They have such interesting art exhibits at SFO. Today I learned a new term: Afrofuturism is a cultural and artistic movement that combines science fiction, technology, fantasy, and history with Black culture and experience. It imagines futures, alternate realities, and pasts where people of African descent are centered — often reclaiming histories that were erased and envisioning futures free from the constraints of racism and colonialism. (NOTE: For full visual diary, read images from bottom to top).
Early morning drive to the airport. The Bay Bridge looks lovely in the dark.
Had my first ever Greek coffee (liked it!) and went to another Greek fest. Third one since I’ve been back.
Went to see Pearl Jam and Nirvana cover bands. Did my share of dancing and was beyond excited when they played my favorite Pearl Jam song, “Corduroy.” Concerts make me happy!
Went to a “paint night” at my club. Was told we didn’t have to do the painting of the trees and could choose something else instead. I attempted a reproduction of a Basquiat. A woman looked a mine and said, “Do you have a revolution in your heart?”
You know you’re a Grecophile when you drive over an hour in rush hour traffic on a Friday just to get to the Greek Fest.
Got invited to a Halloween party, which I’m looking forward to. Haven’t been to one in years.
9/16/26: Pleasant Hill
Went to my club this week for “Moroccan Night” where they had belly dancers. The food was so delicious! I’d love to go to Morocco one day.
When I was in grad school for photography, I had this idea to do a series of “The Birds” with Barbie standing in for Tippi Hedren. Never had the budget to hire a seamstress to make the proper tiny wardrobe. But I finally did it this week with AI…I love the results. So fun.
Thievery Corporation with a friend in Oakland…so good! It’s been a year since I last saw them in San Diego with my sister.
9/13/26: Oakland
The battle inside my mind: a part of me loves urban life; another part loves and craves nature. I go back and forth between the two, unable to settle.
After a false alarm last week, found out today that Frances does not have cancer after all. Lately, I’ve been trying to think of life as…everything is working out in my favor. And so it was today!
Trying to be present each day and take in small moments of joy.
Making Greek Fests a priority. Went to one in Belmont this weekend. Planning to go to another one in San Francisco later this month.
Because I have very intense conversations with my patients all day, I have a hard time staying in touch with people by phone. After talking for hours, I just want silence. But I want to stay in touch with those I love, so I am making the effort.
Had a nice reunion with my former roommates and friends from our old neighborhood. They have two beautiful daughters now and are such great parents.
Learned that a blowfish is associated with both danger and luck. Reminds me of the Chinese word for crisis, which is made up of two characters: danger + turning point.
Been back in CA ten weeks so far and been on ten dates. Tonight I accidentally spilled a drink in the guy’s lap…makes me curious about the origin of the word “cocktail.”
Frances’ health took a detour this week, and she’s scheduled for another surgery in two days. Hoping my baby will be okay.
Was changing the bag in my trash can the other day and thought…I want to be moved out of my apartment by the time this box is empty.
Though I don’t regret moving from Hawaii, I do miss it in many ways. That’s how I’ve been feeling about Oxford. Decided to hang up the Hotty Toddy cheer as a “happy” for myself.
A good friend is a jazz musician. Tonight his wife (also my friend) and I went to hear him play at Harris’ Steakhouse in San Francisco. I just adore an old school restaurant trapped in another era with staff in formal dress.
Always viewed life from a psychological perspective. More recently, I’ve been viewing it as a spiritual journey. Today, however, I looked at it from a dog’s point of view and thought…it’s a good day. We went on four walks, the weather was lovely, and we had yummy treats. Focus on the pleasures of now and life seems less daunting.
8/24/26: Monday mood. Two days until my mother’s birthday. She would have been 95.
Realized this week that I don’t just like being near nature; I like being inside of it. I’m convinced it’s necessary for my wellbeing.
Finally settled in. Don’t have everything I need…accidentallly left some essentials in storage in Oxford. We will make do for the time being.
Was happy to find this park close to my new neighborhood…will takes the dogs here. Also, I liked downtown Martinez, which was old school and not gentrified (my preference).
Joined a Wednesday dinner group to meet new people (based out of Oakland). Met at a pizza place this past week, and this was the restroom. Looked like the fog had rolled in.
Finally moved into semi-permanent housing. Set up my office first so I can see patients on Zoom. Love the photos of Frances running through a field in Oxford as well as one of my mom in her 20s. I turned her picture into a LIFE magazine cover…what a fun use of AI.
I used to say that if I ever won the lottery, I would buy a house in San Jose. I don’t think that’s true anymore—Oxford changed me. I need to be in a smaller town with more green space. I miss the woods terribly.
Went to a party in San Jose—friends of a friend. Their house was very cool; the guy has a vintage business based out of his garage.
Joined the Berkeley City Club to try and make new friends. Was attracted to the place for its aesthetics. The architect was Julia Morgan who also designed Hearst Castle. Amazing that a woman achieved such acclaim in the 1920s.
Rather than Oakland, we’ll be living in Martinez—closer in demographics to Oxford (surprisingly). I’m not excited about living in an apartment again after owning a house, but it will do until I move aborad, which is the end goal. This is just a step toward where I want to be.
Sometimes I enjoy the mystery of life not turning out like you expect, and sometimes I don’t. This week my housing plan fell through. I ended up having to rent an apartment on Monday, which I still need to set up for me and the dogs. We’ll stay at the Airbnb until Sunday.
