Destined to become a classic–something about the eyes: Her mother would not dare throw it away, and neither would I. What such aesthetically challenged decorations lack in allure, they make up for in sentiment. The presence of such goofiness amid otherwise refined and tasteful interiors implies not only a sense of humor but a willingness… Continue reading Angels We Have Heard on High
Grace & Wit
One Little Thing: How to Keep Calm
In this busiest of weeks, at this busiest time of year, I am comforted by the thought that IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO PANIC. … Okay seriously, there is one little thing that can keep you calm. That’s it, actually: one little thing. If you can’t bust the whole rock at once, then chip away… Continue reading One Little Thing: How to Keep Calm
A Barrel of Inspiration: Felipe Hernandez
Hey, want to start your Saturday off with a barrel of inspiration? Okay may I brag? Wine is beauty, harmony and joy, right? So it has a place in this blog, if only once in a while, and this is one of those whiles. A stupendous fellow named Felipe Hernandez manages the vineyard–and many other things–here at the ranch in Los Olivos where I am lucky to live part time. He also manages vineyards of some of our Santa Ynez Valley neighbors, including the well-known Koehler vineyard and winery just down the road.
One Little Thing – Gratitude!
We all know how One Little Thing can change our lives, but making it happen means practicing it. Daily, every day. “Did I mention daily? Or so asked a fellow named Jerry Posner, whom I heard speak a few days ago at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires. Boy am I thankful for being able to… Continue reading One Little Thing – Gratitude!
An Easy, Elegant Seating Plan You Can Make in an Hour
Seating plans, like most forms of etiquette, have their origins in thoughtfulness and practicality. If it is a large seated affair it’s terrible for a guest to be lurching around the room in desperate search of his place card. If it is a smaller party – even for 8 or 10 – it is nice… Continue reading An Easy, Elegant Seating Plan You Can Make in an Hour
Domestic Bliss and Cleaning Out the Basement
One of my favorite greeting cards features a cartoon drawing of a hippo in a tutu, her rotund bottom amply exposed. “I’ve got a little behind,” she says. Well so have I. That’s what 10 days of moving gets you: a little behind. There are elements of so-called domestic bliss that are not all that… Continue reading Domestic Bliss and Cleaning Out the Basement
Talk About Blooming Where You’re Planted
Some determined and optimistic urban gardeners have willed this wonderful little garden onto a patch of dirt beside red brick row houses just outside New York City–in Queens I reckon. I was on the bus riding out to East Hampton last week and just happen to look up and see it, flourishing there just across… Continue reading Talk About Blooming Where You’re Planted