Time for a new start. At last, I’ve moved beyond Zero to Sixty and Beyond. It’s a new year, so I’m starting over with a shiny new (almost finished) website that will eventually be the one-stop shop for whatever writing I’ve done so far: articles, blog posts, books, Ms.Barstool updates, etc. I hope you’ll be… Continue Reading
One hard question. No easy answer.
I think about it at this time of year, because it’s when my daughter asked me a question I wasn’t prepared to answer. She was barely four years old. My Grandma Eve died on New Year’s Eve in 1981, and my daughter heard me talking about it with my husband. There was to be a… Continue Reading
A New Year’s Wish?
It’s as good a place as any to start. Just the basics, and we’ll take it from here. Happy New Year!
The Return of King Kong
It’s an old chestnut, this post. But it’s the story of a tradition that says a lot about us as a family. And since this is the season for tradition, here it is again. At least it’s not a fruitcake. But it is… A King Kong Christmas. Many people have lovely angel ornaments that… Continue Reading
Regifting: Nu? So it’s Christmas!
(It’s OK to regift a post, right? You can always return it or pass it along. This one recalls the feelings of a little girl who didn’t celebrate Christmas when it seemed as though everyone else did.) Christmas morning on Humphrey Avenue in Richmond, California, the 1950s: the quiet before the wrapping paper storm. As… Continue Reading
A gift so nice, I got it twice: The Indoor Noisy Book
I’m joining a bloghop today. The subject is the best gift you ever gave or received. There are many to choose from, but this is a gift I got twice, and that makes it pretty special. A classic The Indoor Noisy Book by Margaret Wise Brown was written in 1942. I received a hardcover copy… Continue Reading
The Blessings of Doing Chores. Really. (Or maybe this should be called "Chores–huh! What are they good for?")
Dusting is fun. At least, that was the name of my favorite chapter in my favorite childhood book, All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor. The story takes place in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. Mama and Papa and their five daughters are a Jewish family who live simply on the Lower East… Continue Reading
OK, December: Bring it!
It’s November 30th. The last day of the challenge I took on without thinking it all the way through. A blog post a day for the whole month? Oh, why not, right? A bunch of people went along on the same ride, and I had the opportunity to get to know them better through their… Continue Reading
Black Friday Mixtape
I’ll probably skip going to the mall today and go to the park instead. But there’s no denying that this is the biggest shopping day of the year. So here are some tunes to get you in the mood–or out of the mood, depending. In any case, be careful out there! You can’t shop without… Continue Reading
Made this ahead and froze it. Hope it’s OK
Joining the Hanukkah/Thanksgiving mash-up along with others today, I borrowed a recipe for this post. Instead of socks (always a welcome gift on Hanukkah) I am offering 8 things for which I am thankful. (Note to kids: you may still get socks. You’ll have to wait and see.) I am thankful: For Magnificent, magical Madeleine … Continue Reading