Sylvia Patience, Author

When I started writing, I had the idea that it was correct to use two spaces after a period. However, after submitting my first manuscript for editorial advice, I learned that one space is preferred. I just saw this interesting blog on Slate, called Space Invaders. It discusses the issue with lots of links, including Read more

As someone who has spent most of my working life in the field of health care for women (primarily as a midwife) I was upset to learn of this recent study. It found that 99% of pregnant women in the U.S. test positive for multiple chemicals, including some that are now banned and known to Read more

A four week series for adults (Saturday mornings) called Connect with Nature sponsored by the Natural History Museum of Santa Cruz begins January 29. It sounds fascinating and I intend to go to at least three of the events. Take a look at the web site. And if you haven’t seen the Bones exhibit, don’t Read more

Greg Archer, an editor for the Santa Cruz Good Times recently published a book about food, Shut Up, Skinny Bitches. In an interview in today’s Good Times he has some advice for writers who are trying to get published: If you are writing fiction, believe in your story. If you have a great story to Read more

This is for Louise, who asked me to blog about new treatments for migraine, involving injections, and for any of you who also suffer from migraine headaches. One recently approved treatment uses injections of Botox, the botulinum toxin used to remove facial wrinkles. It’s a poison which paralyzes muscles and has been approved by the Read more

One of the winter attractions in Santa Cruz is the eucalyptus grove at Natural Bridges State Park, where Monarch butterflies overwinter. This past week I took out-of-town visitors to see the Monarchs. We were lucky in that it was a rare (for this winter) sunny day, and the butterflies were active and flying. However, there Read more