I Used to Be Pretty
I used to be pretty, I mean cheerleader, actress, head-turning pretty. Fortunately, I was also smart. I learned early that it would take more than good looks to make my way in the world. And as much as I’m struggling with aging, it’s harder for women whose...
My Step-Mother’s Funeral
I ride to the cemetery with my step-sister’s daughter, a red-headed beauty who always makes me feel included. My step-brother’s daughter is sitting in the back with her husband and they are all sharing memories. Their beloved grandmother passed away...
Strawberries: Childhood Trauma and Eating Disorders
I reach for some strawberries as my father unpacks them from his grocery bag. “No, sweetheart,” he says, “we’re saving those for mommy.” I’m 12 or 13, and my mother is sick in bed. My father reassures me that she’ll get well, so I...
Enchanted Collaboration
As a director of theatre, I always appreciated the art of collaboration. Besides working with actors, I worked hard to bring together set, lighting and costume designers. When creative artists are open and feed off each other’s ideas, we do our best work. But at...