When all else fails, looking at something beautiful can put things right again. Or if not to put right, to remind. To remind us that there is beauty in abundance in this sometimes-ugly world, and that it is often created by people who are talented, disciplined, and devoted to using and celebrating their God-given gifts.… Continue reading How Hunt Slonem Celebrates
Grace & Wit
One Little Thing: an Inspired Invitation
This is the cutest thing. Why not turn an ordinary supper with a girlfriend into an occasion? Doesn’t have to be the Moulin Rouge–just one little thing that’s special. That is all you need to create a sense of occasion in everyday life. If not now, when?! So here’s what my friend Nina Griscom did… Continue reading One Little Thing: an Inspired Invitation
Eden is that old-fashioned House
A poem by Emily Dickinson with a lovely thought of home found its way to me recently: Eden is that old-fashioned House We dwell in every day Without suspecting our abode Until we drive away I daresay there are many unsuspected “Edens” in our lives. Our children, the little devils. Our husbands, the rascals. Our… Continue reading Eden is that old-fashioned House
Happy Birthday Mama
I’ve spent most of this day trying not to write about my mama, but it didn’t work. Today was her birthday, would have been her 83rd. I’m not sure she would have liked being 83 unless she could still look and act like she was, say 63.
Sunday Painter
I’ve been doing this bi-coastal commute for about two and a half years now. Aspects of it are a pain in the bo-hiney, and I joke about being 4,000 miles from the nearest Bergdorf’s (okay 2,462; and yes they do have stores in Santa Barbara), but being on this ranch and being able to sit… Continue reading Sunday Painter
One Little Thing: A Positive Attitude
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. –Herm Albright (1876-1944)
Come, and Be My Baby
Today’s post is dedicated to my readers, YOU. Thank you; you are a Valentine to me every day. We are having a small dinner tonight for friends old and new, and every one has been asked to bring a poem to read. I was torn between “There once was a man from Nantucket…” and something… Continue reading Come, and Be My Baby
One Little Thing: Look 10 Pounds Thinner Right Now
No, your eyes do not deceive you, nor do I, your devoted servant and blogger. Go stand in front of a full length mirror, sideways. Now stand up straight; engage your abs–aka hold your tummy in–but please continue to breathe… just sayin.’ Hold your shoulders back with your head centered squarely over your spine. See… Continue reading One Little Thing: Look 10 Pounds Thinner Right Now
A Windy Day With Martha Washington
Winter is come to Rancho La Zaca and so have I–back from a whirlwind two weeks in New York and Atlanta. Everyone was all hepped up about the rain we were supposed to have today, but it has passed us by to the chagrin of His Grace and his grapes, and the oats he planted… Continue reading A Windy Day With Martha Washington
Dealing With F-Bomb Breast Cancer
First give credit to my fabulous friend Hollye Jacobs of the equally fabulous Silver Pen blog, for coining the phrase F-bomb breast cancer, which she shortens to FBC. No reason to be polite to such a rude disease. It has in the last year rudely intruded on three dear friends–under 50!–and exactly 8 years ago… Continue reading Dealing With F-Bomb Breast Cancer
Country Life and the Chicken Catalog
Have I been in the country too long, or is it normal to be mesmerized by the newly arrived McMurray Hatchery catalog? “The World’s Rare Breed Poultry Headquarters,” it says. It’s fabulous. For new readers, I am a small town Southern girl who lived in Atlanta during the ’90s and in New York City since… Continue reading Country Life and the Chicken Catalog
One Little Thing: Holding a Grudge
Oh we all get our knickers in a knot every now and then. Lord knows I do. Yes even sweet little me. And the old me used to carry her anger around for way longer than necessary. Pouting, by any other name. Unattractive in a child; ridiculous in a grown-up. My sister and I used… Continue reading One Little Thing: Holding a Grudge