I Write Creative Nonfiction, Essays, and Letters.
I grew up listening to my parents’ stories from far corners of the planet. As a child in Saigon, I attended a French school but did not speak French or Vietnamese. This began my fascination with language and story. As a teen in the family business, I did more laundry than most humans do in a lifetime. This motivated me to leave home, to explore what else the world had to offer.
So, I jumped out of planes and helicopters, led soldiers, managed human resources, taught in college, and raised three children. And, I still do a lot of laundry.
As a young mother, I relished the moments of sanity that can come from writing, which grew from a hobby into a habit. I have a particular fondness for words, music, and the power of story, especially when they make me laugh, lift my spirits, and yes, reduce me to a sniveling pool of tears.
I’ve been devouring writing of all kinds for decades; my books are dogeared, marked-up, and loved. I share the best writing I’ve come across in TreeHouseLetter. Click below to learn more.
At the piano, Photos by Christine Monet
Read TreeHouseLetter If You Like Words and Good Writing
Be inspired by the best writing and ideas.
Become a better reader and a better writer.
Reading and writing have been a part of a lifelong search for meaning and truth. My main concern is how to be a better person.
In my graduate studies, I wanted to explore the overlap of Buddhism and Stoicism. I focused instead on the craft of writing. This tapped into my love of words, years of close reading, and my passion for music. Together, these give my life a richness and depth that I want to share.
Along the way, I have found the occasional glimpse of beauty and a moment of the sublime. After years of publishing the TreeHouseLetter, I developed ideas about what makes good writing sing, why it stays with us. These are regular writing features, with 2 to 10 minute reads.
The Music in Prose: The best writing and ideas out there
Poetry for Emergencies: For love, death, heartbreak, milestones
Toolbox: Tools to improve writing for ages 9 to 99
What I’ve learned has helped me become a better reader, a better writer, and most importantly, it has helped me learn how to become a better person.
I use the words how to because I fall short more than I would like, but I keep the goal in sight.
Become a better reader and writer today: try the TreeHouseLetter for free.
- Veteran, Mother, Writer
- Publisher of TreeHouseLetter
- Producer of TreeHouseLetter Podcast
- Author of upcoming memoir about the modern woman warrior