Giving back to my community has never been more important than it is now that I am in the #secondact of my life. For me, now is the time to live as intentionally as possible. In order to do that, I need to make my creative endeavors mean something.  Giving...

It was, indeed, going to be a long drive home. A drive that I had hoped to be an easy 2200 mile trek across the country. Heading to a brand new state, and a new (albeit temporary) place that was patiently waiting for us to move in. My hopes were dashed when we had...

Goodbye October...Hello November. Another month gone. Ending on a day that rained and rained...and brought three Trick or Treaters to my door. Halloween always goes by so quickly, but the next two months are a treasured time for me.  How about you?...

The last several weeks we have been harvesting at Dusterhoft Farms. Yes, we have our own little farm, on less than an acre no less. Actually, it's less than less than an acre! Currently, we live in a condo with tiny front and back yards. Since we've been here...

Time...the clock just keeps ticking away. It's already May and I feel like I have missed out on so much. Since last fall, I haven't had a moments rest to call my own. I have not had the chance to regain any footing on the ground I gained...until now. Time is so...

Nothing lately has been like I thought it would be.  Four months ago, I came home broken. Without a chance to regain my footing, I jumped right back into working long hours with no time for myself or anyone else for that matter. I stopped writing and all the...

I am so looking forward to releasing new features soon. While I will be developing a new and improved website, I'll be working on food/wine and a holidays feature that have been hanging out on the backburner for some time. Hang tight my friends and I hope you like...

I think I got up on the wrong side of the bed. Everything is irritating me. Today's the first day in weeks where I didn't have to get up early and go somewhere. I thought, "Wonderful, I can sleep in. Relax a little...hang out." And then, blam! As soon as I got up,...

Most of my Christmas shopping was done online this year. It was far easier and saved me hours of headache and sour feet. Unfortunately, there are moments when I really have to go to the store...like today. I've been shopping a Walmart for years. Now I know many of...

...make lemonade. Unfortunately my mouth is full of canker sores and I'm tired of drinking it! I'm sure you've all felt this way a time or two so I don't feel very much alone in this regard. However, I must note that we're officially knee deep in the "ber" months,...

Hello Friends and Followers of Today's Writing Woman, I just wanted to let you know that I am still here. I know that I have been gone for several months, but I have a very good excuse for being away so long. You see, I was called unexpectedly on the morning of...

I think I am experiencing what writer's typically refer to as being "blocked." It's like there is a big concrete wall up around my head squeezing it so tight that my thoughts cannot be translated into words and get onto the paper. Or in this case, out through my...

My birth month is passing by quickly. It's hard to believe that today is already the 13th of August. Only 12 more days until the big day. Actually, I should preface that with "only 9 more days until my other big day before the big day." You're probably wondering...

I've been a bit behind on many things and I feel as though I am playing catchup. I am sure that many of you feel the same way and can completely relate! This past week I've put in a lot of hours at my day job and didn't get a lot of time to myself to enjoy my birth...

Fridays are always a good day. It's the last day of the work week for me and 8 hours closer to the weekend. I really pushed hard all day to get everything done today so I could leave and really enjoy the rest of my day and weekend.  Friday nights are typically...

In honor of this day, I thought I would put up a little something special. Be independent is not something to take lightly, so we should all be shouting off the rooftops and celebrating with gusto! Isn't that what our lives should be like in the first...

Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you had made different choices? We make about a million different decisions along the way and each one affects the next. While we have no choice about the family we are born into, we do have the right to make them...

I remember as a child how life was so much simpler. Oh, don't get me wrong, I did have a few luxuries that kept me going: my music, books and television. Since we lived out in the country, I didn't have much else. Also, as the youngest and only daughter, I pretty...

The weather has been really strange here in Northern California. In fact, it's been strange everywhere across our country. I'm not big into believing the global warming theory because if you look at the history of temperature, anyone will see that it goes in...

I went outside tonight and took these awesome photos of the moon over the Russian River. Enjoy!   Wishing you moments to take great photos!   Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at [email protected]. I am always...

Everyone has good intentions...at least that is what we would like to believe, especially in ourselves. Here's the problem. We get so caught up in everyday life, the road to those good intentions gets muddied up and we get stuck.So what's a busy working woman to...

