Mind Reader

reading my mind, Ophrah WinfreyOprah peers at me skeptically as I walk onto her new set. I hear the claps and cheers, even a whistle or two, making me glad I selected the short black skirt and cashmere soft pink sweater. Flattering, Danny told me, and he would know. He was my hairstylist before he became a fashion designer, and he always tells me what’s the best length for my hair, and my hemline.

But I digress. I silently thank Danny for his fashion tips and sashay up to the re-emerged talk show queen, who is looking glamorous and slim in black and purple today. We shake hands, but I can tell she’s a little worried about this interview.Oprah Winfrey Continue reading

Card Shark

card shark, children's game, grandparentingI want to beat him in cards so badly.

He thinks he’s a master, maybe even a genius at this “game.”

But, he can be arrogant as hell about his card-playing prowess, so I fortify myself before he arrives.

Caffeine first. Our time for cards is usually after 3, so I’m already caffeinated out with my three cups of tea. But this is a serious competition, so I bring out the big guns. Continue reading

Too-Tight Jaws

Jaws, TMJIt all begins with a plaintive complaint.

I don’t know who to send it to – my long-winded grievance – so I find the website of the hospital where my mom is recovering from unexpected surgery. On the long 9-hour ride back home from visiting her, I locate a blank “your concerns” form.

With one succinct sentence (“I am unhappy with the lack of support and communication during my mom’s stay”), the surprise transpires. Continue reading