God forbid you envy me this…

God forbid you envy me this…

When I lived in Iran, the Evil Eye was a force to be reckoned with. To deflect the covetous attention of others, Esfand seeds were burned on a special metal grate after guests left a home. Turquoise jewelry was worn to protect oneself. Salt was placed in children’s...

Now, now, now

When I was a kid, we’d sit as a family at the dining room table for Thanksgiving and my heart would sink at the sight of the kitchen I’d be expected to clean. Potatoes dripping from the mixer blades onto the floor; the cast iron skillet on the stove top, both of them...
Please don’t ask me this ridiculous question

Please don’t ask me this ridiculous question

Imagonna throw out a list of questions beginning writers ask all the time, particularly if they’re writing a book that involves stories about their own life. See if you have any of these yourself: • Who the hell cares about my story? I’m no Snookie. • How can I write...
See if you recognize your sorry excuse

See if you recognize your sorry excuse

Any time you switch up your routine or form new habits–which is pretty much what you’ve got to do if you want to have something you don’t have now–you’ve got to overcome all sorts of obstacles that spring up in your path. It’s all well and good when you’re pumped up...