ABOUT ME

I grew up in New Orleans then headed to California in my early twenties. I didn’t have a plan, the world just seemed too big to spend my whole life in one place. I’ve been in California twenty years now; I may need to move again soon. At some point in the ’70s I was named Camper of the Year, at some point in the ’80s I had purple spiked hair, at some point in the ’90s I learned French, at some point after that I forgot most of what I’d learned, and now, I’m an author. I’m also a Pilates instructor, a music lover, a cat owner, completely food-obsessed, eager to get back on the tennis court, interested in taking fencing lessons, and I’ve got a harmonica around here somewhere that I’m going to learn how to play before I die. I help kids with their homework and occasionally find it challenging. I’m a Scorpio/Dragon, for what that’s worth.I consider myself an introvert, although some of my friends might disagree. I have worked in a frame shop, a bakery and a department store, as a hostess, waitress and bartender, in an office supply warehouse, in various capacities within the film/television industry, as a nanny, in commercial production, and I was once a sample lady at the grocery store. I think it would be fun to work the night shift at UPS loading packages; I like the idea of getting paid to meet people I wouldn’t meet otherwise while developing impressive arm muscles. I would love to own a restaurant one day so I could flit from table to table checking on everyone; I currently own juggling balls, a kaleidoscope, two lamps that look like pineapples, and a Vespa.I’ve had my car stolen once (on Christmas Day) and thrice been the victim of hit-and-run. After chasing down the third offender and launching into a tirade, I discovered that he had no hands and instantly shut my trap. I’ve been smacked between the eyes with a baseball, had my back pierced by a dart, my ego bruised and my heart crushed, but I have never had stitches or broken a bone. Most days I consider myself incredibly fortunate. Opera moves me, but I’ve walked out of every Broadway musical I’ve ever attended. I sometimes listen to ABC’s Lexicon of Love and get theatrical when no one is looking. I think puppetry is underrated. I love road trips, cheap motels, cafeterias and compartmentalized trays, but I’m willing to stay in a posh hotel and order room service if the opportunity presents itself. I prefer steam rooms to saunas, and savory to sweet. Steak frites is my favorite meal and I think it tastes best in France.My days are usually spent in jeans and t-shirts, but I’m equally comfortable in a bathing suit and flip-flops; I hate shopping for clothes. I like to stay up late, wake up early and take long naps in the afternoon. I have some totally amazing friends. I appreciate my parents more with each passing year. I’m not looking for a man, but I think it would be nice to have one. I believe people can change, and suspect that all people are endlessly fascinating, even the ones who seem boring on the surface. I’m pretty sure if I paid close enough attention I would find that my own block offers as much magic and mystery as any faraway land. Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.I still don’t have a plan, but I’ve recently begun contemplating formulating one.