Dogs, rain, friends, family.

My father’s sense of humor and my mother’s toughness.

The authors who teach me how to write by being so good at what they do. Especially, most recently: Maile Meloy, Vendela Vida, Megan Mayhew Bergman.

The musicians whose work keeps me looking forward instead of down.

Workshop writers who patiently critique my work and the editors who do the same.

All the good people in my neighborhood.

The gardens, hiking paths and parks of the SF Bay area.

The Bay Area Book Festival.

Twitter, for saving my mornings from the Google News page (thank you thank you thank you).

The Berkeley Bowl.

Peet’s coffee.

Moe’s books.

Rasputin Music shop.

Chocolate, gingerbread, stuffing, fresh roasted chestnuts.

and again, dogs, rain, friends and family.