Learned from a coworker that the 8/8 Lion's Gate Portal is a modern spiritual and astrological concept centered on the belief that August 8th (8/8) is a powerful day for setting intentions and manifesting your goals.
Oakland has a bad reputation, but there are parts of it that are quite nice…the park along Lakeshore.
Got a last-minute ticket to see AC/DC. If I had to make a list of the 100 best rock songs of all time, “Back in Black” would definitely be one of them.
Trying to lose weight before my niece’s wedding in October. This little cupcake did not help.
When I was in Oxford, my dogs and I would hike just about every day, which I’ve really missed. Finallly reconnected to a place in Hayward where I used to go with Frances. Being immersed in nature helps ground me.
Had some amazing food over the weekend. The best was this place, Loquita, where we went twice because it was so delicious!
View from Franceschi Park at the top of Santa Barbara. Beautiful vista.
Interesting and surprisingly in tact (or maybe it was restored): cave paintings created by Chumash Native Americans. Reminded me of those in Lasquaux, France.
BLT with avocado…California style! So good.
Even though I adore the beach, if I had to choose between beach and mountains, I’d choose mountains. There’s something about the woods that always speaks to me. I just love being enveloped by trees.
Went to the boardwalk twice while we were there. Met a nice bartender named Sam whom we had fun talking with. He hopes to be a commercial fisherman like his dad one day.
7/31/26: Santa Barbara
The best thing about Santa Barbara is its architecture: Spanish Colonial Revival. I love a city that respects and preserves architecture, realizing it can make or break a town.
Even though I love fancy restaurants, I also love a good diner. Chose this one because of its name…Farmer Boy.
Did the trip with a friend so we could catch Trevor Noah on his tour.
7/31/26: Flew to Santa Barbara for the weekend. It was great to see the ocean again.
Sadly, they didn’t play my favorite song, “The Woods,” but they had great energy. My favorite place to be at any concert is close enough to see them sweat!
First heard this band while watching the TV series, “The Punisher.” They had such an interesting setup with the drummer in the front instead of the back. Changed the whole dynamic!
Took a friend to dinner and a concert for his birthday. We had this oyster dish where they did the most creative thing…made a faux oyster shell out of a little blue corn tortilla, then served them on a bed of dry corn. Beautiful and delicious!
Was thrilled to hear the song of crickets last night. Both of the dogs are enjoying more outside time. Frank is a good protector.
Fiinally left the hotel and moved into an Airbnb in Martinez. Happy about the yard for me and the dogs.
Five weeks back in CA. Been on five first (and last) dates. Reunited with my hairdresser, nail tech, chiropractor, and acupuncturist. Hung out with friends. Had some great meals. Took Frances to her new vet, and her health has stabilized…thank God. My apartment is still not ready, which has been frustrating.
Got to be with two great kids today. Showed them how to do a cartwheel (yes, I can still do one) and how to play hopscotch.
Went to a winery over the weekend to hear some live music. It was nice to see vineyards again.
Took a break from dating while I was living in MS. Got on a dating app again recently and was supposed to meet someone for tea. Realized on the way there that I was wearing two different flip-flops.
Week 4 at the hotel. Frances has had a hard year, health-wise. Was in the ER this week for dehydration, and her hair is falling out. My baby is 11 years old now. When we first got back to CA, she recognized neighborhoods and seemed glad to be home.
Back to Cali…beautiful sunset. Apartment still not ready. Had to book another week at the hotel!
Beautiful, amazing food by a local caterer from a nearby farm.
There were also two donkeys and a Highland Cow. This cutie held beer and champage for the guests.
My sister made a few of these as fun decoratorations for the yard.
Getting ready for dinner with my niece’s future in-laws from West Virginia. Happy to have our family grow.
My sister’s dog, Arlo. My dogs stayed behind at the hotel with a friend.
Finally got to my sister’s house…she designed it herself.
Ended up making the acquaintance of a Lebanese doctor from Saudi Arabia. Shared a Lyft to a hotel in the city where we each had to get a room due to a multitude of snafus that happened during the day! With the windows down on the way there, it was a lovely, breezy ride and chit-chat after midnight.
7/9/26: Had to fly to NY for my niece’s bridal shower. Was lucky enough to get a free upgrade to business class. Saw the movie about Michael Jackson…enjoyed it!
I just love how snuggly pigs are.
Had fun at the Alameda County Fair with a friend…always love eating the food, visiting the animals, and seeing the crafts.
Week 3: Frank with his toys, getting used to life at the hotel
No laundry at the hotel…cost $7.50 for the washer!
Some of the best doughnuts I’ve ever had!
Have been returning to some of my favorite restaurants. I’m a huge Grecophile and have eaten Greek food three times already!
My apartment in CA (that’s being renovated) is not even close to being ready yet. Had to temporarily move into a hotel in Pleasanton.
From red state to blue state. So tired of the status quo of American politics...on both sides. VOTELABOR.ORG
In June, my dogs and I started our thirteen-day road trip from MS to CA to return to the Bay Area where I went to grad school for my MFA and previously lived from 2012-2022.
My life has been an ongoing surprise with changes happening that I could have never predicted. This visual diary, called “Chapter 10",” is another Xperiment: documenting a year of life to see how it ebbs and flows.
2026 is the year of the FIRE HORSE in the Chinese calendar, giving rise to fiery passion and the horse's independent, energetic, and adventurous nature. It began alongside the unfurling of dogwood leaves in spring.