Fresh from the glow of January goal-setting (or, in my case, not) and raw from the sudden, untimely death of a loved one, I’m newly inspired by this quote. Let yourself off the hook, but keep your aim high. See the forest, but don’t get lost in the trees . The latter might be a… Continue reading People Overestimate What They Can Do in a Day, and Underestimate What They Can Do in a Lifetime
News & Notes
Summer in the Winter
Sometimes you need a little summer in the winter, and this is one of those times. Here’s a summer book and a summer house, both set in the same storied mountain enclave of Highlands, North Carolina, and created for your reading and viewing pleasure…
The Inimitable Frances Dittmer
When the smoldering wreckage was found Thursday, our worst fears were confirmed. Frances “Frannie” Dittmer, sole passenger, did not survive. If you want to read about one amazing, smart, talented, funny, art-connoisieur-ing, football-passing gal–and I’m not just saying that–read on…
Gingerbread Sticky Pudding Cake
Oh. My. Gingerbread. This is a whole ‘nother thing from the usual gingerbread. Hits the spot in a richly satisfying but not intrusive way. Warm and moist, not too heavy or sweet, with a whiff of citrus and spice that makes it good for you. Why do I suddenly feel as if I’m writing about sex?
For Valentine’s Day – Your Own (Edible) Love Shack
Love shack, baby love shack. Who knew gingerbread could be so risque? Those frisky little fillies at the Solvang Bakery, that’s who.
Scot Meacham Wood’s Divine San Fran Abode
Been telling myself for weeks: Must tout wonders of Scott Meacham Wood’s divine San Francisco apartment. So many great ideas and style take-aways, it’s a must-see…
Living Artfully – At Home With Marjorie Merriweather Post
Now that civilization as we know it has temporarily returned to the Colonies with the resumption of Downton Abbey, the most divine book has come my way about Living Artfully: At Home With Marjorie Merriweather Post…
Sky-High Resolutions
By “the sky,” I mean Who You Are, your heart, your bliss, whatever it is. In this New Year I’m going to keep looking for my whatever-it-is, and I’m going to start letting go of whatever it isn’t.
Christmas Blessings and the Met’s Creche
The day before leaving New York to come South, I hurled myself straight into denial about everything left undone and marched straight up to the Met to see the fabulous Christmas tree and Nativity scene. All of a sudden those things left undone hardly seemed to matter.
Brilliant Last-Minute Gift, Even for One Who “Has Everything”
This is it. An app called Next Issue that puts “an entire newsstand at your fingertips,” and it does. You name it, it’s there on your iPad. From House Beautiful to Harper’s Bazaar to People, for as little as $10 a month.
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