SO, WHAT ABOUT ME?
So, you might ask: Why on earth did you write a book like “Dating Under the Influence of Estrogen”?
Well, I was seduced into it by the persuasive friends. They kept insisting I was zany, fun and had a knack for storytelling. I guess they were onto something because my talent for spinning a good tale started way back in childhood. When I got into trouble, I didn’t just make excuses; I created whole stories.
At first, they were little untruths—tiny fibs to wiggle my way out of sticky situations. "No of course, I didn't eat all the cookies!" But as time went on, I started to embellish. My stories became bigger, more dramatic, and way more entertaining. Eventually, I graduated to crafting full-on BIG FAT LIES. And let me tell you, they were doozies and so much fun!
"They kept insisting I was zany, fun and had a knack for storytelling. I guess they were onto something because my talent for spinning a good tale started way back in childhood."
Fast-forward and I realized all that imagination and flair for storytelling was about to come in handy again—because dating at this age? Oh, honey, it’s a circus!
When you’re young, dating is like window-shopping. Everyone looks so fresh, shiny, and full of potential. But when you’re in your 40s? Oh, no. It’s more like a yard sale. You’re sorting through what’s left—half-broken lamps, old, mismatched chairs, and the occasional gem hiding under a pile of dust. The problem is, the gems are few and far between, and by the time you find one, someone else has already snatched it up.
I tried everything—online dating, speed dating, and the ever-reliable “you’ve got to meet my cousin” setup. I've had so many BLIND DATES, I should have been given a dog. Each date was its own unique brand of disaster.
There was the guy who brought his mom on our first date. She sat there the entire time, criticizing his posture and asking if I knew how to make a proper lasagna. Spoiler alert: I don’t. Then there was the man who spent our whole dinner telling me about his extensive action figure collection. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was a “lifestyle.”
And don’t get me started on the profiles you see online. One guy had “Looking for a submissive queen to rule my castle” in his bio. Sir, those are not compatible concepts. Another described himself as “outdoorsy” but clarified in the first message that his version of “outdoorsy” was grilling on his balcony while watching football.
I won’t lie—it was rough. I hit plenty of dead ends and had more than a few nights wondering if it was worth it. But every now and then, I’d meet someone who gave me hope—or at least a good laugh. Like the guy who showed up in a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops in the middle of winter. He said he wanted to “bring tropical vibes” to our date. Sure, he had frostbite on his toes, but points for effort, right?
"When you’re young, dating is like window-shopping. Everyone looks so fresh, shiny, and full of potential. But when you’re in your 40s? Oh, no. It’s more like a yard sale. You’re sorting through what’s left—half-broken lamps, old, mismatched chairs, and the occasional gem hiding under a pile of dust."
Through all the bumps, bruises, and bad dates, I realized something: finding love in your 40s isn’t about waiting for Prince Charming to show up. It’s about embracing the chaos, laughing at the absurdity, and knowing that even if the date is a total train wreck, it makes for a great story.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s why I finally sat down and wrote Dating Under the Influence of Estrogen. Because life—and love—is messy, unpredictable, and utterly ridiculous. And if you can’t laugh about it, what’s the point?
Bonus Content! Click the link below.
Jann and This Old House.
In Addition...
- College dropout yet now an author. I love a challenge.
- Dyslexia& can't spell. Like D. Parker and Fanny Flagg.
- "I don't like to write; I like to have written." as per Dorothy Parker. I'm a believer!
- Santa Barbara Writers Conference Award ~ Humor
- Included in several Anthologies, just ask me.
- PBS ~ I AM THIS OLD WOMAN! Want pics? Star of THIS OLD HOUSE, 6 episodes, WGBH-BOSTON.
- UC SANTA BARBARA, Instructor, Arts and Crafts.
- Art Commission 5'x 45' California State University, Northridge.
- SB Museum of Art, Special Award, Biennial Show, Woven/quilted FLAG ~ SBP Library.
- Born in Manhattan Beach CA, but ~ a native Santa Barbarian NOW after 55 years.
- Psychiatric Technician, where I met my ex-husband, (claims he took me out of Mental Hospital.)
- Avid World Traveler, 49 countries visited (some twice but I don't count them.)
- Multi-Unit Residential Property Owner, Yacht Salesperson, Real Estate Broker.
- Award winning owner and restorer of 1954 MGTD & Winner, Concourse de Elegance, Montecito, CA
- Rally winner& awards - Special T's Vintage MGTC and California MGTD Clubs.
- Mah Jong enthusiast and vintage set collector. Pickel Baller.