The Internal Harmony of Feng Shui
Published in Puget Sound Business Journal May 1998

     Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophy about the relationship between humans and their environment. The Chinese have long believed that all objects, people, plants, and places have energy. Developed more than 4,000 years ago, Feng Shui has evolved into a refined art used to enhance life opportunities through modifications in the layout and orientation of work places and homes.

Business Coaches Help Develop a Personal Game Plan
Published in Puget Sound Business Journal November 1998

     Do you ever sit in your office wishing you had an impartial sounding board? Someone in your life who would listen to your ideas and ask intelligent questions that pushed you into a higher level of thinking? In the past several years a new profession has emerged to fulfill that kind of desire. They are called business and personal coaches, and they do just that: They coach you.

Why Organic Business Fears Genetic Farming
Published in Puget Sound Business Journal December 1997

     Imagine a world where plants produce their own pesticides? Sound too far-fetched, like something out of a futuristic movie? Well, it's not. Genetically engineered crops are growing right here in Washington State.

Successful Catalog Sales Rep, or 'Shopaholic' Enabler?
Published in The Christian Science Monitor December 2003

     My sole intention in applying for a catalog sales job was to earn extra money. As a freelance writer there are times when the financial benefits of steady work outweigh the freedom of self-employment. It never occurred to me that my part-time employment could hurt anyone. But I soon found myself facing a moral dilemma: to excel at my job by urging shop-alcoholics to buy more or quit.

Eat Your Way to Good Health
Published in PCC Sound Consumer December 2001

     Instead of attempting to turn over a new dietary leaf by depriving yourself of food, satisfy your hunger pains with several small servings of healthy foods throughout each day. This approach to good health is often called "the grazing theory ."

Too Much of the Real Thing: The Branding of Young Consumers
Published in PCC Sound Consumer October 2001

     The Pacific Northwest is a cornucopia of locally grown organic produce, but you won't see any of this produce in local school meal programs. School districts in the Puget Sound area spend more time conducting bidding wars between beverage corporations that want exclusive school contracts than they do reviewing locally grown food options, including organic choices, for school children.

Breathing with Helen
Published in New Spirit Journal August 2005

     Shortly before my dear friend Helen McDonald’s untimely death, we spent one last afternoon together. She floated in and out of consciousness as I sat on her bed and talked. After about fifteen minutes, I grew tired of the one-sided conversation.
     Standing up, I moved to the window and watched sunlight dance across Puget Sound. Turning back I caught a glimpse of her in the mirror over her dresser. Helen’s once carefully coiffured hair hung limply around her emaciated face. The bright, smiling eyes that encouraged me through a dozen drafts of my first book were dull and vacant. With a feeling of despair, I slumped down on to the floor. Soon I found myself trying to match my breath with her breath.
     Sharing the room’s air with my dying friend turned out to be the last thing she and I did together. A week later, Helen died. As I remember that afternoon I can almost feel the strain on my lungs as I breathed in tandem with her ragged breaths. Feeling Helen’s laborious breathing within my body helped me release my earthly ties with her and better accept her death.

Rusty’s Tomatoes
Published in New Spirit Journal June 2006

     The church buffet tables were laden with an assortment of homemade quiches and vegetable dishes. After filling our plates, all my table companions, except my friend Rita, returned to our table. Rita got sidetracked by friends and joined them. Although I was surprised Rita left without saying good-bye, I knew dwelling on my disappointment would ruin my meal.
     Soon a woman with gray hair and a hot-red walker came in and took Rita’s seat. We introduced ourselves and I learned her name was Rusty. Within minutes we were chatting about everything from tomatoes to meditation.
     Leaving the potluck I was delighted to have made a new acquaintance and looked forward to talking with Rusty after the next Sunday’s church service. Unfortunately, our friendship never had a chance to bloom. Rusty died the day after the brunch.
     That day was a prime example of me initially thinking something unpleasant had happened, when if fact, life was giving me a gift. My job was to be open to receiving it.

Coffee Roasting and Tasting at Caffe Appassionato
Published in Sunset Magazine September 1995

     Just when you think Seattle is filled to the brim with coffee, another shop opens up. One of the newest, Caffe Appassionato in the Magnolia district, gives customers a close-up look at coffee roasting as well as a chance to sample various brews.

Murder On The Menu
Published in Sunset Magazine November 1994

     "Bring cash," said the nameless phone voice. "Arrive before 8 P.M. and enter from the sky bridge."
      With mild trepidations, we followed the mystery voice's directions to the darkened car garage. Dressed for the unfolding drama, we entered the deserted store at 7:15 P.M. sharp. An operative, disguised as a waiter, stood by the entrance and directed us to the cafe. The stage was set for intrigue at the Mystery Café.

Eating My Words
Published in Northwest Baby & Child March 1989

     When my daughter, Melissa, was born I was determined to serve her well-balanced meals. After all, I had taught preschool for over eight years. Surely I knew all about children and food. I still remember those days, before motherhood, when I knew so much. I was a self-professed expert on children.
     As I began introducing solid foods, Melissa’s list of foods she wouldn't eat grew faster then she did and my ideals faded. I threw my theories away and ate my words. "Yuck".