My Letter to Fear

Based on interviews with women, these essays about life (and all of its funny, sad and ridiculous aspects) were published in 2014.

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Dating in LA and Other Urban Myths

A 10-episode web series starring Lesley Fera, Jen Lilley, Tamara Taylor, Kris Polaha and Patricia Steffy.

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Showcase

Pieces from "My Letter to Fear" were featured in a one-night only special showcase event on September 20, 2014.

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Why Am I Growing Potatoes in Grow Bags?

You may be wondering why I’ve decided to once again try my hand at growing potatoes in grow bags on my back deck. It’s a solid question. Potatoes are not an expensive product at the market right now. They aren’t in short supply in the United States (although, apparently, this is not the case in

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What Does It Mean When a Plant Is Root-Bound?

If you’ve ever tried to repot a vegetable seedling, houseplant, or avocado tree (and by “you,” I mean me) and found a tightly wound swirl of roots instead of soil (or roots trying to escape the pot by any means necessary), congratulations! You have a root-bound plant!  It will look grim. For me, I encountered

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Tips for Growing Bell Peppers in Containers

If you’ve been reading this site for a while, you know that I love trying to grow bell peppers in containers. I started trying it during the pandemic, and I’ve kept my hopes high even though we have moved to a place that is slightly cooler than the peppers like. I have learned a lot,

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How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

It is a truth universally acknowledged that if you are growing vegetables, you will end up searching for tips on how to keep squirrels out of your garden. Let’s face it, it’s not just squirrels. All manner of critters will be delighted by your efforts.  And if the squirrels (and friends) don’t like the green

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Summer Container Gardening: June Tomato Update

Summer container gardening is a delicate balance between getting your veggies enough sun to thrive while protecting the more delicate varieties from blazing heat. I’d love to say I have found that balance with 100% success. Alas, not so much. But I have had some big successes, and we are already eating from the garden.

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A Cheap Kitchen Remodel Anyone Can Do

I was looking for cheap kitchen remodel ideas to take my deep bottom cabinets from an abyss where small pans went to die to a beautifully functioning storage. I just couldn’t spend one more day getting down onto the kitchen floor to try to excavate the dark recesses of my cabinets for mixing bowls or

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Spring Container Gardening: Successes and Failures So Far

My spring container gardening plan involved succession planting of lettuce and/or Swiss chard, herbs, and bell peppers. I also wanted to plant some early tomatoes so that when the weather warmed, we had seedlings that could handle the transition into our outdoor urban garden. I also really wanted to compare starting seeds in a hydroponic

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Add Succession Planting to Your Spring Garden

Succession planting is officially a part of our spring gardening plans. Why? I am notorious for getting so excited about receiving new seeds, planting a bunch, and having a big harvest and nothing for the rest of the season. Succession planting could mean we’ll have things ready to harvest for the entire season. I’m excited

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