There is just something about walking on the sand as the waves come in from the ocean and slap the shore. Visiting Pismo Beach is something that I wait for all year long. During those years, when we don't visit, I cherish the memories and make my guy take me to our...

My mind is only on one thing... Wishing you moments to remember great vacations!   Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at [email protected]. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide...

Like every other working woman out there, I inevitably come home each night to the same question: "What's for dinner?" Frankly, after working all day, this is the last thing I want to deal with...however, I have a husband who has skipped breakfast and probably...

Mentoring...a buzz word for the workplace. While it has been around for a very long time, it came into popularity in the '90s. The yuppies kind of took it over and frankly, it used to actually mean something. As for me, I don't remember it too much when I was...

I'm a little behind the eight-ball this month...so forgive me for this late post... I am currently involved with a great program called Letters for Our Troops. Help support our men and women in the Armed Services and show them that we care. Please take a moment and...

Here I am on an absolutely gorgeous day, and stuck in bed because I am not feeling well. This is a total bummer! However, the good news is that I have had a chance to get caught up on a few things, like some book reviews! As many of you know I am a voracious...

I can't believe that it has been three years since I started this website and it doesn't show any signs of stopping. It has been a great pleasure to share my thoughts with you. Some of them have been great and some of them...well, let's say they were not so great....

For times gone by and dreams lost, my heart doth cry and concede great cost. I search the earth and cast my lot, to find my worth in muddled thought. Into the air blown by the wind, the universe ensnare my soul is pinned. Longing to escape the blackness unfolds,...

Today has been an epic day. Not only did I receive spam email from someone who supposedly visited my website, I actually had a total of 12 spammers visit today. That must be a record for me. What's interesting about this is the fact that I now have been tracking...

Hello and Welcome to Today's Working Woman! I am glad that you have stopped by to visit me. I can't believe that it's been almost three years since I started this project. My original intent was to just use this as a cathartic release from some difficult moments in...

Yep, that's what I look like, right down to the blue bathrobe! For the record, I hate being sick. It makes me feel maudlin. I think about things I shouldn't be thinking about and feel completely sorry for myself. It makes me wonder why I am doing what I am doing....

California locals won't have to search far to find the perfect weekend getaway this Valentine's Day Weekend! Check out my latest article here and escape to Monterey County California!   Wishing you moments of great weekend getaways!   Liked anything you...

Ever since I can remember, music has played an important, and influential part of my life. It has always been there for me; like an old friend, a cozy sweater, or a warm blanket. Surrounding me with comfort, lifting my spirits, penetrating my soul and guiding my...

When you make homemade applesauce, you know that you have a lot of leftover apple peels. So the question is, "What do I do with all of them?" You could throw them out, but that would be wasteful. Now I started this post a long time ago and set it aside because...

It's been a really long time since I've posted here, but I spent the last year concentrating on other things that ultimately wasn't worth so....now I am back and better than ever! To start things off, I want to talk about an old favorite of mine: Tuna Salad. It's...

There is something that I have wanted for my entire life. I have waited so long for it that I thought it might never happen. It has been a dream of my since I was a little girl. When a series of health issues became apparent, I thought that I would be able to...

Hi Everyone! I hope that on this Sunday evening you are all doing well despite the sadness that has overshadowed the last several days. On a more positive note, I wanted to share something with you that is near and dear to my heart. My friend Angela England has...

As this day comes to an end, I want to wish all of my followers a wonderful Thanksgiving. Today should serve as a reminder that we should be thankful for the blessings in our lives not just today, but every day of our lives. I was reminded earlier this week that...

Earlier this week, we received a postcard in the mail announcing the arrival of a new restaurant in town. Oh goodie! It's another pizza joint...how many does that make now?  Ummm...seven! Yes! That makes seven, count 'em, S-E-V-E-N pizza restaurants in a tiny...

I had such big plans for this year. I was able to do some of them, but lo and behold, it's already November and I feel the year has just slipped away from me...again. Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas is not far behind. I've...

