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Barbara Falconer Newhall

Veteran journalist Barbara Falconer Newhall riffs on life as she knows it.

  • A CASE OF THE HUMAN CONDITION
  • MY EVER-CHANGING FAMILY
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Barbara’s Riffs on Life

From the de Young — A Final Toss of the Bouquet

March 23, 2013 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

The cross-shaped floral design of Monique Duncan of Plumweed Flowers Co., San Francisco, took its inspiration from Robert Rauschenberg's "Shadow (Tracks)" sculpture.

At times during my visit to the Bouquets to Art exhibition at the de Young on Tuesday, I wondered whether my soul might be better off if I’d just stand there quietly looking at the floral arrangements — instead of taking so darned many pictures. I took 254 photos to be exact.

Leaves, Twigs and Seeds at the de Young — It’s Art, but Is It a Bouquet?

March 21, 2013 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

A floral design by Arlene Boyle of Violetta, SF, was inspired by a soapstone and walrus tusk carving by Judas Ullulak (Allulak), "Inukshuk" (Like a Person), 1981-82. Photo by BF Newhall

Nothing seems to be off limits to the floral designers who’ve filled the courts and galleries of the de Young Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco this week with arrangements of flowers, twigs, branches, seed pods, pussy willows and succulents for the museum’s annual exhibition Bouquets to Art.

Bouquets to Art at the de Young — Where Poppies Dance and Cactuses Are Petit Fours

March 20, 2013 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

bouquets to art -- a floral arrangment that looks like a cake. Photo by BF Newhall

It’s not too late to catch a bus – or a plane – and head out to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park for the annual Bouquets to Art show at the de Young museum — including a flower arrangement that looks like a cake. It’s on till Saturday, March 23, 2013, but if you can’t make it to the real thing, here are some fun photos I took the first day.

Photo Op: It’s Blooming Springtime on Our Hill — In March

March 16, 2013 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Varigated camelia blossom with foliage. Photo by BF Newhall

It’s spring in March and the daffodils are going strong on the local hillsides in the San Francisco Bay Area. So are the camelias, abutilons and iceland poppies in our front yard.

Writing Tips — Begged, Borrowed, but Mostly Stolen From My Favorite Writing Coaches

March 8, 2013 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

San Francisco novelist and editor of Narrative Magazine Carol Edgarian. Photo by David Matheson

 

I’ve been writing personal essays, newspaper columns and blog posts for years now. I’ve learned some writing tricks the hard way — by trial and error. Others I’ve just plain stolen from my various writing coaches. Here are some of my favorite personal essay writing tips.

Writing the Personal Essay — Forget the Good, Go for the Bad and the Ugly

March 1, 2013 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

A star magnolia blossom and a bud, Oakland, CA. Photo by BF Newhall

When I’m writing a personal essay or a blog post, I find that nice stories in which I behave well and come off looking good generally don’t work so well. I look for the bad story, the ugly story, the story that shows off my marvelous human shortcomings.

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LET’S CONNECT

ON THE FUNNY SIDE

Kindergarten Looms for a 5-Year-Old and His Mom

Peter, ready for his first day of kindergarten at Bentley School, September, 1986. Photo c 1986 B.F. Newhall

What is to become of a 5-year-old who won’t — can’t? — draw? This is not a frivolous question. Read more.

MORE "ON THE FUNNY SIDE"

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TO MY READERS

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My Oakland Tribune columns, btw, are reprinted by permission of the Trib. With the exception of review copies of books, I do not accept ads or freebies of any kind. Click on the "Contact" button if you have questions. Enjoy!

 

DON’T MISS!

A christmas tree with lights, decorations and gifts piled up below. Photo by BF Newhall

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Outdoor portrait of Jennifer Fulwiler, author of "Something Other than God: How I Passionately Sought Happiness and Accidentally Found It"

Atheist to Catholic–Two Brainy Women Get Religion

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The Kids Are Coming for a Visit. No Time to Write

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Widowed: We Buried My Husband Last Week

MORE DON'T MISS!

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