2026

Friendships as We Age: Enjoying Old and New Friends


(Each monthly session has a different theme)



2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.


The Sacred Circle

Women 60 +

Godmothers Books

Summerland, CA


Click HERE for tickets



*****


Coming soon to Godmothers!!



Memoir Workshops with Diana Raab


September 26th

October 3rd


Details forthcoming HERE



The Soul of a Woman (nonfiction) by Isabel Allende


Allende is one of my favorite writers, and while I haven't read all of her books, the ones I have read have been transformative for me. I just love her voice. Because I've been in the car a lot this summer, I decided to listen to this book on Audible. It's not my first choice for experiencing books, but it worked this time. However, I wish Allende had read it herself. That would have been even more impactful. I once had a chance to meet her when she came to read in my hometown, and she has a fabulous voice!


Allende was a young woman coming of age in the 1960s. She believes she has always been a feminist, going all the way back to kindergarten! This is a book about her life and evolution as a woman, but it also offers many thoughts for the reader to ponder. She asks the question: What feeds or nurtures women today? She answers what many of us would answer—to be loved, to be nurtured, to live in peace, to be safe, to be valued, to be connected, and of course to have control over our bodies.


While she believes women have come a long way, she says, and I agree, that we have a very long way to go. A wonderful read!

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