I was trying to think about a significant moment in my life that I wanted to share with everyone. The one thing that came to mind was my wedding weekend. You see, I was literally moving the day after my wedding. We had such a short time to enjoy ourselves because...

"What secret weird food/dish can't you live without and how'd the predilection develop?" This is the question posed by my friend Daphne for this BlogFEST prompt. Truth be told...I don't eat anything weird. You could actually say that my eating habits are kind of...

I don't have many childhood memories of Halloween. My parents were too overprotective. We also lived far out in the country and we rarely had anyone come to our door. I had to sit for awhile to really think about it, and I only recall one time when I was actually...

This is actually a really tough prompt for me to answer...because I don't have just one. There are so many "best days" for me: the day I graduated college. What an honor to be the only one in my family to do so. the day I moved out of the house. My first taste of...

DISCLAIMER: The topic for today's BlogFEST 2012 is a very sore subject for me. Please note that the following diatribe is NOT directed toward anyone who's participating in this event (or reading this), but merely a post regarding the topic of obesity and how much...

Would I rather be hot or cold? Well let me think about that a minute... Would I rather be here?   Doing this? Or would I rather be here? Doing this? I think you already know the answer to that! But in case you don't...  As much as I love this: I'd...

What do I value? You've asked of me. My health is important, I'm sure you'll agree. The love of family is not far behind. Without them I'm nothing, please bear that in mind. Peace and serenity is my third choice. I've waited so long, and now I rejoice. I value old...

I've had some pretty amazing vacations over the years. I spent the better part of my childhood going to Florida almost every year. Sometimes it was during the Christmas holidays, other times it was during Easter break or right after school let out. My family...

I am well acquainted with this topic because I am usually on the end of being judged. Case in point, see the review I posted below about a recent visit to a favorite store: "I just loved this store...when they were in XX Mall. Now that they moved to XX Village,...

...as a child, yes. Definitely. All the time. I grew up in a world of "being seen, and not heard". I was taught right from wrong and basically had to live by the rules of the house I lived in. As a kid, I didn't know any better, so I conformed. I didn't want to...

Dear Past Me: If I could give you one gift, it would be to appreciate every moment of your growing up. The good, the bad and the ugly. Time moves so quickly. You won't always be sad, you won't always be unhappy. Everything that you will go thru will be so worth it...

D is for the devotion that I have for you... E is for every day I am happy being with you... D is for dependable; that's what you are to me... I is for I love you that I say to you daily... C is for cuddling on the couch tonight... A is for always taking care of...

I've been spending some much needed time in the kitchen lately for two very good reasons: I have a new column on food and writing at the Examiner.com and I need to come up with some really good recipes, and  Because the only way anyone gets better at cooking...

  "Regardless of who I was, I have changed. I can be who I want, when I want. I'm am my own free per...oops!...lamp. No more being on all the time because I have to be. No sirree! I'll turn on when I want and shut myself off when I feel like it. I don't need...

...my muse is calling me tonight...so here are some musical interludes for you... Tonight I will not feel sorry...and I wish the same for you,    This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Sylvie's post - she's the host today. Please...

Well this is certainly a very good question. Since I, nor anyone else in the house, tend to not watch scary movies or read books that are scary, I can't say if there is any specific movie or book scene that scares me the most because there are so many things, in...

 I stand behind him, but he doesn't see me. He might hear something, but he thinks it's the wind.  I live in the Shadowland, silently waiting to escape. Watching him from inside hoping to be with him outside. He's knows I am here somewhere and has...

Cool, crisp nights and warm days.  Ideal conditions...oh how I praise! Time to let loose and finally relax, take off those tight and uncomfortable slacks.  'Cause it's finally the season, I don't need a reason. To stay indoors,  and open kitchen...

Daphne wants us to "Write a story, fiction or non. Write a personal tale, something you are reminded of. Write something factual, educational about what you see in the scene. Write anything you want. Just write. And enjoy the process. He could hear them calling his...

For this next topic of BlogFEST 2012, the question was posed if technology has made traveling easier...let's see: Then  Reservations made at a travel agency Reading a book on the plane Finding places on a map Using a payphone Instamatic cameras Transistor...

