When I was a kid the biggest event of the summer happened one town down the line on July 24th. Known as “Pioneer Day” or, more pragmatically, “The 24th,” this county-wide celebration commemorated the day that Brigham Young entered the Salt Lake Valley after leading his people across the plains. On that fateful July 24 [...]
You know how big events often dog pile in your calendar rather than lining up in an orderly fashion? That was my June. It all started with our daughter Sydney’s graduation from Harvard Law School. Harvard Law. Quite remarkable that. And then a week later her little brother Will’s graduation from MIT. Really, no [...]
Goodness gracious things have been busy around here. The wrapping up of the garden renovation, wedding and travel planning, some local travel writing for the San Francisco Chronicle and a few speaking opportunities have kept me on the go, go, go. I’d like to take a break and tell you all about it but that [...]
The garden project continues in full swing. So full that I’ve hardly looked at anything this week that didn’t have petals or leaves. Except maybe the dirt surrounding our house–specifically, the dirt that surrounds my house vs. the dirt that surrounds my neighbors’ house. Our property is bordered on three sides by open space owned [...]
Happy Friday the 13th/Valentine’s Day/President’s Day weekend everyone! Wow, that’s quite the mashup. Not sure what image would really capture that — chocolate covered scorpions wielding teeny-tiny American flags? I’ll stick with sparkly sugar cookie hearts and share some other sweet things to savor when you get a moment. The romance of a pink sofa. [...]
Achew! Pardon me while I reach for another box of tissues. It’s been awhile since I’ve had the kind of cold that keeps me up all night and napping through the day, but this week a doozy of a virus reminded me why it’s decongestants and not diamonds that are a girl’s best friend. I [...]
Every December I’m itching to throw a dinner party–and never do. I want to entertain because my house is spiffed up and holiday gatherings have reminded me how much I want to keep in touch with old friends. But by the time I get around to organizing something my calendar and everyone else’s is pretty [...]
Like many this time of year, I’ve been indulging in some personal wordplay. I’ve forgone New Year’s resolutions and instead chosen a single word to focus my intentions for the year. Last year, knowing that a move was in store, I chose Brave as my guiding word. Finding, buying and remodeling a new house [...]
This was a busier than usual holiday season with all the kids and spouses (and a new fiance!) home. So I’m just now taking a few moments to ponder some favorite things from 2014. Perhaps you too are finding this Friday more about retrospection than resolutions. If so, you might also be thinking about some [...]
I love the early days of December when everything seems possible, don’t you? The Christmas carols that irritated me in stores two weeks ago seem festive now. Spending time in the kitchen making artful cookies is creative fun. Dressing up to go out with friends feels like a treat. And I’m confidant that somehow [...]
