During the past months of all the tumult brought on by the Covid-19 crisis, I’ve felt a little off kilter. I know I’m not alone in this feeling of discombobulation….(now that’s a three cent word!) It’s just knowing that things are not normal nor will they be for a very long time, if ever. WeContinue reading “Pancakes for Dinner”
Author Archives: joannejagoda
Almost Paradise
All the way through my eight chemotherapy sessions I kept a vision in my mind of going to Maui. The thought of ocean waves, warm sun, sandy beaches and drinks with paper umbrellas provided me with a dream to cling to during rough patches. I had no idea that chemotherapy would be so tough. TheContinue reading “Almost Paradise”
Cigar Smoke Memories
Most people loathe the smell of cigar smoke, but for me a whiff transports me to a long forgotten time of my youth. I can picture it. A festive Saturday evening party at my parent’s house with relatives and friends gathered for dinner. Guaranteed this was no pot luck as my mother did all theContinue reading “Cigar Smoke Memories”
Angel on the 620 to Phoenix
Catherine scrunches in the seat avoiding the passengers entering the Greyhound. She makes herself small and inconspicuous praying no one will sit next to her. She absently reaches for her hair to lift it off her shoulders realizing with a start that she had chopped it off—her, blonde, perfectly-highlighted, thick gorgeous hair. All that isContinue reading “Angel on the 620 to Phoenix”
7 Tips for a Successful Grandchildren Sleepover
This article appeared in Grand Magazine, September 2019 Well, you said “yes” and now you have to entertain your grandchildren, ages two and four for a weekend, which can mean up to 72 hours but who’s counting? Whether you are called Grandma, or Abuela, or Nana, or in my case Savta (Hebrew for grandmother) youContinue reading “7 Tips for a Successful Grandchildren Sleepover”
A July Afternoon at the Wharf
It’s a day framed forever in my memory.
I remember envying the tourists,
carefree, riding the cable cars,
delighting in their crab cocktails and sourdough loaves,
Just Beyond
I try to recall
cousin Cynthia’s second husband
you know…what’s-his-name
or that actor from Breaking Bad
but names elude me
hover just beyond reach
wily fugitives
from my once impeccable memory
Mr. Avocado Man
An older man in khakis and a Giants cap sits on a bench
in late afternoon sun
outside Whole Foods on Telegraph Avenue
meticulously stacking
slices of whole wheat bread
then placing one on a napkin
The Two Week Vacation
Never ready, when the father wants to hit the road, they’re not speaking, when he pulls outinto San Francisco fog, thick as a blanket.At the toll booth, the kids skirmishover who gets to hand the man the quarter.The girl, twelve, frizzy haired, gangly and awkwardis yet to ripen and hates everything about herself.The boy, sitting shotgun,Continue reading “The Two Week Vacation”
Joanne Jagoda 