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Author Archives: joanienaz
Is Summer Really Over?
One more week of summer! The leaves are already turning, and the weather is a smorgasboard of every season in the year. But in my container garden, which I planted late, the squash plants are producing more and tomatoes are appearing on their … Continue reading
Posted in outdoor activities
Tagged California, gardening, home, life, nature, thoughts
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How to Get a Mammogram
Ok, so not everyone’s favorite subject, but still definitely worth mentioning in a very discreet way. This is not something to put off, said the woman who found her lab order in the glovebox of her car. Fortunately, the lab … Continue reading
How to Start a Summer Project
You are on a tight budget this month, but your thoughts have turned to shopping. Buying something to wear always perks you up. What to do…while pacing through the storage room you trip over the old sewing machine sitting idle in a corner. … Continue reading
Procrastination Gardening
When I decide to start a project, I can’t wait. I planted my garden in March last year, and it survived rain, hail, and even snow (yes, in coastal California!) But this year forces beyond my control conspired to keep me from … Continue reading
Home for a Holiday
Every family has its traditions. Ours seem to be anti-traditions. You never know what you’ll get when you arrive at our house. This year for the July 4th celebration, I decided to have a cooking contest. The theme of the year … Continue reading
Feeling Independent?
It’s Independence Day again. There are flags flying all over town, and many are celebrating a day off work with picnics and parades. We have a rodeo, street dance, parade and carnival in our tiny community. The weather is hot, and … Continue reading
Posted in interpersonal
Tagged family, friendship, holiday, independence, life, thoughts
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Teaching in a Minefield
When I was a kid, I felt sorry for some of my teachers, and what they went through to get and keep their students’ attention as they guided us through our lessons. Some of them seemed to have a gift, … Continue reading
Remembering Gramma
My maternal grandmother, born Agnes Mercer Holland on this day in 1889, was an extraordinary woman. She grew up in a tiny community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains of northern California, the youngest of three children. She … Continue reading
Easter Renewal
Whatever your religious or philosophical persuation, the celebration of springtime is hard to miss. This annual ritual is an integral part of our culture, embedded in the fabric of our species. The confines of the winter season burst and we are hurtled into … Continue reading
Posted in interpersonal, Uncategorized
Tagged Easter, inspiration, life, personal, renewal, Spring, thoughts
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Ode to the Avocado
I have been a lover of the avocado for as long as I can remember. I was born in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California, and my earliest memory is of the avocado tree in our yard. I thought … Continue reading
When You're Bored 