Erin O'Mara

I just had my annual ophthalmology appointment and made my annual call to my parents to share the doctor's compliments on the eye surgeries I had as a child.

The thick blanket of snow glitters under a nearly full moon and the stars are poking through the navy sky. I love picking out the dippers.

It's so cold in my house that I'm doing something I'm sure no woman in the history of the world has ever done. I'm wishing for a hot flash. Of course, when I need to turn my temperature regulation on its head, my hormones are stubborn and stable.

The Roaring '20s were sparkling and romantic, a whirl of dancing and joy, resting atop a foundation of wealth inequality, crime and corruption. Industry had boomed. Technology was changing everything.

I'm disingenuous about New Year's resolutions, so I quit making them a long time ago. In the very moment I'd vow to lose weight, exercise more, cook nutritious meals with joy, and somehow be a better person, generally or specifically, my inner voice mocked my earnest intentions and I knew I'd never follow through.

Santa is exceptionally talented at being Santa. There are people in the world who aren't good at their jobs, don't love their careers and even ignore their callings.

I love a magic moment. Not the cocktail or the song but the warmth, strength and connection — a fleeting and magical sense of deep peace from knowing I'm in the exact right place at the exact right time.

Is it a good idea to crochet a bikini? My mother thought so and my debut as a bikini model was at the public pool. My mom and I walked in hand in hand, she wearing whatever the mom fashion was and me wrapped in yarn knots.

Watching "Stranger Things" made me question some of my life choices and I'm worried that I managed myself out of a lucrative career. "Stranger Things" hits all the fear buttons: slimy, crawly things; a dystopian dimension; Cold War intrigue; and supernatural predators consuming minds and bodies.

When I see too many birds gathered in one place, I think of Tippi Hedren in the phone booth. "The Birds" and real-life bird experiences have left a mark. I remember childhood beach days at Reid State Park.