Ever since I could pick up a pen, I have wanted to be a writer. I used to sit and weave tales to my grandfather and Kwan Yin when I was a little girl. Kwan Yin was a statue his students gave him when he retired from teaching acting. He said she symbolized compassion for all the sorrows of the world. She sure looked like she understood me, a young child of five, as I poured out my heart about some sorry princess or odd ball prince. I preferred crafting tales of the underdog, where the good guy was a little weird, not perfect, but lovable nonetheless.

I gravitate towards literature that pops. I recently discovered Story South and Toasted Cheese, both excellent online literary journals. One of my favorite stories is "The Third and Final Continent" by Jhumpa Lahiri. Taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary approach to storytelling is something I strive to emulate.

I have participated in writing classes at The Writer's Studio and UCLA. In addition to writing articles, I enjoy writing short stories and am currently working on a novel.

My passion is ...

writing

I know too much about ...

diet and exercise.

My parents always told me ...

to be kind to others.

My childhood ambition ...

to be an artist.

My favorite memory ...

inhaling fluffy pink cotton candy at the county fair under a scoop of blue sky.

Why I write ...

it's the only thing I ache to do.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

"Urchins, While Swimming" by Catherynne Valente

My first job ...

Babysitting for a four year old on Friday-Saturday nights at 15

My best moment ...

when I begin a writing project, because the journey takes me unexpected places.

My inspiration ...

the universe! There are infinite possibilities.

Health & Fitness > Healthy Living & Wellness Best ways to reduce stress

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When my husband suddenly became sick four years ago, my usual methods of reducing stress weren't getting the job done. The latest bestsellers left me cold. I was too anxious to remain in a steamy bath for more than five minutes, and the last thing I wanted to do was put on my gym shoes even for a walk around the block.

The acute nature of my husband's situation had me overwhelmed and depressed. I was caring for two young children, shuttling my husband back and forth between outpatient tests, and dealing with major uncertainty. The doctors weren't sure what was wrong with him. I ha...

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