Erin O'Mara

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.

My gardening strategy used to be to plant a few things, throw fertilizer over my left shoulder, and hope for the right mix of sun and rain.