Summary: Branching Out and Taking Risks in the 1980s includes 72 illustrated stories, sprung from the pages of the author's diaries, which she has kept since she was 10 years old. Most of the stories are based in the Los Angeles area of California while others are located in countries where she taught or consulted. They incorporate historical facts and sociological commentary on such subjects as: advisory boards, aerospace, Alaska, anniversaries, associations, Australia, awards, cable TV, cars, China, Europe, food, friends, Guyana, houses, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Olympics, parties, South Africa, Swaziland, teaching, traveling, TV Academy, TV production, universities, weddings, women's issues, and writing.