If I ruled the world...hmmm. I know it's a little early for this as it is considered a Christmas song, but I think it says what I would have wanted to say more eloquently than I ever could. Do you remember me  sat upon your knee. I wrote to you  with...

I've always had a way with the fur people...well, if they are of the dog variety. I had two dogs growing up and always wanted to have one when I got on my own. That hasn't happened yet...more about that later. Trouble As for cats...let's just say that me and cats,...

Living my dream means waking up happy every day  and not going to bed wishing I had never gotten up at all. Those days are few and far between now. I am more settled in my life, my career and my interests. I have few regrets and hope to one day rectify those...

I had the great opportunity to attend college right after I graduated high school. My parents were able to pay for it without having to go into debt and I was proud to be the only one in my family to go this far. While it was tough some days, I got through with a...

If you had asked me this a few years ago, I would have dropped my head into my hands and started to cry! But I think it was because of the last couple of years, that I have finally figured out I am really tired of being shit on and having others play so much of a...

Let's see, if I could wish for only one thing...what would it be? What talent do I not have, but secretly wish that I did....hmmm..... The only thing that really comes to mind is to be able to swim...under the sea! There are so many cool things to view under (and...

So now that we've all gotten our BlogFest 2012 party started, we either too pooped to stay up any longer or in my case, can't sleep. And so here's the writing prompt for the day: "Over the years, I have gone through periods of insomnia, but I know that one person's...

I grew up in a household where it was taught to be seen and not heard. I was not allowed to talk, ask questions or anything when we were in the company of others. Anytime we went somewhere, I just had to sit quietly and not interrupt the adults. I hated it, but I...

This recipe for my mini blueberry loaves is just so good, I just had to share it again on this site: For a nice change of pace to regular bread, we thought it would be nice to make blueberry muffins. My guy took it one step further and suggested making mini loaves....

For a nice change of pace to regular bread, we thought it would be nice to make blueberry muffins. My guy took it one step further and suggested making mini loaves. Brilliant! I just bought a new mini loaf pan and scrambled to find it. Meanwhile, this recipe was...

When your life spins out of control, it's like riding a meteor through space that's just about to crash land into the hardest surface it can find. The view on the way down is a complete blur because you're moving at speeds incomprehensible to man. All you can hope...

Wishing you moments of reflection.   Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at [email protected]. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog...

I can't believe it's September 17th already. Summer is over...my birthday has come and gone...and Fall is just around the corner. Where does the time go? I was out in the garden tonight. Deadheading some flowers and thinking about all the commitments I've made....

...to getting back to this blog! I've been super busy with my day job and with other projects. But things are starting to settle down now so I am really excited to post some recipes in the coming days, weeks and months. Plus, I have a new Food and Recipe column on...

Best Books/www.facebook.com I am very excited to announce that I my book reviews are now being published overseas in the U.K/New Zealand. I have been working with Annmarie Ager of Best Books and am thrilled to be sharing some of my best reviews with the site's...

The Blue Moon on August 31, 2012 Wishing you rare and elusive moments...   Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at [email protected]. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance...

Can you picture yourself here? Wishing you moments of  "aaaahhhhh"!   Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at [email protected]. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance...

Wishing you moments of  peaceful reflection!     Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at [email protected]. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog...

...where you will find your inspiration. I was reading a book today called "Getting the Pretty Back" by (get this!) Molly Ringwald. Remember her...from Sixteen Candles and various other 80's movies. She actually has a lot of really good things to say. But there was...

Hi all! I've been super busy this summer and have been spending the last several days trying to get caught up with some book reviews. While I have posted some here on the Daily Scribe, the bulk of them are on my Book Club Page. Please take a moment and read some of...

Wow! Seven months of 2012 are over and today is the first day of my birth month and anniversary month. Where has the time gone? I have no idea. I feel behind in so many areas. I stopped writing in some areas and have picked up other projects along the way. My day...

So sorry that I have been M.I.A. for the longest time, but I have been working on numerous projects. However, it is time to get back to talking about food, and maybe some wine and other fun treats! But first things first...I want to talk about my summer garden and...

Pink Amid the Ice Plants  Wishing you moments of beauty!   Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at [email protected]. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog...