My professional life has followed a journey through educational research, teaching sociology, writing textbooks, and writing biographies. I'm Professor Emerita from the Department of History at
Sonoma State University.
Alongside this activity has been the artist: acting, singing in choruses, playing piano and flute, taking photographs, creating mixed media art. These activities are coming more to the fore in retirement, although I continue to do historical research and writing.
One of the most unexpected streams has been Jack London studies, which has taken over twenty-five years of reading and archival investigation. I enjoy talking to groups about him and the fascinating women in his life who were so key to his development and achievements. In Jack London's Women, my latest book, I examine the contributions of these women to art, politics, and community as well.
Visit my blogs, Eclectic Reader, my very idiosyncratic brief commentaries on my very eccentric reading selections.
California Women hints at material I am working into my new book, Califia's Daughters: Women in California History.
Current volunteer activities include overseeing three websites:
Jack London Online
under auspices of the Sonoma State University Library provides his writings, photographs, essays, bibliographies, and more.
Mother Lode Musical Theatre, which develops educational programs that combine California history with the arts.
The Sitting Room, a cooperative community library that emphasizes women writers and writings about women.
