Author: Frances

Nelson Mandela, Johnny Clegg, and a Music Hall in Jo’burg 1988

The morning after Nelson Mandela died, NPR’s Renee Montagne interviewed a white South African named Johnny Clegg, whose music I’ve listened to and loved since I saw him perform in Johannesburg in 1988. Clegg’s song, “Asimbonanga,” Zulu for “We Have not Seen Him” stopped me in my tracks and still does. Years later, at a concert in France, where Clegg is popular and known as le Zulu Blanc, he performs Asimbonanga and is joined on stage by Mandela. Wow-oh-wow,

Hit the Pause Button – via The Silver Pen

You all know how I love The Silver Pen blog and its author Hollye Jacobs.  You also know how important it is to “hit the pause button” now and then. And yet. I know, I know. But please read Hollye’s wise words on this subject. I can’t think of a better way to continue through… Continue reading Hit the Pause Button – via The Silver Pen

A Perfect Autumn Salad – for Thanksgiving and Beyond

Searching for a wonderful autumn-y, crunchy, yummy, interesting salad that even Mike-y will like? Do you love kale salad but enough with the kale salads already? I hear you. This is so good, and so deliciously seasonal, and no cooking required…that is my kind of cooking. Especially so close to Thanksgiving. This would even be great served at Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Puzzle Giveaway!

Here’s something fun everybody can do at Thanksgiving that does not involve a football, a television, a parade float, a stick of butter, or even an iPad. Seriously! Start a new family tradition! Does not contain trans-fats! Good for you and good for your brain. And did I mention fun… Are you puzzled??? (wink, wink)

A Symphony for the Soul, in the Autumn Light

Lilies in our New York apartment in the autumn light.

For several days now–spurred perhaps by the frantic-but-I-love-it pace of autumn in New York and the prospect of the holidays that the shop windows are already putting upon us–I’ve been thinking of this piece I have taped to my kitchen cabinet…

Joyful, Joyful! Wedding Pictures From Rancho La Zaca (Finally)

Wedding - Ceremony

Finally I got married (again) at the tender young age of don’t-make-me-say-it. And finally a year (and two weeks) later I am getting around to the photos because so many of you were so adorable to ask. Or maybe you were just been being nice… but JIC, here they are.

Happy Anniversary, Honey! Scenes from the Rehearsal Dinner

I did promise you pictures of the wedding, and here they are a year later. Didn’t want to rush you. Yes dear readers one year ago today my sweetheart and I were fixin’ to get hitched…